Offseason Challenges (Page 2)

Update...here is what I am thinking and I am totally open to feedback, recommendations, etc.  What I would like is to start an offseason challenge and then develop it more and more over the year(s) so that it can be an integral part of all our offseasons.  Since this is the first time, let's focus on just laying the foundation...setting some basic parameters and benchmarks.

I think the challenge should serve a few different purposes.  1).  Encourage everyone to remain focused on triathlon related activities;  2).  Generate more camaraderie among all of us;  3).  Encourage members to take on activities that force them outside their comfort zone; 4).  Providing a foundation for offseason goal setting. 

That being said, I don't intend for this to be about winners and losers, fasties and beginners.  We don't even have to keep score as a group.  Or we can.  What I present is very vague for those reasons.  I want everyone to feel included but at the same time, if the Corns want to throw down a challenge to the Blackmons, so be it.  Or if Neal understands that he is a d-bag and will have to complete the challenges alone, he can do so (I kid). 

Once we agree on benchmarks, each discipline (s, b, r) will have its own thread with a table outlining the different challenges and levels.  Each person may post what their top 3-10(?) goals are for that discipline and then report back when needed.  Some of the challenges will be time based, some volume, some improvement, some completion....a little something for everyone.  I am working to define the parameters for each challenge (e.g. Fastest 100 time:  4 stars for sub 1:15; 3 stars, for sub 1:30; 2 stars for sub 1:45, 1 star for sub 2:00, etc)

Here is what I have come up with so far:

Swimming
Record your fastest time:
100, 500, 1000, 1500
Continuously swim the following distance:
500, 1000, 2000, 4000
Improve your overall time by X for the following distance:
500, 1000, 1500, 2000
Improve your (1000 y) t-pace by X time
Monthly volume benchmarks
Attend a masters class
Attend a swim clinic

Running
Record your fastest time:
1 mile, 2 mile, 5k, 10k
Improve your overall time by X for the following distance
5k, 10k
Run 5 miles continuously
Run 10 miles continuously
Organize a BT group run
Monthly volume benchmarks

Cycling
Complete a ride of the following distance:
20, 40, 62, 100
Complete a 20 mile ride at the following speed:
17, 18, 19, 20
Complete a 40 mile ride at the following speed:
16, 17, 18, 19
Fastest time for the following routes:
SCT Floyd to Tara Drummond and back, 2 laps at Columns, Front 3 Gaps
Ride the front 3 gaps
Ride the back 3 gaps
Ride all 6 gaps
FTP % Increase
Ride the trainer for the following times:
45m, 60m, 90m, 120m
Organize a BT group ride
Join a roadie ride
Monthly volume benchmarks



Thoughts? Feedback?  Additions?  Deletions?  I really want this to be a group run project.  I am more than happy to set it up but I want you all to control where it goes from the start.  If this doesn't have something for you, or you feel it is bias feel free to post here or PM me.  I really want this to include everyone who wants to play. 


Edited by ADollar79 2009-11-15 2:20 PM

Andrew, Two questions --

1) When you mention fastest times, did you mean ever or record your time now and try to beat that?

2) How many goldstars do you get for each item?  

one more -  Can I have a gold star for finishing Beach2Battleship since it is in November and sort of in the off season? 

Edited by nealphelps 2009-11-16 9:00 AM

I think the challenge will last from Dec 1 - Apr 1 or how ever long YOU want it to last. 

1.  All times will be present.  For the fastest, it will have parameters so if you currently run a 7:15 open mile, the next status level might be sub-7

2.  Neal, I will give you a whole sheet of gold stars.     In theory, once you obtain a star you move up to the next level.  Nothing more than a pat on the back if you keep improving but never reach that next level....though I am open to the idea. 

3.  No.  But I am more than happy to buy you a beer to celebrate your awesome race. 

These are great questions.  Like I said, it will take at least a year to work out some of the kinks.  I don't expect it to be perfect the first time around. 

How about teams?  Kind of like the mentor groups.

Edited by brown_dog_us 2009-11-16 4:25 PM

I like teams!

offseason challenges??...staying away from the red wine and tomato and basil wheat thins!!!

I think the ideas you've thrown out sound fun! I'm almost cleared to train normally again, so the timing of December 1st is perfect for me. I love the idea of using this to help build camaraderie too!