Note
slept:8.0
Actually I feel lucky that I had possibility to participate in so many high quality races during this ended season: all the world cup rounds, some interesting wre and mtbo camp. Apart from competing every weekend I have not done much high intensity training . Long and low ride both with and without map were the main components of my training program. Yes, I know it is not the traditional way of peaking for a competition but given the competition program (races every weekend and long travels) and my training background (a lot of mountaneering skiing during the first part of the season) I think the outcome of this training, in terms of my shape, was good, especially in the first two world cup rounds. Then I had a slow but inexorable decline of performace from June till the end of August. Probably I should have done some resting period instead of racing every weekend at the "Trofeo val di non bike" . I ve never found the right shape during the summer, I started to feel good only two weeks after Woc. I am satisfied about my ending season. Now I feel fresh and I am not in a need of a rest period.
Elite sport can be cruel sometimes. The hard work, pressure, pain … often result in zero outcome in terms of results. Compared to some earlier years I am now much better in finding enjoyment in many aspects of my training and competition life. Of course I can still feel disappointed, for a while, if I perform below par or do not do my best in training but I am less dependent on the results to feel happy. I do not set any result goals and try not to pay too much attention what other people might think about my performances. The choices I do every day - for example what I am going to train or which race I am going to run are now more than before influenced by the expected "enjoyment factor". I believe that this approach means that I am more motivated to train and compete and also to expose myself to challenges which I would try to avoid earlier.
My plan for the next season is taking shape expecially at the end of the season. I am excited about final round in Portugal. In order to be in good shape there I believe I have to train big volumes in the beginning of August so I will probably go to Woc only to find extra motivation and to get the right mood for the next challenge.For the rest of the season I would like to do more xc eliminator races next year. I think it is a really excting and spectacular sport (the crowds in the city cheering you is amazing) One week ago I had a great time in Arco. So I have been looking at this kind of races , perhaps next spring..just after the winter period.
On a short term plan there is to have some easy training and I hope ...wih this outcoming snow to put skins under my skies.
insp by EI