What is your biggest weakness in multisport and how do you plan to address this weakness in the offseason?
Larry Rosa/ITU
When I decided four years ago to move from couch potato to new triathlete I didn’t know how to swim. At the Miami 70.3 in October, I failed to qualify for the world championships in Vegas by four minutes. My swim time was 36 minutes, placing three times worse in this discipline than the others. Time for lessons. — Adam Ward, 38, Richfield, Wis.
My biggest weakness is swimming. When I was 19, I was sexually assaulted in the rain. I swim as little as possible and swim to the outside of the pack. I am challenging myself to swim with at least three people in a lane while indoors and to stay closer to my swimmates while in the open water. — Kim Albin, 39, DeWitt, Mich.
Not having big enough dreams. Last summer I competed in my first IM and qualified for Kona. I knew I was fitter than ever, but didn’t know what I could do. Every race was a PR but my only goal was to finish the IM. I’m setting the bar MUCH higher next year, planning my race season early, and entering bigger and more competitive races.
— Darbi Roberts, 27, New York, N.Y.
Running has been my challenge since I started triathlon as a cyclist on relay teams after beating cancer in 2006. My coach and I have decided to train harder and go longer earlier in the season to prepare for my second Ironman at Wisconsin in September. I’ve started a training plan to do a marathon in late April.
— Scott Richardson, 61, Normal, Ill.
My biggest weakness in multisport has been trying to incorporate strength training into my workouts. I get bored doing it on my own so I decided to try Crossfit. It’s been the best thing I’ve ever done! Been doing it for two months now and I can’t begin to tell you how much stronger I feel! — Sarah Borell, 40, Granite Springs, N.Y.
In a word: strength. I will be focusing on leg strength this offseason. I’ll start with extensive time in the gym (lots of squats and dead-lifts) and then focus on some serious sessions on the trainer. — Doran Bosso, 29, Virginia Beach, Va.
My biggest weakness is my addiction to the sport and how it affects my family. I plan to address this by putting family first. I still have time to do an Ironman; I don’t want to lose the precious time with my family. — Bryan Kraham, 38, Houston, Texas
THE NEXT BIG QUESTION:
What is the funniest moment you’ve witnessed at a race? Send your response (60 words or fewer) to communications@usatriathlon.org by Jan. 21. Remember to include your name, age, hometown and put “Big Question” in the subject line.
70 USA TRIATHLON WINTER 2013
My biggest weakness is dependency on a wetsuit and lack of speed in the water. Although an adequate swimmer, I lack speed to get out in front of the pack. I plan to incorporate various interval sessions and track my progress on a Garmin. Although practicing in the open water during offseason without a wetsuit is not a wise decision due to the cold, my goal in 2013 is to swim the races without one. — Mary Diaz, 40, Temecula, Calif.
Having started late in life I am still trying to develop competitive bike performance. I will attend aero guru & overall good guy John Cobb’s weekly indoor trainer sessions. John gives back to the sport by giving his time to our community with these sessions during the offseason. Thanks John! — Tom Zoucha, 54, Tyler, Texas
I competed in several races last year. But I also entered but ended up a ‘no show’ in others (some excuses marginally valid, others quite lame). Next year I will not waste my money; I’ll set the alarm, get up and get to the race (no excuses). — Gordon Sargent, Tijeras, N.M.