Tuesday, December 09, 2008

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:

12 comments:

MJ said...

That's some insane analysis! Good job logging everything all year! Very impressive.

Marcy said...

What a year chica!! Here's to a fantastic 2009 as well ;-)

Anonymous said...

Wow It is not hard to see you science background in your wonderful statistic keeping.

Best I can come up with is a dog eared exercise book with lots of sweat smudges in lieu of any information :-)

You guys are now into your winter training will keep an eye on your blog. Is Greg Welch still hanging out down there ?

Regards Russell

Sherry said...

Wow, Rachel! Congrats to a job well done. I really liked all of your graphs. Neat! I just did something similar on my blog... although I'm not as handy with the visual aids. LOL! I think your '09 season is going to be the best yet. It sounds like you've really got things dialed in now. Definitely looking forward to reading all about it...

Sara said...

Wow that is just insane the numbers you were able to accomplish in 2008!! Good for you, can't wait to see the 2009 plan!

Unknown said...

Nice recap! I think you are wise to not increase your training time into next year. At some point increasing the volume of training doesn't produce any more gains, but more quality training will help you get faster. Good luck in 2009.

triguyjt said...

What a year you had....
plus, I remember how you began doing the commuting to work too.... you are amazing...

Dan said...

WOW - what a fabulous year, that's some serious commitment and mileage - congrats IronRachel!

Shan said...

You had an amazing year, Rachel! Congrats! I hope your offseason has been going well, and I hope to catch up with you soon!!! :)

Unknown said...

oh my gosh! I love all your graphs.

great job on a great year!!

2009 here you come!

Renee said...

Wow, those are some pretty impressing numbers on those nifty graphs! It is amazing how much more you did this year as just compared to two years ago!!

Dana Elyse said...

I love the graphs, I think I'll try recording my miles that close this year! Congrats!