2013 Off Season...

Looks like off season is just about over and not a moment too soon. But, wait. It hasn't all been bad.


This is the first time I've had an honest to goodness "off season". From reading and listening to others, "off season" supposed to be about:

• Recharging
• Reconnecting
• Losing some fitness

I was completely ready to recharge (mentally and physically) and reconnect (with friends, family, and Grumpy) but, lose some fitness???? I don't have that much to lose!!! Coach only told me NOT to do nothing....

So, I've reconnected with my dogs by running, hiking, playing:

Grumpy with Tazzy & Essie

Essie (run by Grumpy) making a nice close turn on the jump

I've reconnected with junk food and alcohol:

Candy Cane Joe Joe's and Chocolate covered Joe Joes

I've reconnected with my pajamas (no pictures, just imaging flannel jammies and slouch socks)

I've reconnected with friends for dinner, dog shows, and music. 

Blowing off all sorts of workouts has been a decadent treat. I've recovered from constant fatigue. My mind is clear. Come December 1, I'll be ready physically, mentally, and spiritually to start working on the 2014 workload. This final week is a bit like standing on the edge of the pool at 5:30 am. It's going to be cold. It's going to be hard. I'm excited to get going.

2014 Meal Planning

I hate to cook. I have no interest in it. I'm happy with a bag of croutons or a bowl of cereal. I know this isn't a healthy diet. Over the years, Grumpy has taken over this household chore. Problem solved... right? Not really. Grumpy isn't good at decisions or planning.

Every week, I spend 1-2 hours combing over recipe books and on-line recipes, reviewing the upcoming schedule to know how much cooking needs to be done, and looking through the cabinets and refrigerator all in order to make a meal plan and grocery list.

I have recipe books....

... and more recipe books ...

It sucks but, this it what it takes to get healthy meals cooked regularly. What's worse, is that when the weekend workouts get long or we go to dog shows, this falls apart.

I've been trying to figure out how can I speed this process up? What I want is a menu that has only healthy meals... no thought, just point. I came up with this:

Recipe binder with full and half page inserts

That's right. ANOTHER recipe book!!! But not just any recipe book. This recipe book will be limited to ~40 GO-TO favorite healthy meals - one stop shopping!

I've already started collecting and I should have about 40 GO-TO meals by February or March.

Wish me luck!

Off Season 2013 - aka. A Blog Full of Promises

Last year, I didn't really take a break. I worked through the "off season" with coach to take off a bit of weight. I was also concerned about getting out of the routine. Although I still have both issues, I decided to take the break this year. I KNOW what the late spring and early summer will bring.

Sooooo, it's off season huh? Now what?

First thing, look back on the 2013 season. In particular, what are the NON workout points that I want to do differently. These include:

1. Menu planning and preparation.
2. Work out journal
3. Bike weight reduction - hydration
4. Bike weight reduction - tire kit.

I will write about these issues in future blogs... I promise.


Second thing, plan the 2014 season. What are my goals? How am I going to achieve my goals?

I will write about these in a future blog... um, I promise.


Finally, do all the things I can't do during training:

• Staying in your pajamas all day - my favoirte.
• Sleeping in - my record so far is 7:45am.
• Go for a hike
• Eat pizza - may be not the whole medium pepperoni pizza
• Eat cookies and candy - may be not the whole box
• Stay out late with friends.
• Get personal swim lessons.
• Try out club workouts.

But, the ultimate goal is to become bored. I want to recharge and be ready to take on a higher level of training to help me achieve the goals I set for 2014 and beyond.

Wish me luck!