Need a Little Focus

When will I learn that one can not accomplish something without some FOCUS. I've been trying to get back into training for my upcoming Ironman triathlon. Things were going well. Physical therapy has been completed and I have put in several long rides/runs. What do I go and do next is to lose focus on my main goal of the season. A common trait of mine you might say...

This past weekend we had awesome weather for July. Not often you see 60's/70's this time of year. Perfect weather you might say for someone like myself who is training for Ironman. Time to put in hours on the bike without killing oneself in the heat. Would have been a great day for the Farmhouse Classic. I signed up for it earlier this month. Completing 100 miles of gravel will make you a stronger person when it comes time to dig deep during events like the Redman.

But what do I do? I end up taking my family to ride some sweet dirt out at Landahl Park and ride with some friends. Carolynn and Christopher wanted to go ride so I bailed on the long ride and decided at the last minute to switch my plans and bring out the old MTB. So I go ahead and make plans to ride Saturday at Landahl then either race the Cramp Alexander MTB race or the SMSG Triathlon on Sunday. All fun events, but not great training for an Ironman.

Sometimes fate steps in and lets you know you are not going down the right path. Saturday I was reminded that I need to get my focus back on training for my triathlon. While leading our little group heading down Rim Job (before you ask Jackie, this is trail out at Landahl...) I decided to try and ride under a fallen tree. There appeared to be enough room to make it at speed, but what I did not know is that a large branch of this tree was hidden by the leaves. I smacked right into the branch, which nearly knocked me off my bike. It "stung" a little and caused me to see stars, but I didn't say much about it and kept on riding. The trails were in too good of shape not to be riding. After about 15 minutes I started to feel better, but my balance and nerves were way off.

After a great ride (not counting the hitting the tree), we went to Back Yard Burger, which is one of Christopher's favorite places. BYB might actually be the only reason he came riding with us, but that is another story in itself. It was at this time that I started to feel the effects from hitting the tree. I started getting nauseous, a bit confused and a nasty headache developed. Well, I've hit my head dozen's of times and have been knocked unconscious (mostly from motorcross) more times that I can count. Not much you can do but rest so that is what I did.

Lessoned learned. Hopefully I will not have to hit myself in the head again to learn that I need to get back my focus and prepare myself for reaching my goal time in my Ironman. Only 60 more days and lots of training.....