I have been getting a lot of flak lately for not owning up on my own training here in this space. My first inclination is to offer up excuses: lots of new clients, too much other writing, etc. But that is only half of the story. So, you asked for it, you'll get it.

I am in the middle of training purgatory. Originally scheduled to do IM Arizona in April, I would normally be up to 20 hrs a week right now. But I have been slammed with work ( as I prepare to leave the office and go full time coaching ) and my hips have been acting up. For those of you who have been following for a long time, you'll know that I have had hip issues in the past. Seems like my off-season of flexibility didn't really have the effect I was looking for. As a result, I am taking some time off from running right now. I am looking at my tenth day of no running / no lower body lifting.

To compensate for this, I have been swimming and cycling a lot. I am still doing my 30-minute TT swims on Wed PM (great mental and physical IM prep) and several trainer rides a week. When the weather comes around, I sneak off and get outside for 2-3 hours at a time.

I have been at this sport long enough to know that a setback in one area only means an opportunity to improve in another -- yet another reason why having your sport (triathlon) consist of three individual sports is so cool: the only thing that can really stop you is...well....you.

I am getting out of my own way...can't wait to get to the gym tonight. Every day I don't miss is another chance to pass someone else on the race course. :)

Happy Training and I will keep you posted!

patrick