The title of this post WAS going to be "I Love It When a Plan Comes Together." Unfortunately, my host and my Internet connection have other plans. And the definitely AREN'T coming together. So, I had to go with something about the best laid plans of mice and men...
There was supposed to be a nice picture of The A-Team's leader, Hannibal Smith shown here. For some reason, Weebly isn't taking pictures after some recent down time. Who knows what's going on with that?
The whole "plan coming together" thing is based on several current events coming together in perfect harmony to make this winter's training new and exciting.
First up is the USAT National Challenge Competition. This contest pits tri clubs from all over the country against each other as they log training mileage for December, January, and February. Each month has a focus, starting with swimming in December. Because of this program, I shifted my 30 swims in 30 days from November to December. While it will be difficult to hit the target of 30, I wanted to avoid being burned out on swimming come December. Of course, I'll be competing with the best tri club in the world, the Fox Cities Triathlon Club.
December also marks the beginning of the Evotri Iron Challenge. This will make the USAT NCC more interesting as Evotri Ambassadors strive to complete a total Ironman during their monthly training. For an even greater challenge, individuals can attempt to complete multiple Ironman distances in a given month. For anyone competing in the National Challenge Competition, the team leader will love you if you are also doing the Evotri challenge.
Finally, as part of the Evotri Iron Challenge, we will be using a beta site call Plus 3 Network. Yet another triathlon focused networking site, Plus 3 Network has partnered with companies like SRAM, Trek, and Pedro's to raise funds for worthwhile charities such as World Bicycle Relief, Safe Routes, and Rails to Trails. Mileage completed and logged on the site generates money to be donated by the sponsors to the various organizations. It's a great way to let training have a positive impact on others.
These programs will provide a great deal of accountability to training through the long winter months. And with Plus 3 Network, that training will help others around the world. I have selected to partner with SRAM and the World Bicycle Relief project. Now, all I have to do is keep up with the Evotri Iron Challenge, support the Fox Cities Triathlon Club in the National Challenge Competition, and document the training, and I'll help provide bicycles to people in need.
As Hannibal Smith used to say in The A-Team, "I love it when a plan comes together." If you want to be part of the plan, just stop by the Evotri site to find out about the Iron Challenge (and signing up for Plus 3 Network), check with your local tri club about the USAT NCC, and start planning your workouts.
It promises to be an exciting winter.
RSS Feed