Intensives

[Starfish]

Wow, I can imagine that the idea of another big week so soon must be disheartening, when you're still so tired (and probably wanting to still be celebrating your amazing breakthrough!).

I immediately remembered this story that Chris Carmichael wrote in The Ultimate Ride, about working with Ron Williams, an elite cyclist competing in the Paralympics in track pursuit. The story was about how Carmichael threw "everything but the kitchen sink" at this guy during a 3 week block of training, before the last regeneration period for the games in Sydney.

Carmichael says that during the block, Ron was sometimes just quitting during intervals, and really suffering mentally, because it was the very hardest work he had ever done on the bike. But, that with careful coaching, and with the planned regeneration, his mind and body bounced back, and he went to Sydney and rode faster than he ever had in his life.

The next thing I thought was about my own tiredness this week. Certainly nothing like yours, I know! But, I just finished up a recovery week, and boy did I need it! The past two nights, I have slept nearly 12 hours per night. And, I have been on this recovery week for about 6 days now. I started with a coach a few months ago (and I REALLY trust her). First time for a cycling coach for me. And, I am doing more than I ever have for cycling, volume-wise, and resistance training-wise, at the same time. That will change soon, but I have been tired! I am a little scared of whether or not I can make my goal this year, and if I can handle the volume. But, I trust my coach, and I DO want to improve, so I know I have to push through. But, today is the first time in about a week that I am feeling a little less beat up. The sleep really helps.

I know you are such an experienced athlete...I am not trying to tell you anything you don't know. Just want to encourage you. It seems like no matter what level we are all training at, we cannot get around the notion of having to push through big barriers at times, and it is amazing how our minds want to settle in where we are, and continue to object when we are up against breaking a barrier.

OK - sorry for really long post. You continue to be such an inspiration (to use a cliche, but true). We are all out here rooting for you. Thank you for your honest post!