Good things

Well, I am feeling so much better now that I have had some rest. I took this week easy and got some other things done. So my garage is organized, my bikes clean, workout room set up right and espresso machine descaled. It's nice to have that stuff taken care of since the big miles are coming up again. Being organized and having your stuff in order can make a difference when you are fatigued.
I didn't tell you about my easy run on Sunday. It was just a 20 minute jaunt around the dirt roads near my house, but it was perfect. It was around 7 AM, bright blue sky, nice weather and quiet. The dirt roads make a 1.6 mile rolling loop with dead end off shoots and links to trails. The houses out there are mostly older homes with horses and sheep. It was just the right place and the right time. So I stopped and thought about where I was and how I got to this exact place. You don't have to be fast, professional or even in great shape to get outside and enjoy a great moment.
Another great moment, or effort, came today at the pool. I had been wanting to move up a lane, and today was the day. Friday is a speed day for our Masters program, so with shorter intervals I thought I would be OK. Since I was rested, I thought why not today?
I felt good and kept right up with the lane. We did a series of 200's and 50's for a warm up. The main set was 4 rounds of 3x50 on 1 descending, 2x75 on 1 15 as 25 FAST, 50 cruise, 100 FAST on 1:30 and 50 ez on 1. The intervals gave plenty of rest and paces were good. The 50's were 35, 33 and 30, the 75's were at 55 and the 100's were at 1 12, 1 11, and 1 08. I was very happy with that effort and will continue to stay in that lane.
I was most happy that I got out of my routine and took a risk. I think too many athletes fall into their comfort zone and stay there. To really gain in fitness and life, you need to take some calculated risks and break your daily or weekly mold. I have found that by breaking even the smallest routines I have opened myself up to new methods and ideas.
So evaluate your life and see where you could benefit from taking a chance. Do you always plop in front of the TV after dinner? Maybe you always ride the same loop, or run the same hills. Familiarity is OK, but get out there and get away from your comfort zone.
There is also a new sponsor for myself and D3 Multisport. Check out sbrorganization.com. They are a travel group that has some great packages for races like Wildflower, NYC and the LA triathlon. They can also help you with your plans for other races as well. Laurent there will definitely take care of you.
Tomorrow will be my first big ride back. I am going into the mountains to do some climbing in the aero position. The weather looks great, 60's and 70's and my motivation is high. I will tell you all about it later.

Thanks,

AJ