After looking back on the 2009 season I've got mixed feelings. On one hand I had a couple of races that showed some potential and then I had a couple more that were absolute disasters. In a previous post I discussed how I like to look at each year as a correlation to class rankings like freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior. I'm viewing my 2009 season as my sophomore year as a pro triathlete. It was my 2nd year racing in the pro field but it was really my first year racing healthy. I was able to get in the mix in my first two races and get a feel for what it was like to really race a 70.3 and I thoroughly enjoyed that. I also had two races........Steelhead and Clearwater......that were complete meltdowns. I think this is to be expected of a sophomore. Back in college cross country we never expected freshmen or sophomores to be consistent. We expected that they would show promise and have great races here and there but wouldn't expect them to nail it every time. This is where I'm at right now.
When I try to think about what my strengths and weaknesses are when looking back on the year I'm having a hard time coming up with my strengths because I'm not strong in any discipline compared to the competition. I find myself a few minutes back from the leaders in all three. I think if I improve my swim it will put me in the mix and it will help to improve my motivation on the race course because there will be a carrot out there for me. That being said, I have some time to gain in all three sports. I think I do a very good job with my recon of the competition going into each race. Since the field sizes are much smaller for the pros than AG it's easier to get a feel for who might come out of the water ahead of you, who might be coming by you on the bike, and who you have to watch out for on the run. This recon helped me at both Eagleman and Rhode Island because I knew exactly when I had to make my moves.
Outside of triathlon 2009 was a great year. My relationship with my wife, Jen, is as healthy as ever and we're expecting our first baby in March of 2010. We're very excited for that and the planning has been very enjoyable. We took some time out for ourselves to take a non-triathlon vacation in August for our nine year anniversary and had a blast on our cruise. Jen's business is continuing to grow in a less than stellar economy and my job is looking solid as well. We also merged our coaching initiatives with our friend Steve and we all bring something different to the table which has allowed for better ideas and focus. My family is surviving the tough economic times and will all come out of the other side with a clear perspective. The Charlotte training group continues to get stronger and stronger and I like to think that I contribute to their success by sharing my ideas, gathering them together for rides, and pushing them to new levels. I've also partnered with some new exciting sponsors for 2010 and am really looking forward to working with First Endurance, Bicycle Sport, Charlotte Running Company, SUGOI, and Blue Ocean Somatic Institute.
For 2010 I'm really looking forward to being a dad and bringing my time management skills to a whole new level. I know that Jen and I will be great parents and I've already been doing my homework on tending to an infant. This will open a new chapter in our lives.