Times have surely changed in this constant connection, self-promotion world that has evolved during the rapid growth of endurance racing. There is a positive aspect, making your race goal public will help with personal accountability (yes it adds pressure). However, the other side is a constant barrage of personal participation award related information.
Wow, have things changed since the days of training intensely to building to a key ultra endurance race. As I hear over and over again, many athletes just winging it and sign up for ultra events with no training, I still wonder why? Save the entry fee, travel and race budget and just do it on your own. However, the missing ingredient with the “do it on your own journeys”, there is no personal interaction and hyped up race environment. Clearly the personal interaction from the ultra family space of a race atmosphere attracts many athletes and maybe it’s because of our lack of face to face connection in the world we live in.
“There is no typical week. Every week is an interesting challenge to fit in as much training as I can into a packed schedule that gives top priority to work and family. Nowadays, I can afford only an average of 9 hours per week for training. I used to train up to an average of 15 hours per week. To make those fewer hours count, I had to drastically modify my training intensity and periodization in order to get the most out of the meager time I can afford.” Harm Wei
As the year comes to a close, I wish all of you the very best holiday season with your family and friends. I hope you were able to achieve your fitness, racing and life goals in 2016. If not let me know and I will offer some ideas and suggestions for 2017!