August Downs but not Out

I have been feeling like I have been wanting to write but not really sure what will come out of it. Last I blogged I was Post-concussion, recovering, and not really sure what the "Fall Season" was shaping up to be. I am not one to really believe in Astrology and Horoscopes but my horoscope for the month of August said something along the lines of "having to sit with my feelings for an extended period of time". And boy was this true.

August threw at me a ton of emotional stress along the lines of life, work, and family illnesses. Thats life and no matter who you are its hard to cope with! Not to mention the stress of seeing my Houston friends lose everything has been devastating.

My heart goes out to Texas. This picture was from 2011 when I was at Texas A&M.

I did however get to travel to one of my favorite places (Boulder).

I got to ride my old "Steed" while in Boulder. It was pretty cool just jumping on my old bike and being ready to roll. No changes necessary!

I also got to do a sprint triathlon for "the fun of it". Yes, I let girls pass me and I did not get my panties in a bunch. Sometimes its good to expose yourself and even if your best is not the best on that day, thats all you can do.

Julie and I coming out neck and neck at the Luray Triathlon. OK so maybe I was competitive for a few seconds.

I spent alot of time with my family and alot more with friends. Workouts became more social outings then training and thats just "what the Doctor called for".

DC Tri hosted a Women who Tri Panel. Great Reminder of the amazing ladies I Surround myself with

My BFF from childhood came and visited. We ate and drank ALOT.

Clearing my mind on a recovery ride down MacArthur in my Tri Sports kit. Unfortunately, Tri Sports had to close its door this year and I am sad to lose a very great sponsor and lots of great teammates.

Then my Coach decided to throw a round of testing at me when I was really not mentally wanting to do it. I pushed through and long behold, my FTP was actually higher then last, and my swim testing was the best it ever has been. The fitness was still there, I had just lost my mojo (and ok well maybe brain for a little bit).

Smiling or crying? Bike testing is HARD.Photo from the HILLS in Luray.

Long story short, Concussions are very real. I am really glad I let my body heal and took the time to take a month off for some down time. You never realize how much pressure you really put on yourself until you strip it away and see how it has effected your body. I would like to think the end of my August blues is near but in reality it never really is. We just learn to cope and become stronger because of it.

With a mere week to spare leading into September, I finally put together a slew of consistent workouts, I was ready to turn the page into the new month. I found my mojo and the athlete I am, and am excited to head back to the races.

Seeya starting this weekend for my Fall Race Season:
The Nations Tri.
Savageman Oly
Watermans Half
and finally coming back for redemption Ironman Arizona.

My Favorite place in the whole world. A Calm "before the storm" Downtown Annapolis reminding me to turn the page and Welcome September.

Thanks for all the cheers!