So what's new?

The past few weeks have been pretty interesting for me. I am finally starting to feel healthy which is great considering we are entering the bulk of my CDA build. I'm finally starting to get this sinus situation under control which is great. Unfortunately it involves a fair amount of medication to start and potentially surgery post race, but it's great to be feeling better again!! On the health front, the asthma is getting better as well and I'm seeing one of the more skilled specialists in the west coast in a few weeks to make sure we are dialing everything in properly for the big day in June. My number one goal over the next 10 days is to stay healthy. My docs are helping me with this, but I have to do my part. I have to continue to stay hydrated, eat properly and ensure that I'm sleeping and recovering properly! As you start to enter these heavy training periods when you are riding over 250-300 miles a week and/or running 40-60 miles per week, your body is on the edge constantly. Pros and some elite age groupers can sustain even more volume than this, but Pros don't work 50-65 hours a week. This is the time when I have to become one with my body. I need to listen to it. I need to fuel it properly. I must take care of it, and ensure I'm allowing it enough time to recover. My dad likes to tell a story about a former National cycling coach that said the toughest thing to teach a pro was not how to train, but how to rest and recover. So, although I will be putting in some pretty heavy weeks over the next two months, I will be listening to my body...and so will my coach. Speaking of coach, I can't tell you what a difference having a coach makes. I'm more fit than I have been in a while and we are just entering into our build for CDA. Speaking of balance, this week and the next few weeks will be tough. My career requires a lot of my attention normally, but especially lately. Right now for instance, I'm sitting in a hotel room in Florida as we are winding up an annual trip before heading back to Portland tomorrow. Travel can be tough for an Ironman athlete, but that's where my coach comes in. He knew exactly how to have me attack this week so I could still make some good deposits, but without having to spend all my time in the gym while out here. Lastly, I hope to be posting some pictures when I get home of my new ride for this season!! Not only have I upgraded to a faster machine, but I will be uber comfortable for the bike leg of Ironman which I have never experienced. Can't wait to get this new beauty out on the road and get some miles in on it!! That's all for now. Thanks for taking the time to read, -T