COACH'S CORNER: January 10 - Preparing for Racing in 2021

So many turned their back on 2020 with excitement, believing that 2021 was going to bring change like a light switch. Better is on the way, but it won’t be triggered by a single flip of the page of a calendar.

With this in mind: Time to start prepping your racing.

A strange title to begin with, as we remain in the grips of the pandemic, but also immersed in a preparatory phase of training focusing on training that is not a quick catalyst to race performance. Despite this, I stand by the title. It is time for us to get busy for races this year, but let me expand my reasoning. Before doing so, I will provide you with my best sense of the state of race plans across the globe:

Q1: I do not claim to be a genius in stating the obvious. It is going to be a grim, tough and sad quarter globally. We must navigate through the thicket of a large peak of the pandemic. The positive is that we are much better equipped to meet the challenge, and don’t need to go through the turbulence of uncertainty that caused havoc last March and beyond. The outcome? Beyond some racing in Australasia (inaccessible but those outside that region), we can expect next to no racing in Q1. This includes Oceanside 70.3, which I would assume canceled/postponed if you are planning life and travel.

Q2: More positive in outlook, I believe we will begin to see emerging events over the second part of the year. By way of example, I would rate the chances of a St George race happening as being very high. I do know some European races that rely on extensive ‘tourist’ participation (Mallorca, Aix-En-Provence etc) face challenges, but could still go on. The deeper we go into Q2, the higher the chances, but I will keep you in the loop as soon as I hear about specific races.

Q3/4: I would imagine a full season ahead, with very few restrictions. We can also anticipate the addition of two new IRONMAN events (midwest and southern region) added as a plug onto current IM 70.3 events. Please do not post this information in social media etc -- this is for your insight -- not to gain brownie points or followers. It can be a bumper back end of the year.

I imagine a similar pattern for running events, ultras, big riding events etc. Boston? I don’t have any inroads or official insight, but would imagine another push back to the fall.

So why is it time to get cracking with our preparation? Because this is how you build a massive season of performance.

Individually and collectively, let’s seek the best performance level and race results of your life. We can achieve this. To do so, your absolute highest opportunity comes in the critical and highly patient work in the phase we are in right now: The prep phase 2021. A blend of postseason type work, blending into build type work in the back end of the quarter. I cannot over-state the need for this work, without charging toward big fitness gains (yes, I am talking to you David G). As a reminder:

Strength work
Tissue Resilience (the run consistency project)
Bike SE prep work
Bike efficiency and technical development
Swim when we can -- and if not band it up. More swimming ramping in Q2!

If we begin to see Q1/Q2 races dropping, we will integrate seriously grand challenges and events.

We will prime, test, ‘race’ and punish with a single loving mindset: to create the best individual and collective performance of our lives.

We do it this year. So step up and get excited -- but begin with baby steps that leave very little footprints of fatigue.

My call to action as we launch into 2021.

Let’s go.

- Matt

Jodyfaught

January 10, 2021 19:05

Love it! Thanks Matt and coaching team! Thanks also for all of the support and dedication to the programming, advice, and extra sessions offered during 2020 COVID-19 times. I feel that it's truly set us up well to be able to commit to the patient focus outlined for Q1 2021. Right now I'm very grateful for that integration and progression, as personally I feel in a much better position to truly focus on the importance of good consistent habits, form, and tissue resilience, than ever before - rather than seeming like a theoretical endeavour that one tries to fit on the side, for me you've enabled it to turn into a good practice. And - would you believe it ("surprise!") - I'm also feeling stronger than before you got us (me) focusing on these things! Special kudos to all the coaches and Sarah P who took extra time in the extra sessions and various forums to give practical advice and personal recommendations to squad athletes. This has had immeasurable value and you are appreciated!! (Where are the emoji buttons so that I can put the thank you symbol X 10! :))

January 16, 2021 12:45

Well........ One of my first races has been postponed (St. Anthony's in St Petersburg, FL) . I am a new Squad member and been here for about 1 month. I am still trying to figure out how all this works with the technology and how to plug in with community. Had I not been a member, I think the news of this race being postponed would have effected me more in a negative way. However, I feel stronger and SLEEPING MUCH BETTER now that I am training under Purple Patch Squad. Being an older athlete (56 years young) having this type training protocol is great. I've been racing since 2003 and FINALLY feel balanced with my training and career and home life. Okay, time to go get my workout in! Thanks.

James Slaba

January 16, 2021 23:16

Great piece. Excellent insight and perspective. As a team, I am confident we will be VERY ready as things get turned back on. I am fortunate in the SE US that things are stating to hum on the race front. (Trail run series + range of running events on docket for Jan and Feb — feels good to get back out with other athletes)

Dr Shawn M Clark

January 19, 2021 22:56

What's a good way to find out what races PP members are planning on attending? I am hopeful for Cour d Laine in June. Would love to stay in contact and meet up with other members at the event as well as to support during the training.

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