Thursday, December 31, 2020

2020 The Year End Review Part 1 - By the Numbers

 So I usually like to do a little review of the year that was. As I don't see myself heading back out for a run or bike ride tonight, I think I am safe to do my annual, By the Numbers on December 31. 

As everyone is aware, 2020 was an odd year in some ways. Without major events to create a destination for training plans, things were a bit open. This meant you coudl train and train and train and not really do anything with that. 

I opted for a year of virtual racing, time trialing and some extra adventures. I tried to be consistent in some areas, but totally fluid in others. What came about was interesting. This won't be a long post but I will add pictures!

Running


 

Now cycling is often my big number, but not this year. Running took over things. While I didn't do a lot of in person event, I did do a lot of racing. Most of my running was actually on the shorter side with load of intensity. My weeks generally were not huge, though occasionally I would do a bigger run. My hills were down somewhat, as I ran from my front door more than ever, especially during the earlier part of the year when we were in a lockdown. I'll go over specific events in another post. 

Ultimately I ran 3195km this year. It was a combination of roads, paths and trails. It was fast and slow and was the most running I have ever done in a year. I even finished with a streak of almost 200km in a row without a day off (I don't do that often). Last year this number was 2643 km. 

I did have a short 3 week period with extremely reduced running as my ankle was not being happy. Some physio, a few visits to my go to Chiropractic and Massage care group, Seaside, and I worked back into a steady running week again.

We were lucky in Nova Scotia and we were able to run with small groups of friends for a lot of the summer. We are also lucky to have some great trail systems right near were we live.



 Cycling


With work from home, I rode my bike a lot less when the weather wasn't great. I usually bike commute, which does add up. Instead, I did some trainer based cycling, a few solo fast rides a week, and was able to get the Sportwheels Group rides going again for a few months in the summer. 

This year I rode 4704km while last year that number was 6356km. A huge difference. But those rides were fun and a great break from running.

Swimming


 

With pools closed for most of the year and no triathlons in sight, my swimming was usually once a week at the lake. I relished it and even though it was probably the slowest swimming I have ever done, it was really great to get out on Saturday mornings. We had great weather at least and our local lake is superb with buoys placed for swimmers and boaters. I managed just 14231m of swimming this year, compared with 21366m (which frankly was a low year as well).  

Skipping



I actually have no idea how much skipping I did. I just figured out that my watch would record this part way through the year. But it was a great way to start my mornings, or finish an easy run. I think it was a perfect form of cross training, and I look forward to entering 2021 with more types of cross training like this making up a significant part of my week. 

So yeah, it was a different year. I like to think I figured out the best way forward for me in dealing with what we were dealt. 

Tomorrow I will do a post about my year and the events and adventures I did. Until then, Happy New Year. See you in 2021.