2015- The year that will be

"Long Term Success is a direct result of what you achieve everyday. Goals provide your daily routine"--Rick Pitino

The other day someone mentioned to me that they enjoyed reading my blog and they had no idea what I was up to because I was being stupid lazy and have not written in a few months. In fact, I, Myself could not even remember what I blogged about last. It turns out the last I wrote was in October, and in reality all I have really been doing is-- Training!

Unlike last year where I was injured from Sept-Jan, I took this "downtime" as a way to catch back up. The quote I wrote up top, is a reminder to myself everyday as to why I am doing this. Getting in a quality build of almost 6 months with no racing is most definitely the best way to really focus in on your weaknesses, take your time building on them, and even complete a couple tests to see where fitness is at. So, what all did this entail?

Post October racing/endurance-only training, my coach and I turned our attention to an 8-week Bike focus with VO-2 specific intervals to failure. Riding to failure multiple times a week for weeks at a hand is not something easy on the body and mind. You have to be mentally ready for the task, and physically strong to conquer. While, I did give it my best in every session, it came down to the fact that my body just doesnt like to be very anaerobic at all. :D In addition to the bike work, we were continuing to be consistent in both swimming and running, keeping volume steady and/or increasing. Strength work was being increased, and yoga sessions were high priority. Hold up, Did I just say strength work was high priority?? Yup, triathletes, your hips dont lie, and strength/functional movements is extremely important. 

Early December, I got to meet up with Payton Ruddock and his wife Samantha for a photoshoot with their company, Ruddock Visuals. Most of you have already seen some of the amazing shots they got. To be honest, I dont consider myself the most "photogenic", but I really think they made me look good! You can check out this blog with the photos and cool video (that I didnt even know they were taking!) here: http://www.ruddockvisuals.com/blog/2015/01/13/liz-baugher-pro-triathlete/

The week before Christmas, we set out for a week of bike testing. Unfortunately, my body went on a week of rebound and decided to get sick, making testing a difficulty. I managed to crank out 2 out of 3 tests with positive results, and one DNF test (20min TT) because I was just too darn sick. Two weeks of Christmas Vacation, some downtime, lots of wine, and January was here. 

Christmas Break with two my Mom and Chase!

Now its three-weeks into "Swim Camp". Coach Tim Floyd of Magnolia Masters has been gracious to offer his time to a free pro-camp in The Woodlands, TX, where we had about 10 pros from all over come into town to push each other lap after lap. Some of the campers included-- Matt  Hanson (IM Chattanooga Champion), Justin Daer (IM Boulder Champ), Balazs Csoke (Multiple IM Champ), John Kenny (OWS Champ) Ruth Brennan-Morrey, Caitlin Standifer, Cody Beals, Aubrey Aldy, and myself. When you put a whole bunch of talent into one area, a lot of magic can happen. You can read about the camp on my coaches website here: http://magnoliamasters.com/swim-efficiency/

Since most of you are number psychos, Ill let you know that Week 1 we swam about 41-45k, Week 2 30-35k, and week 3 probably around 25-30k. We are also not just "swimming". We are swimming intensely, at a race pace effort, and only quality strokes. Don't want to do that? Your cut from practice and benched on the side line, crying while you watch everyone else swim it out.  On top of the swimming, we are still running about 30 miles a week, and biking about 7-9 hours, plus strength and yoga :D  You can tell we are starting to get a little beat up, but just being around the other athletes helps you dig deep and find the next level. If you don't swim with a team yet and you want to improve your swim I highly encourage you (1) get your butt to the pool and (2) swim with others. Even if the person in the lane next to you is targeting a faster interval or speed, you would be REALLY surprised how much it pushes you to try to stay with them for just a few seconds. That "few seconds", is what makes the difference in your swim next year. 

In addition to training, a whole lot of cool triathlon related things have been occurring here in the Woodlands, TX. Did I mention the Woodlands is awesome? With the support of multiple local sports gurus, the athletes have been in good hands. Sterling Ridge Orthopedics has been taking care of any little niggles, and also gave each of the athletes a range of motion assessment. This helped to identify any specific weaknesses that each athlete needs to work on. Dr. Stephen Clouthier at Alternative Health Center has also been working with each athlete to give them a few quick adjustments, and/or herbal remedies to set our bodies into a better state. In fact, Dr. Clouthier has been working extensively with myself to help correct a few immune/hormonal issues (more on this later). Basically, if you are an endurance athlete and do not get your blood work down routinely, this is something that must change!

Additionally, Mr. Tim Monk, VP and owner of Klean Athlete, has not only been my steady lane partner, helping to push the pace, but has also gotten each athlete on board with some supplements to help aid in recovery. Check out Klean athlete products here: www.kleanathlete.com

Finally, Brian down at Bicycle Speed shop, a new shop located in the Heights, has offered his bike fitting services to help perfect our aerodynamics. If your looking to get a fit I highly recommend him. His eye for attention, will give you a huge one-up for the new race season. I got my fit done on Sunday, and Brian admitted to my "not so easy to fit body". But we still were able to squeeze out a few adjustments!

Atomic High Performance and Riivo Custom shoes, also were here to help out with the athletes "need for speed". What more could the athletes ask for??

Caitlin, Ruth and I at a team social.

Once camp is over (1 more week!), I will come to some decision making as to where my season will go. As for now, I will be coming out of my shelter on Feb 28 with the Woodlands Half-Marathon to break off some cobwebs. Cheers to a BIG, 2-0-1-5!