A New Year To Get It Right! Right?

Standing in the fire was the only way to feel the heat

Whoa! The feelings tailing a NEW YEAR are as thick and energizing as a Clif Turbo Double Espresso Shot Energy Gel.  Personally, I can't think of a better way to kick this year in the butt so subjecting myself and others to a weekend of suffering sounds perfect. Tribal Multi-Sport will travel to Clermont Florida for some  mountains (HA!) and fresh lake water that isn't frozen.  This is the first year I've really enjoyed the warm weather.  This is mostly due to my recent trip to Michigan, where the lows were near 17 below.  I had to insulate my soul with layer upon layer and tons of blankets.  Luckily, they have indoor training facilities to include awesome pools and 300m tracks.
 
Diet and the Holiday-  Going home was like finally turning my internal competitive switch to "off" mode.  I gladly indulged myself and woke up around 6am and ate lots of tasty snacks...but stuck with my very healthy vitamix breakfast and a salad for lunch.  The 80/20 rule was pretty solid and very satisfying.  Eighty percent of the day it was all whole foods and healthy meals, 20% was some smoked meats, dark chocolates...and CHIPS AND GUACAMOLE.  Some people can't stop eating cake, others love ice cream...but I'll destroy a bag of chips and a tub of guacamole.  Either way, once you've done it a few times...getting back to "race-weight" is easy.  Gaining a few LB's in the off season is well worth it and can be healthy (within reason).  It's easy to get a little too big in the off season too.  If you look like an Amoeba, chill out on the crap food...eat kale!

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Some ice fishing and a fire....the sunset wasn't bad either

Scott T2 Palani

So within 1 day of getting home, I had to get outside and run in my new treads ...Check it out! The pristine backdrop doesn't include snow or freezing people in jackets!  Thanks to Scott Running coming home was like second Christmas,   I'd never really given Scott Running Shoes a thought but now they're my "go to" trainer.  I still rotate between 3 different pair of trainers to keep the ankles "guessing" but my feet finally feel strong. (fingers crossed)
Last year I started out with lower leg injuries but I've really been focusing on strength work during the off season.  Moving forward, I've learned a TON about running form/technique and feel much more durable.  Here's the simple game plan....run like Mirinda Carfrae and Crowie, with a mix of Tim Don.   

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Let's Freaking Race...but not just yet, maybe in a month or so..

The early season races will be here in the blink of an eye.  Luckily for me, the big ones aren't until March.  Between now and then I'll knock out some bike races and running races.  Being a well-rounded, diverse athlete is the key to success and keeps things interesting.  I always recommend triathletes take the plunge into a few bike races, it helps the "anti-crash" skills.  On a side note...if you notice that no one ever wants to ride behind you, it's probably because you can't hold a line and look like you're about to take out a group ride at any moment.  Riding in a group requires strict attention, deliberate movements and really helps develop a rider.  Just stay toward the back for your first few rides and watch the angry roadies duke it out.