2008 Year-End Analysis

Can you believe it's that time of year again already? 2008 has been my best year ever. Everything finally clicked for me. Unlike previous years, I didn't get seriously sick or injured and managed not to overtrain as badly as in the past. My body is finally at a point where I can absorb high training miles, and I finally have the knowledge of what works for me and what doesn't. All of this enabled me to complete my first Ironman (Tempe, AZ 4'08) in extremely challenging conditions. In addition, I also recently completed my first stand-alone marathon. The only thing I would have done differently (which was out of my control anyway) is to have my big A race (IMAZ) be at the end of the season, rather than the start. Everything afterwards was a little anti-climatic. This should be perfectly resolved in '09 since IMCA is in late August. It's been a long training season so I needed an extended break. I've already got my 2009 training plan written up, building up to Ironman Canada in Aug. '09. Penticton, here I come!

For all those data addicts, here you go:

2008 Total Weekly Time and Distance



My Ironman was around week 23. I tried to have a long, gradual build-up and then taper. Every 3rd or 4th week was a recovery week. Afterwards, I had some recovery weeks. Then, I started trying to train for my October marathon simultenously with my friends training for the November IMAZ. Hence, it looked like I was IM training again. Towards the end, I finally figured it out and began run-specific training (dropping my overall mileage because I cut way down on the bike). (The "Time by Sport" reflects this nicely). I peetered out at the end as I tapered for my marathon (plus, I was tired!).

How does 2008 compare to prior years? I don't know beyond 2006 becausee that's when I started doing my year-end analysis. But I have an increase each year!

Total Distance per Year

Total Time per Year

Overall, I'm pretty happy about this. I don't think I want to increase the time of my training from this year to 2008 very much. However, I wouldn't mind increasing the mileage. How do I do that? Get faster and more efficient, of course!

Break-down by Sport


My biking in 2008 was awesome. I needed this since it was my overall limiter. But my run and swim really suffered. This explains why I haven't gotten any faster in the run (although surprisingly, I am faster on the swim!). I know I can spend a little more time in the pool. Can I increase my running as well? I'd certainly like to.

There you have it! I have lots more graphs but decided to stick to just these so as not to overwhelm everyone. 2009 will be AWESOME!!!


2007 Year-End Review:

http://amateurtrigirl.blogspot.com/2008/01/2007-in-review.html