2 1/2 Weeks Since USAT AG Nationals

It has been 2 1/2 weeks since USAT AG Nationals and i am finding
"taking a break" from training to be challenging but necessary. We
devote so much physical and mental energy to this sport throughout the
season and when the last race concludes it is like having the rug
swept from underneath you.


Dave Smith, my coach, reminded me that I need to rest and change gears
until December in order to make gains next year.

This is the first year that I did not feel burned out and I attribute
that to smarter training. I look forward to start up with planned
training on December 1 and until then I will go back to weight
training and other sports that I also enjoy.  I will resume masters swimming with Tidewater Aquatic Club (TAC) sooner since that is my weakness.

The Recovery Sock

Recently I gave a new brand of recovery sock a try and loved it. The
science behind it makes good sense and after doing a 5 k last weekend
I was amazed at how great my legs felt afterwords.


I also wear them to work where I spend numerous hours on my feet and am amazed at the
difference in how I feel.  Check them out at:
http://www.recoverysock.com/graduated-compression

Age Group Nationals

Placing 23 in my age group at the Age Group Nationals was a great way to close out the season.


It was in the low 90's throughout the day.  The swim was against the current but mild. The bike was hot and and hilly, same with the run. I felt good throughout but I tend to tolerate the heat better than the cold.  Below are the course maps provided by the race organizers:

Swim Course

Bike Course

Run Course

I was fortunate enough to have a friend there and we watched the Elite
Nationals in the afternoon, then enjoyed beer and pizza with some of
the Elite competitors.

I am feeling now that the only thing worse then tapering is taking
time off after an intense year of balancing training, work and
spending time with my kids. I thought that I would be relieved but the
early morning workouts and long training has helped fill a void, get
me through tough days.

I look forward to next season and planning my race schedule with my
coach Dave Smith and some friends. Luckily, I signed up for Eagleman
just in time! This weekend I hope to start back with Nick at Range of
Motion and participate in a few 5 k and 10 k races.