Hey everyone. Long time lurker, first time poster here. Not new to triathlons, but have taken a 4 year (or so) hiatus and planning on returning to racing in 2013 with my first HIM. Planning on a 5:20ish finish time (Based on my level of fitness right now). I have not been completely inactive during my break from tri’s and have continued to swim with a tri-focused masters group 3x per week, run the odd 1/2 marathon (PB or 1:38), and bike with a couple roadie friends whenever I’ve had the time or inclination, but have not done any serious training hours.
My main concern about returning to racing (and training) is job related. I’m a carpenter, and I am concerned about staying injury free as I cannot really afford being sidelined with a shoulder or knee injury for too long. I was wondering if there were other people on this board who have physical jobs, and how they safely balance training and work. When I used to race I was a student and working part time shift work at jobs I didn’t really care about, now I’m 28 with a job where I’m responsible for others apprentices, and while still young I’m definitely not feeling invincible like I was in my early 20’s! Getting up in the morning after a hard workout and staying limber, sharp, and energetic for a full day of manual work with a 25lbs tool belt strapped to my waist is just a little harder then it was a couple years ago. If this is what getting old feels like, I want out now ;).
Anyways, i have a rough plan to get back in the pool (have not trained at all this summer), and work on flexibility and core strength etc at the gym for a couple of months, and maybe get back into the yoga too. I plan on building my base (mostly on a trainer and treadmill) over the early winter and working towards my desired race in early June. Any tips from other trades people or just people in a similar situation?
Thanks!