More to come

It's has now been a week since we competed in Ironman France. Can't believe that this time last week we were all completing an epic journey through the sun and hills of Nice. The only lingering recovery signs from that sunny day is the continually repairing and itching sunburn that still leaves a peculiar pattern on my back.

When those that have competed in Ironmans describe to me the symptoms that follow such a long endurance battle, it takes on the guise of "ironman depression". I can certainly see how this develops. Even during the week following the race, as my legs begin to return to normal, there is an itching, almost a restlessness, to get out the door and fully enjoy a run, or bike ride, or swim, knowing that you can go out there without purpose, to simply enjoy it for what it is. For me, this feeling then turns in to the question of how I may be able to improve on past performances. This could certainly be described by some as a sickness! A mental one. An inability to be fully content with enjoying an outdoor activity without a specific goal in mind. At least as this applies to me, I find it to be true. I need some form of structure, not to simply go out and do "something". Which has led me to enter some additional races for the season. Not nearly as time taxing as the Ironman training was. There might actually be time for house and garden work and even socializing!

There is the Olympic distance race for the triathlon team in two weeks. The next race following Lifetime triathlon in Minneapolis will be a revisit to Square Lake. A half Iron distance which was significantly smaller and a lot more fun, albeit hot, than the mass pandemonium of the start to Ironman. Then, for good measure, I thought I would see how my stand alone marathon time would fare at the Twin Cities marathon in October.

So, should keep me busy enough to maintain the fitness I have gained and enjoy the summer. At least once this burn repairs itself. There will be updates from time to time, but I will try and challenge my boredom elsewhere, so it does not impact yours so much.

Time to get back to the day job.

Good luck to us all!