Still On Rehab Assignment

Well ... I have nobody to blame but myself; too much, too hard and I ignored the warning signs.

If I want to be a better athlete, I need to train smarter, not necessarily harder.

So the injury is to my Sacro-illiac Joint (SIJ), which is literally the back joint. I am told that it is the soft tissue around the joint and not muscular or disc related. That said, it is at the bottom of the spinal column where all the nerves come out and go to the hips and legs. This is certainly the worst injury I have ever had to my back. When asked if I have ever had this problem before I said no, but seemed to remember some stiffness before. I checked the old blog and I found this post and sure enough it is the same thing; hurts to sit and was totally set-off from the drive to and back from Eagleman. It has been a painful two weeks. I have been able to swim and started running last week with very little riding (13,300yds, 36mi, 30mi). Anyway, I know I am not out of the woods yet and the main concern is to not go back into the penalty box again. With four weeks left before IMLP, I am in the danger zone. Need to train, but also need to get to the starting line healthy. I can't bring back the last two weeks of missed riding, but I'm back on the bike this week. Everyone keep fingers crossed. -Kyle

Disaster Strikes, Unable to Compete at Eagleman

Worst possible scenario; some soreness in the back earlier in the week. Long drive in that static position left me with back spasms Friday night, only to be unable to walk Saturday and Sunday with sharp pains going all the way down my right leg. I am going down for a few days. Will keep everyone posted.

Off To Eagleman

Well, the first big race of the season is here! It came fast, but I think I am well prepared. My strategy is to go ALL OUT from the beginning. If I blow up, I blow up. Not holding anything back, as this race is going to be very competitive!

I'll post a race report when I get back on Monday.

Another Light Week, Preparing for Eagleman

Boy, looking at these numbers - they seem very small, especially when compared to the big numbers from the week before:

5/31-6/6: 3200yds, 104mi, 44mi

Although, a desperately needed and scheduled complete day-off, and miserable alergies to pine pollen; sore throat, hack, etc. kept me out of the open water all week - though the numbers are small, I manged to get in a few speed work sessions in all three disciplines, which will help me for the race. I guess more of a focus on quality than quantity - it's all good and I feel very fit (150lbs @ 6% body fat). Actually, things are going quite well and I think I will have a good race this weekend. I hope it is not going to be too hot! They've been averaging a lot of 90 degree days.

Falling Behind? Not Falling Behind?

That is the question. At the end of last week, I knew I was behind and in desperate need of some big miles to compensate the lack of adequate training:

5/17 - 5/23: 5400yds, 173mi, 42mi

Not enough training all around. Almost looks like a rest week. Then:

5/24 - 5/30: 8500yds, 245mi, 45mi

Back on track with last Friday - 1600yds, 104mi, 13mi

First big workout of the year and some extra running thanks to getting off the trail in Willard SP for some extra credit. Makes for a long day, but now I can focus on some speedwork this week and taper the second half of next week for Eagleman.

-Kyle