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…

The road to Clearwater.

October 1, 2010

The recovery week is over and I have finished my first quality week of training. The best part of this week was the support I found surrounding me and the goals I have set for Clearwater. I have mentioned to many that this is a sort of Victory Lap for me as Sean put it, however I do want to perform well. I’m a competitor and therefore giving my best will always be the case. I started this week great! Felt great, had my workouts all planned out and then it happened…

Injury strikes me down once again. On Thursday, following a very intense lifting session I began my next workout - speed! My Achilles heal in all of my races has been just that, my left leg. Everything from IT band issues to knees, to plantar fasciitis and now solius. It seems I have yet to enter a race when I am completely healthy. Actually, Im unsure of what that would feel like…haha! Theres always next year. All kidding aside, it makes things very frustrating and adds to my anxiety pre-race. So its back to the pool for my run sessions at least for another two weeks. Im not complaining as I am very fortunate to have something that I can fall back on and still get my workout completed, but pool running is not the most fun or entertaining of exercises. So if anyone wants to come and join me, or just sit pool side and talk, YOU ARE ALL INVITED!!!

I want to address some other things that have come up as well. The immense outpouring of support and offers to help with my injured leg has been overwhelming. I am going to see a PT today as she offered to help me out. Thank you all! I will take others up on their offers as well. This leads into my next discussion point: support and the people who are there for you.

We all go through rough stages but one thing remains constant, the need that any person has for support. Whether you are an athlete or not, the love and support of family and friends is pivotal in achieving success. Sure you can do it on your own, but add in a cheering section and you wouldn’t believe the results! I have been lucky to have a great supporting cast of friends and family. I have also recently ran into others that will do the exact opposite. Sabotage is for losers! Let me make that clear, LOSERS. Because you or whoever cannot achieve things others can, does not mean you need to get in the way of someone else’s dreams. Set new goals for yourself. Have fun, enjoy yourself and work towards making you better. Interfering with a workout or raising anxiety in a person which makes their workout more stressful and harder is bottom line childish, feeble and bullshit! Lack of support is one thing, sabotage is another. My advice, stay clear of these types of people, let others know, stay positive, and push through. You can achieve your dreams…I am right now!

Oh, and if you need support, I am here! Call, text, email or send a smoke signal!