Life of an Age-Grouper

Train. Come into form. Babsiosis. Train. Come into form. Car accident. This is my reflection on a season that wasn’t. Reflection is a part of sport that very few athletes chose to focus on. Athletes that cannot objectively reflect on their performances’ during training and racing only handicap their potential and ability to excel in sport. It is through reflection that an athlete can assess their abilities (strengths and weaknesses) and then proceed to create a game plan that will allow for future success. I have attempted to sit down and write this blog several times but just wasn’t in the right mind frame. Each attempt would bring on a flood of emotions; anger, frustration, annoyance, dejection, bewilderment. I have learned through varying life experiences that my best decisions are made with a level and neutral head. An emotionally driven reflection would have certainly been a misrepresentation of what was. Here were my goals going into the season; 1. Finish the...

For the past week I have become very confident in my fitness while at the same time it has been hard to keep this new found confidence contained. While I am excited about the emergence of this confidence it is slightly premature and not yet warranted. However for the past couple of days I have started to think that I need my ass handed to me to put my confidence in check. I have even been debating about asking Matt or another training partner to annihilate me during a training session as a reality check. Fortunately, last night in the pool I was given that reality check and learned a few valuable lessons. Last night I had a pool session that contained a main set of 400 repeats below T- Pace. Leading into this session I knew I was in for a tough yet attainable workout. After a reassuring warm-up I went to work. I felt unbelievable on the first 400, actually the best I have ever felt in the water. My stroke was smooth yet not rushed, I was gliding through the water, breathing was very ...