Yes it's that time of the year again. Just a couple of days ago I went to my club for a master swim workout and I could not find a parking spot. The place was packed. Everyone is all excited to start a routine, lose some weight and train. But give it a few weeks and I will find a parking spot right away.
Similarly happens with our athletes that we coach. I have had to answer a few emails about how come I am only giving them a 60 minute run when they can easily run 90 minutes. Many gets fired up and have a lot of energy and good enthusiasm this time of the year.
Let me give you a few tips that maybe will help you maintain good fitness year round and that also help you be at your best come race time.
Incorporate training into your life. To do well in triathlon training has to be part of your daily routine and not something that you just try to squeeze in. Most people eat, sleep, go to the bathroom and work. Well training has to be part of that list. If it is not, then you are more likely to drop the training. Making the training fun for you and enjoyable will make it easier as it will be something to look forward to. If you manage this you will be consistent and this is a great way to avoid injuries. Oh and your results will show.
Do not let the weather dictate your training. Consider bad weather the best day to get a leg up on the competition. While you are out there training, your competition may very well be sipping hot cocoa by the fire. Use the treadmill and the indoor bike trainer also. Your body only responds to consistent and proper over load in your sessions. There is no special wave in triathlon for those that had bad weather. Just get it done.
Manage your emotions and stick to the plan. Follow a proper training plan that will have you do the most volume for your races at the right time. A beautiful spring day may be a great day for a century ride. Its definitely fun but if your program calls for less try to control yourself. Same goes for trying to keep up with the joneses and going super hard with the local tri group just because. Everyone has different goals and different races. Save it for when it counts best for you.
Think about this a little and see if you can incorporate it. Happy New Year!