First Outdoor Ride of 2009

It seems obnoxiously late in the season to be getting out on the open road for the first time this year, but it is what it is. Training has had to take a back seat for the last couple of months due to a number of work/family things. I was excited to be a part of a sizable group for this ride.

However, it had opened my eyes to how much work I have to do to get back to racing shape. I completely overdressed (I'm a big wimp in the cold). I was the only one with anything on my shoes - not just toe covers, but the big ol' neoprene booties. Though my feet were hot, they didn't really bother me during the ride. Nor what I bothered by the fact that I had these indestructable wind proof, water proof, nothin'-gettin'-through-these-bad-boys pants on which made me totally sweat.

What bothered me what my lack of ability to keep up with a group of guys that would normally be a regular ride for me. Within the first 20 minutes, I started to realize I was not going to be up at the front for long. And to my dismay, about half way through the ride, I felt the hamstring injury acting up. I thought I was PAST that darn thing! I ended up backing off and riding home with my tail between my legs.

Guess I need to start riding my bike again.

Team Mideast Elite

This year, I've been fortunate enough to be selected to be on Mideast Team Elite. Until now, I've been familiar only with about half of the people on the team. This weekend we're having a Performance Camp, including several clinics and LT testing. It's only Saturday night and it has been a fabulous experience so far. It is amazing to be associated with some of the best triathletes (and duathletes) of the Midwest (Mideast is our category within USAT). Thanks to Guy P., Brett P. and the directors and team captains - what a truly great initiative to be a part of!

Unfortunately, my training as of late has been taking a back seat to some other things going on in my life. It concerns me for my races coming up in the next few months, but I'm hoping to be able to pull it together before the end of August when I will do my first of 2 Ironman distance events this year. This could be a blessing in disguise as I frequently fall victim to overtraining. When you have late season Ironman events, it's important not to start the season out like gangbusters, and I think I have that covered for now!

Still trying to decide on a July Half Ironman. If you've got any thoughts/ preferences, let me know! I could also probably skip that Half in July, but knowing how race-crazy I go year after year, I think I'll be signing up for something.

See you all out there.
Train SMART.