It's that time of year!

-Carmel Beach...what an amazing place!

It's that time of year when I take a break from training. Since the Xterra season is so long, beginning in April and ending the last weekend of October, it is necessary to take a 2 week break. When I say break I mean NO training, just relaxing and doing all the things that I normally don't have time for or don't do because your day is filled with work (the day job) and training.
If I don't take a break I will lose my edge, physically and mentally. My body will stop responding to the stresses of training. I may stay in good shape but I won't be in GREAT shape when I need to be...I will become stagnant, which is not what an athlete needs. This may sound funny to a lot of people. Think of it this way, if you did something day in day out that requires extreme focus and dedication don't you think you would get tierd of it and put in suboptimal performances as time progresses? If you say no, your not telling the truth!


-Sophie has a bit of an addiction with the tennis ball

So, this time of year is a great time! The weather is perfect and Jess, Sophie and I get to take advantage of the free time. With this being said, you will see us relaxing at Carmel Beach (The dogs favorite hangout), Big Sur (a very cool pub down there where all the locals get drunk...quite a scene!), Baja Cantina (the perfect patio for an afternoon margarita/beer), the Running Iron (Carmel Valley's local watering hole), Giant's games, and doing anything else we can think of.


-Nothing like a BBQ in the back country of Big Sur!


-Me and my buddy Mike sharing a couple beers in Big Sur.

So, for the next 10 days I will be getting "out of shape" and doing as much relaxing as physically possible. I will be back training July 1st. My first two weeks will be long easy miles to get the body back on track and then I will be hitting it hard in prep for nationals and world's.

Enjoy the great weather! I will be in touch.