A New Challenge: Special Operations Force Academy ... “The only easy day was yesterday.” - Navy SEALs motto Image: SEAL Training Adventures logo Ok, I admit, I should be taking it easy for a few more weeks, but I can’t pass up this opportunity as a writer on assignment for Tri-DC Magazine to participate in the week long Special Operations Force Academy starting April 27 and run by SEAL Training Adventures. Navy SEALs are the “best of the best,” and I want...

Overtraining: There Is a Silver Lining in This Clo... “You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you.” - Walt Disney Photo: Me and my German hosts - Annika and Annette - in Roth, Germany After three weeks of feeling sorry for myself and high anxiety, I am now in a different place. I have have transformed my HATE relationship with overtraining into a LOVE / HATE relationship. I still HATE overtraining...

Overtraining: What I HATE the Most About It... I HATE overtraining. It’s too vague, too subjective, too nebulous. It’s a waiting game with an uncertain amount of waiting time. I should have raced in Ironman Arizona alongside the cacti on Sunday, but instead I’m sitting on the sideline. What I struggle with - and what I imagine many other athletes struggle with as well - is that overtraining is not a tangible, physical body part that is broken,...

To Race Or Not to Race: When to Pull the Plug? (Pa... I officially “pulled the plug” on Ironman Arizona today. My blood test results came back today. When my doctor called me, I felt like I was receiving my report card in grade school: mostly “Outstanding” grades with two “Needs to Improve” as follows: Outstanding: Low cholesterol, no mono, no lyme disease, no thyroid issues, no liver issues and no anemia. Needs to Improve: Deficient...

To Race Or Not to Race: When to Pull the Plug? (Pa... Photo: Cheer sign from Quelle Challenge 2007 in Roth, Germany Have you ever asked yourself these questions in the days or weeks leading up to a big race? “Do I pull the plug?” “Am I just having an off day?” “Do I need to some extra rest?” I’m struggling with all of these questions right now. Today is Monday and I’m signed up to race Ironman Arizona this coming Sunday....

Caught a bug two weeks before a big race - now wha... The signs would have been obvious to the objective observer: More tired than usual Feeling “rundown” Congestion Scratchy throat Malaise However, to the subjective triathlete (me), the signs were not so obvious and/or I was in a state of denial: “I’m just having an off day” or “I’m a little tired from a long weekend” but never “I’m sick. I need to take a...