Coffee with Paul and Dana at Starbuck's Briarcliff

Just got back from coffee with Dana and Paul. Paul's an attorney and works with Dana at the American Cancer Society. Super-nice guy! Very cerebral and tri-geeky! Big thanks to Dana for connecting us this morning. I'm definitely looking forward to some workouts in Jan.

One big takeaway was some more anecdotal support for a concept that's been brewing in the back of my mind since early last season. The concept is that tri coaches and tri magazine authors generally don't push super-long workouts for their clients and/or readers because they're afraid of the risk. Paul relayed some non-written discussions he's had with coaches over the years that seems to support the theory. We all know that the elites do mega-workouts to get the most out of their bodies. Our goal as age groupers is to get the most out of our bodies so mega-workouts seem to be in order. Of course, humility and common sense need to be applied... something often lacking in new triathletes. But the mega-workout as practiced last year is definitely something I'm going to carry forward. I just need to nail its timing and application.

Paul's got a six month old son. Even though I'm only a year ahead on that front it's fun hearing about that stage of things. Definitely a change of pace that requires adjustment.

Paul and I have the same addiction to the challenge of the long races. They're just so hard to "master"... whatever that means. Paul's doing the GCT half and Ironman Florida next year so we'll be able to compare progress and ideas.

Good coffee morning! Now I'm amped up for the day... that venti is more caffeine than I've had lately... I think I see stars!

Update: Paul referred me to Gordo's World. This guy's got a bunch of great stuff up about triathlon in specific and life in general. Can't wait to dig in!

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