Thanks Emily, Tri Girl and RM! You ladies are "pros" in my book, so I really appreciate the feedback!

Well, it's obvious that I have gotten slower on the bike. Heat ususally doesn't affect me that much on the bike.

Do I have to do all the workouts he gives me... well, no. And honestly, I usually skip the Friday swim he gives me. But I'm paying him and I figure he has this "master plan" for where he needs me to be by October 7th. So, I think if I skip a workout this puts me further behind my goals.

He and I communicate mostly via e-mail, but I think sometimes he doesn't really listen. I did tell him how fatigued I was feeling about a month back... and he told me to cut down some of the intensity. So, I did. It helped some, but I haven't really bounced back to where I was a couple of months back.

I am taking 2 days off this week... and tonight I'm going to get a 1.5 hour massage. Time for me to unwind mentally and physically. I'm also taking Friday off and then I'll do a long ride on Sat. and long run on Sun.

Thanks for all the input ladies. I really do appreciate it.