Over trained...

It is no secret that I go hard, all of the time. I know this is not the best way to train, however I know nothing else and damnit, I like it! The last 4 weeks have been a wake up call to this and today was the worst. I was extremely tired going into Syracuse. I thought my taper was making me depressed and down, but it wasn’t. To my surprise and others, I actually accomplished a good time despite the injuries to my shoulder and foot. I took a few days off coming out of Syracuse and decided to hit it hard at the start of this week to prepare for the Foster Grant Ironman 70.3 World Championships on November 13^th. Poor decision making has now left me sidelined.

I want to first thank a couple people who have helped me recently. The first is Devin Hanna. He is the Timex rep and a friend I met through training. He is an Ironman and an accomplished marathoner. Numerous 4 and 5 hour training days were spent this summer while he was preparing for Ironman Lake Placid. Thanks to Devin and Timex for hooking me up with the brand new GPS Global Trainer, the Race Trainer Kit and a Rudy Project Aero Helmet! THANK YOU!! Google Devin’s name and you will see a great write up in the paper about him. Also, grab a Timex product… they are second to none!

The second person is a Physical Therapist. Lauren Cerqua found out about my leg injury and although she doesn’t know me that well, she immediately offered to help…free of charge! I traveled to Washington PA on Friday and she spent almost 3 hours diagnosing and treating my leg. She has also offered to treat me again next week, which I will definitely take her up on. I cant thank you enough!!! If you need a PT, I highly recommend Lauren! Not only is she very knowledgeable, she takes her time, explains things well, and really loves her job. Thank you!!

Yesterday was one of the hardest days to train mentally. Without giving anyone credit for trying to sabotage my training, I was put in a situation that I had to mentally overcome. This is sometimes harder than any physical test you can put your body through. Workouts are supposed to be fun and challenging. Outside pressures and stresses are not needed. Yesterdays workout sucked! It hurt me and it took everything I had to control myself. I worked through it and got the hell out of there. Things would finally change when I arrived at Lauren’s clinic!

I started to ride today and almost instantly I was falling behind. I had some technical problems but more so it was my body, I couldn’t go faster and I had no power. We hit some hills and I was really in trouble. My legs ached and I was tired. I figured after a few miles I would settle in and be fine…not the case. Not only was I way off of pace, I was working harder, going slower and my mind was elsewhere. I kept drifting in and out reasoning why I was slow and the battles of yesterday still plagued me. Pep talks to myself started to ensue but still, nothing was helping. At mile 37 I finally called it. I told the guys who I was riding with, “Im done, heading back.” I took a different route home, actually longer but a bit less hilly. Alone on the road, struggling to make it back I was angry and upset. How could this be happening? I knew what it was, I just didn’t want to admit it. I am and have been over-trained. Mentally and physically, I need a break. Total ride distance was 79 miles.

I returned to my car, loaded up and immediately text a respected and personal friend of mine, Dr. Suzanne Atkinson. Suzanne is not only a physician but a level 2 USAT coach, avid cyclist, owner of Steel City Endurance and a really great friend. After several texts, the recommendation…2 solid weeks off. WHAT??????? I haven’t taken a week off in over 3 years let alone 2. This is where I am right now and I am going to listen. I want to perform well at Clearwater, but if I feel this way, I wont make it to finish line. As always, Thank You Suzanne!! One of these days I will have the money to hire you! Ill be back, stronger and ready. Even if this race isn’t a PR, I want to feel good pre and post race. I will listen to the authority. Need a coach…www.steelcityendurance.com

So, anyone up for a movie? Im available in the mornings and evenings for the next two weeks…