The Pass Mark

So, it is 4 weeks until my first race of the season and more importantly, 4 weeks to find out where I am at.

With the new coach, new focus, new direction, new training all well and truly in place by now, curiosity is starting to creep into my head about where I am at....

So, in 4 weeks I will know. Not expecting big things, just improvements. The new regime has already seen my weight get down to previous "Ironman Race weight" and at this time of year to be at that weight only suggests good things down the path.

Where is the pass mark?? What do I expect?? What will I be happy with??

I have thought about the above three questions and although my first race is 4 weeks away, this race may not be the best indicator.

The swim is very tidal, so you don't have the same conditions as previous years like other races.

The ride & run will be the same though.

The main factor is the weather, coming from a Victorian Winter into Queensland's beautiful one day, perfect the next is the biggest factor. These are not excuses, just reality!!!

So, onto the questions: A Pass mark for me will be an improvement on my swim regardless of conditions, I want to be somewhere near the front, not giving away 6-7 minutes. On the bike I expect to have lost a bit of time due to the focus on the other two disciplines, however, still within 2-3min of my PB. And on the run, I would expect to run no less than 5 min faster than last year, considering that I have run more in the last 10 weeks than what I did for the entire first half of last year, I think that this is not asking for miracles.

What do I expect?

I expect to go faster overall than the last two years and break into the Top 20 Overall(65th 2008, 35th 2009 both around 4hr 35min) and push for a Top 3 in my age group, 6th last year.

What will I be happy with?

Due to the fact that I will be 4-5 kgs lighter than the same time last year and barring no mechanical faults (bike only) breaking the 4hr 30min will be success or failure for me. The individual splits will be irrelevant if I can go 5-6min faster overall.

For now the body is in good shape, still a bit off where I want to be for the Ironman at the end of the year, but am very satisfied with the progression. Am Injury free and training the house down. Following the coach's instructions definitely goes a long way to maintaining the body injury free. Now I just have to go and harass a few mates and get my legs worked on, which is going to hurt the first few times, due to lack of massages of late. See you soon Jas!!

My training partners are still very supportive and the boys makes it so much more enjoyable being out with them, so will continue to thank you guys.

For now...

X-Man