2011 Season Recap

I have just finished up with my last race of the 2011 season and at first glance you might say something like; "I bet you can't wait to forget about that one," or "what a bust of a year."  Despite the lackluster results, I believe that I have grown more in the last 12 months, than during any other period of time in recent memory. The lessons that I have learned will be important in the decisions I make regarding my life, balance and future.

For me,  it's always been important to understand that every choice I make has a consequence; some are good and some, not so much.  More than that, I think that it is important to be able to make changes in order to not repeat the choices that have yielded negative outcomes.


Here is an evaluation of my 2011 season and what I look to change in 2012.


The Good:

I have reached new levels of fitness and though it didn't all come together at the races, there were bits and pieces that did.  My swim at IMFL (51:23, which was fairly easy), the last 40km of my ride at IMWI (the second fastest on the day), as well as my ability to contend from the beginning of the race (IMWI & IMFL). All of these pieces will serve as bits of confidence when I toe the line in 2012.

On the business side of things, coaching has really taken off.  Since the inception of Team BBMC, the number of athletes has grown, as well as the satisfaction I have gotten from helping them accomplish their goals. It's the second time in that last decade that I have found something that I am passionate about come together with something that I am successful at.

My clarity in sport and life, as well as the path to get there is finally visible. Perhaps this has come from age, or from my experience with things I don't want, but either way, I will take it.


The Not So Good:


Balance; the downside of having two things that you are successful at, is the task of balancing the two.  What I have found is that without setting clear boundaries for myself, I become spread too thin and less successful in both areas of my life. More is not always better, but better IS always better.

Lack of accountability. Based on my past in the sport, I have a reputation of training too much. This is something that I have used as an excuse when comes to sessions that I have skipped. The reality is that I have not trained many weeks over 20hrs in the last 2 years.

ME time. I am an intrinsically motivated individual who packs their day with everything they can to achieve success.  This is great, except I now recognize that sometimes the key to succeeding is not doing anything to achieve it.


The Road Through 2012!

Clear goals with limits.  My time is valuable and this year I will be putting a little more value on it. I could work 12-15hrs a day, 7 days per week and not even blink an eye. The only problem is that when I finally do, I will be 50 and there will be a lot of things where I didn't hit my potential or that I missed out on altogether. This year I will be setting clear boundaries for myself that will give others and myself, a better me.  I will have goals in my life, but in addition I will have a clear limits on the time devoted to accomplishing them. Most importantly, I will be present in my interactions with others.

Taking on a coach.  It has been a while since I have had a coach, but I feel that it is time for me to get back to having a great one, as I move into my best years.  I have ALWAYS raced better when I have had someone holding me accountable in training and supporting me with my racing.  I am happy to announce that I will be working with Cliff English in 2012.  He is one of the best in the sport and I look forward to having his guidance.

These are my public changes and are in addition to some private ones.  Life is all about balance and when things aren't balanced, it's tough for things to go well.  In 2012 I am getting that balance back and am optimistic and motivated for what lays ahead!!

Now onto a few weeks of fun!  Stay tuned for some BBMC announcements, as well as a new website.

BB

Comments

Thomas Gerlach said…
Good stuff Blake. Good luck on 2012. You can spread yourself thin and achieve success at many different things but it is tough to discover greatness at anyone without the required focus and commitment.

Thomas Gerlach
Professional Triathlete

Save 10% at Trisports.com by using coupon code "TGER-S"
rhino said…
look forward to seeing a "new/refreshed" you in 2012 at the races!

Popular posts from this blog

Using A Swim Test Within Your Training

Valuing Your Time & Reach

2019 Ironman Wisconsin