Last season things went pretty well. I nearly reached all my goals – great age group placement in two sprints, two Olympic distances and one 70.3. This season, I want results just a bit higher, meaning 1^st in my age group in all the same races. Once again, I want to do the same five and do really well.

These past winter months have played hell with my blood glucose levels. A trip to Florida to visit with family, though only a week, was the final straw. Yes, I ran and swam quite a bit, but my snacking was out of control and the number of fruity drinks and other alcohol coupled with the rich meals were a recipe for disaster. I have been better since returning, but it takes a while for the body to change back to a positive track. Funny how fast it goes the other way, eh?

In June I completed the same two sprint races as last year. And, as last year, I placed first in my age group in both races. I’ve been using ChatGPT to set my training program, and I must say that it is quite comprehensive. I feel the attention to both speed and endurance workouts across the three disciplines has upped my game. I’m building towards the two Olympic distance races in August, but I’m also putting in workouts of greater endurance in preparation for the 70.3 in September.

I made a few changes to the bike over the past few months. I have added a disc cover for the rear wheel, along with going 1x with a 56T chainring. And I optimized the front-end setup, going back to the longer armrests so that I’m locked in to my position. I can hold my aero tuck for the entire 20 minutes it takes to navigate the Estacade in one direction, and then turn around and do it again back towards the Circuit. And then do another down-and-back. The speed is good, the power is good, all systems go.

Consistent running has added some speed to my game. I did an 18 km run a few days ago, and then this afternoon I did 3 x 2km at a good pace. It felt great. Consistent track or speed workouts and longer, more relaxed sessions is giving me the proper mix and preparation for my races.

I’ve noticed improvement in the swim as well. More drills, more speed work. This morning at the pool I did 3,000m with an average pace of 1:35/100m. All that on a cup of coffee, with breakfast after the swim. My blood sugar stayed consistent as well, but I really needed breakfast after that!

Depending on the morning’s activities already completed or those about to begin, my usual morning insulin is currently either 5 units or 6 units of Apidra, usually the same dosage at lunch. And then again for dinner, depending on the day’s activities, usually around the same. At night it is a pretty standard 13 units of Toujeo before bed. These dosages along with my daily training and (mostly) advantageous diet keep my blood sugar in a good place.