Yin and Yang in my Triathlon Life

Without question I have had a yin and yang week. So many good things happening and one unfortunate accident that will set me back for a little while. I want to focus on the positive but will recognize the negative.

I received exciting news from Sugoi on Thursday and found out that I was selected to be part of their BRAND CHAMPIONS TEAM. From the website "SUGOI has created a unique Brand Champion program which supports and encourages outstanding people who differ from your average athlete – those who set themselves apart from other athletes by their passion and commitment to push themselves to inspire others and to embody a motivating attitude, wherever they go." I am excited to be part of this program and look forward to wearing my Brand Champion swag in the near future.

I am thrilled this year to have 7 Systems, Running Free and Sugoi as my sponsors as I try to re-qualify for the 70.3 World Championships.

I added a couple new athletes into the mix on Friday. I added an athlete into my coaching program, who is eager to get active and balance training with family, work, etc. As well I had a great one-on-one swim coaching session with a new athlete. I look forward to working with both these new athletes as they add triathlon to their lifestyle.

The Kelso Open Water Swims have seen a revival this year and after out third week we are closing in on 70 participants. This makes me happy as I have tried to expand the participant list and make as many people as possible, aware of the great training opportunity Kelso presents. We have lots of people representing many training groups, clubs, and coaches. Here are the ones I know of; Milton Masters Aquatic Club, Milton Runners, Georgetown Runners, Mississauga Triathlon Club, Fletcher's Meadow Cross Trainers, NRG PT, Team Running Free.

As for my day at the lake on Saturday, I put together my best swim/bike/run combo of the year. I hopped into the lake for a 2000m swim, then I transitioned quickly and was off on my bike for a solo ride. I had a great loop planned, lots of hills, ideal for Muskoka Long Course. I felt great on the new bike, climbing, flats, cornering, descending so things were coming together. I pushed hard back into the parking lot so I could test my run legs. I hopped out and into my new pair of red Newtons and started running. I had a great controlled run and thought things are looking good for next weekend. This solid training day after a good training week, with a mid-week long ride and run. I figured a little extra bike milage and a tempo run off the bike on Sunday then it would be time to get race ready.

They say things can change in a heartbeat and that is pretty much exactly how it happened. I was out for a ride to warm up my legs and get a few extra km's on my new bike, before I headed out for a tempo run, when the rear tire slide completely out from under me as I rounded a turn that I have done 100 times before. The quick facts, I have 5 stitches in my upper lip, 7 stitches on my chin and a fractured jaw, that thankfully does not need wiring. I have a few other bumps and bruises along with some road rash. To be honest I am thankful that it was not any worse. I will train again in the next few weeks and will race again in another month. The worst part was having to face my kiddies and have them pick me up off the side of the road and deliver me to the hospital. With my time off I'm going to enjoy every minute with them because as I learned things can change very quickly. Hug your kiddies, EVERYDAY!



Happy Training