Ah, the Cleansing of January 1!

"Through early morning fog I see, visions of the things to be."*
                                                       Johnny Mandel, M*A*S*H., the movie

M*A*S*H last supper scene here.

* I'm betting that many of you were unaware that the TV show M*A*S*H came from the movie of the same name by Robert Altman in 1970. (If you haven't seen it, you should.  Really.)

What a great day January First is!  We get a do over. Like in hop scotch when were 10. Those flubs and missteps from last season? Pssst, gone just like that.  "At the beginning of the year, it's good to know every race you're going to do," says 6 time Ironman World Champion Mark Allen.  And what better day to plan it than today?  I'll bet that many of you have already accomplished that task.

We get the opportunity to review what training/racing errors, nutrition challenges and perhaps over zealous goals that were chosen for 2012.  And if Allen's comments are good for races, wouldn't they necessarily be good for work outs as well?  And, while we're at it, how about your Racing Weight plan per Matt Fitzgerald?  As has been discussed previously, about 8 weeks before your base period is to start
(somewhere about now, eh?), if you can gradually reduce your caloric intake by 2-400 calories per day, remembering that crash diets seldom work, that your upcoming work load and caloric needs will dovetail nicely.

Is this finally the year that you're going to practice open water swimming until you like it?  I said like it?  Even if there are fish and turtles in your hometown lake, and you're a tad uncomfortable sharing your Saturday swim with them, it's something that can be overcome.  Think about getting one of your friends who's pretty comfortable in that environment to accompany you, perhaps several Saturdays in a row come Spring.  And, after a few "desensitization" sessions, you'll surprise yourself at how possible this is.

You are fully in control of your 2013.  Like fine champagne, here's hoping you use it wisely.

Happy New Year, happy training and I wish you a successful, thoughtful and injury free season.

John Post, MD

Ironman tired, you know the feeling!