Hiatus

On a lark, I checked back to the blog today and noticed that it has been 2 months since I posted anything.    Actually that is a good reflection of where I have been as far as training goes.   In September, as noted in my last entry, I developed a sinus infection.   Although I was not absolutely bedridden for most of the time, it definitely made it difficult for me to keep training consistantly.  

Since overcoming that infection, I have been struggling with challenges due to the change of seasons.   Biking in particular has been hard for me to figure out.  During the Summer, I adapted to riding in the dark early in the morning before work, in order to get my bikes in.   With the Fall Season that became much more difficult.   Temperatures have dropped and I am still trying to figure out clothing so that I am comfortable in cool weather.   I find that when the temps drop below 50 degrees, Iam just freezing on a bike.   Add to that changes in traffic with school being back in and much less light as the days get shorter and I am finding it very difficult to figure out when I think I can ride safely and fit it into my schedule.

Although I find that it is much more enjoyable to train outside, I am finding that I am having to go back to the gym to be able to get the training in.   Riding a stationary bike and running on a treadmill are incredibly boring for me, but it definitely makes it much easier to fit into my schedule and get the hours in.

I have also been struggling with how to train during the winter.   It is the off season for triathlons and I thought that I would need this time to build endurance for the Ironman next August.   But I have been advised that I would be starting the training too soon and it could work against me.   So at least for the time being, I have been following a schedule that is really what I might call a maintenance schedule.   In some ways it is much lighter than my routine during the summer although it is typically taking 2 workouts daily.   I think the goal is to just keep me at a level that when things begin to gear up again in the Spring, I am not starting from scratch.

Working through all of this is a work in process for me.   After reading this I am sure it will come as no surprise that I have been struggling to stay consistant all Fall.   This week has been one of the better weeks but I suspect I will continue to struggle at least through the holidays to keep things on track.   

I'm trying to do better and I will also try to do better about keeping up with the blog. 

Let me know if you have any questions or if you have any suggestions, I would love to hear them.  

Have a great day!

David