Why did last season (as I have to call it now) fall apart?
Might it be over-racing? I did ride more than 60 races despite a long break. The focus on racing did result in some lost quality training sessions - there was hardly any interval work outs once the racing started in earnest. I could have targeted events better, using some races as expensive training and/or testing sessions and others as 'A' races. I enjoy racing, so I don't think I'll cut back too much next year. I will, however, try and reduce racing miles in the run up to target events.
Could it be a lack of training? I come from an era when 'miles' were important. It feels strange to be training less than 7,000 miles a year. But the emphasis has changed from quantity to quality nowadays. I will try and edge my mileage up by about 10% for next year, but the focus will be on a progressive, structured plan rather than hours in the saddle.
Would I benefit from a coach? A moot point. I'm pretty sure that an outside eye, a motivator and a skilled training plan builder would be valuable, but the money ain't there at the moment. Joe Friel's Training Bible and an Excel spreadsheet will have to suffice. This is a pity because I think my tendency to get in to a monotonous groove has worked against getting faster. I need to work on those harder, more intense sessions.
Should I eat better? Yes. I'm a junk vegetarian. I don't think the second part of that description raises insurmountable problems, but the junk bit is an issue. I am permanently tired and struggle to recover. Diet is a big part of that. I will eat more bananas and fewer bite size Milky Ways... I've said that before, mind.
