Change of focus

Well, it has been a rough 6 weeks in terms of training. My knee flared up on an easy ride the other day....pain similar to what I had 4-5 weeks ago. So, I decided to get an MRI. The MRI didn't show anything serious and it is unclear what is causing my pain. It is truly a mystery. On one hand, I am happy it isn't anything too serious. However, not knowing what is wrong leaves me a bit confused and concerned. Not even an MRI can diagnose the issue. The bottom line is that it hurts and something is certainly really wrong. The Dr. said it will likely be at least 4 more weeks. With this news it is obvious that I won't be racing this year. After another 4 weeks I will have not trained for 10 weeks. I will be starting over completely...this will be twice as long as even an off-season break! So, my return will be slow and just going for rides and runs will take a lot of effort.
Honestly, I am just over this whole thing and I have decided to just stop thinking about it. I am taking 4 weeks (or more if needed) off from activity. I am just going to wait this out and then get back at it when I am 100% healthy. With nothing to train for I am just going to take a "real" break and focus all my energy on Skinfit and coaching. The fact that I can't go out and do what I love kills me but thinking about it and dwelling on the issue kills me even more so it is time to move on and forget about it.
So, count me out for 2009 and who knows what the future holds. I do know one thing for certain...if you need some Skinfit gear or a coach I can help you with that!

My weekend and life this week...

It feels like party central around here. Family (including our two nieces...one newly born!) is in town and we have had plans pretty much everyday for the last five days. It has been great catching up with friends and family and it certainly helps me keep my mind off of my healing knee. My knee is getting better and the magical 6 week mark is this Sunday so hopefully I will wake up Sunday and it will be 100% ;) Honestly, it has been getting much better and I have accepted the fact that it is just a time sensitive issue. So, resting is what I have and will continue to do until I can get back to "normal." I think "normal" is fairly close and I am excited about it. However, you won't see me rushing into it so if it isn't fully ready I will give it more time. We will just have to see...

I am packing up today for a two week trip to the central coast (SLO). Well, first I am up to S.F. for a bachelor party and then back to SLO for a week before a wedding in Paso Robles. Then Jess and I are sticking around for another week b/c we will have a Skinfit booth at the central coast cycling classic. So, two weeks in SLO just as my knee is healing...what better way to get back to training then 2 weeks in "paradise?!"

So, if I stay on track I will hopefully have some more exciting posts for ya =) You can follow my journey as I return to health and racing.

Skinfit continues to bring about some exciting times and I have had a lot of coaching inquiries lately. So, business on all fronts is picking up and keeping me busy.

That is it from here. Have a good week everyone and stay tuned as I post my adventures from the land of milk and honey!

Oh, we celebrated a 90th birthday on Sunday...AMAZING!

Skinfit press...

As you can see above in my header picture, Skinfit got some attention from the Xterra folks. Thanks Trey...you da man! Seeing this picture just makes me want to be out there racing even more...I sure do miss it!
Recovery continues and aside from that I am swimming a lot and working on Skinfit. I do the occasional spin on the trainer or elliptical workout but for the most part I am just trying to get healthy, which affords me a lot of time to work on other things. We have some exciting things happening with Skinfit at the moment that will hopefully lead to much more media attention. So, keep an eye out for us and don't hesitate to join the "Skinfit Family!" Race season is in full-swing and I know you all need some new gear! =) Quite frankly, your not going to find more comfortable and functional sports apparel out there. Take it from me, I have raced for 12 years and nothing compares to the quality of Skinfit.

That's it from cloudy S.D. Bring on the sun (PLEASE)!!!

Reality...

I talked with a friend of mine (an orthopedic surgeon) and he said the type of muscular injury I have takes at least 6 weeks. Basically, at 6 weeks I should be able to do some training but it will take a little more time to regain the strength that I will need to resume "normal" or higher intensity training.
The crash was 4 weeks ago so I need another 2 weeks of rest according to the numbers. On one hand, I am really frustrated and angry but, on the other hand, I am glad to hear the reality of the situation. Quite honestly, I was a bit tired of getting my hopes up to only fall back to the usual knee pain. I am glad I have a good idea of what to expect and I can try to make plans for the future. As it stands now I will be doing 2 races this year, nationals and world's. Pretty hard to swallow but it is what it is. There is just no way I can be ready for Vermont and Colorado if I have to take another 2 weeks off (aside from swimming and the elliptical). No running and a minimal amount of easy spinning on the trainer for 6 weeks is going to set me back big time. Plus, I may be able to train in two weeks but I won't be training hard or a ton right away b/c that will only lead to another injury.
So, that's the news from here. One minute everything seems attainable and the next your just fighting to stay positive and appreciative. Perhaps that is what I love about triathlon...it always keeps you honest.

Jess and I went for a cool hike yesterday out near Julian...probably stupid with my knee but we just had to get away from the crowds for a bit. It was a great day with some good weather.

Onwards and upwards....

Things are on the up and up with my knee. Did my second ride in two days today without pain and I actually managed a short run yesterday without any discomfort. I am taking it easy still but it has been a very promising couple of days.
Still getting my intensity in at the pool and on the elliptical. I hope by Friday I can be back at it with some longer rides and runs. If I can resume "regular" training on Monday I will be stoked. By "regular," I mean training with intensity in prep for upcoming races. Keep your fingers crossed for me =)

Have a good one out there!