Fighting!

Is it spring or is it still winter?? Hard to tell these days. One day you can go running and it's okay to leave the mitt's behind and the next day you're dodging the lake to avoid the frigid wind and wishing you'd worn a thicker toque!

Not only are we battling the weather these days, but it seems like everyone has been hit by one of the nasty colds or flu's that have been hovering around lately. Unfortunately myself included. It's been difficult to determine what my body will put up with these days. However, it still seems to be good advice to ease off the intensity when it's in your chest...whether I...errr, I mean you like it or not. As well, best not to share with your team mates so remember to wash those water bottles, grab a clean towel and wash your hands!

Tis also the season when some of the off season mileage may be creeping up on you. I've been seeing more cases again of early signs of plantar fasciitis...thankfully people are acting on it early. It is good to remember that this irritation of the fascia on the bottom of your foot may not be the "sole" problem. Quite often this ailment can be caused by weaknesses in the hip, tight hamstrings, calf musculature or even your big toe! It is a good idea to have a thorough assessment to have these areas checked for weaknesses, overcompensations or adhesions between the layers of tissue. Common treaments may consist of ART (r) or Graston (r) techniques, anti-inflammatory modalities, home stretching / strengthening exercises, modifications in activity levels and possibly a foot wear review by either your therpist or a pedorthist.

Make the most of your weather and your training!

It's February already!?!

Wow! It is already the middle of February and the weather has been pretty amazing. The conditions up at Nickleplate Nordic Centre have been wonderful and they just held an amazing loppet up there this past weekend. With weather like this you can run in the morning, ski in the sunshine in the afternoon and come down for a bike ride! Speaking of which, March 31 is the inaugural Elevator race being organized by Hoodoo Adventures! What a great way to have fun and celebrate all of the fun and fitness we've had this winter! Paddle, road bike, run/snowshoe, mountainbike, cross country ski and downhill or snowboard...from the bottom to the top of Apex!!

Race season has begun in the Interior Road Race Series and the "first" triathlon is just around the corner at UBC! You may be wondering whether you're ready or not. Hopefully you've taken the winter time to get outside to play and get in some cross training activities in order to keep your mind and body alert for the upcoming season. It's a great time to check out that your bike is fitting you properly, have your run gait and runners analyzed, as well as, to make sure your shoulders are ready for those miles in the pool and in the aero position. Talk to your coaches and local therapists to have any of these potential concerns addressed.

It's also a good time of year to look at your training partners. Be certain that you are training with people whom are appropriate to your ability and speed. You also want to be able to motivate each other mentally as well. On those tough days you will need to dig deep and sometimes that little extra positive push can be just what you need.

Looking forward to a great training camp with wonderful friends / training partners and trying more new events and distances. As well, I have the pleasure of crewing for Team Sway at Ultraman Canada this year!! Don't worry, I have many plans up my CEP sleeves this year....

"To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield"
(Alfred, Lord Tennyson)