Setting up an Annual Training Plan (ATP): Thoughts During Transition

I'll post more on this at a later time, but at the moment let me summarize.

I've been spending a lot of time looking up races for the 2010 season. Last season, even though I had planned out only two "A" priority races - a good thing to do for peak focus - I raced too much: 6 races. That number isn't too high, but the proximity of the races with my novice background led to a minor (thankfully) achilles injury towards the end of the season.

This season I want to focus more on fewer, but more important, races. Mainly, my focus is on qualifying for USAT Age Group Nationals in Tuscaloosa, AL. As of right now, the Pat Griskus Triathlon in CT and the Wilkes Barres Triathlon are both qualifiers on my list. The New York City Triathlon - albeit way overpriced - is also on the list. NYC, even though I would like it to be, will have to take the backburner as a "B" priority because it is too close (less than 8 weeks and more than two weeks) to the Griskus "A" priority race. Go to http://www.trainingbible.com/ and use the free ATP for triathletes download to set up your plan. I will upload my plan as soon as I am done. In the meantime, continue to enjoy the transition period. I won't allow for 10 kilos and potato chips to take over, but a good oatmeal stout and apple pie is welcomed.