The daily ramblings of a paralympic cyclist

Friday, April 3, 2009

Early Season Setbacks

In cycling, setbacks typically mean injury or illness.

For the first time in my cycling career I have an injury that may effect my training and racing.
Almost two weeks ago during a mountain bike training ride on trails around my house I dumped it and landed hard on my side. The wind was knocked out of me but that's only temporary and I thought nothing more about it. Now I'm thinking that I fractured or have a badly bruised rib.

Yeah, you can say I'm a typical guy - avoiding a doctors check. But today I'm heading over to the training center to get an x-ray. I'm not sure what can be done but as others have told me I should know how I bad I hurt myself.

On the topic of injuries - my team has had a string of bad luck which includes broken hands, a wrist and a dislocated shoulder. Injuries are a aspect of the sport that everyone is aware of but after 5 years of relative healthy racing the team has had a rough start to the 09 campaign.
I'm just glad that it happening 7 months after the Olympic Year and not 2 months before.

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

A new season!

April has arrived and unfortunately so has the rain and snow.

Racing has started around the region and it's time for me to test my preseason fitness.
Compared to other seasons, I've relaxed my efforts over the winter. A new position at work and a needed rest after the Olympic year are my excuses.
To start the season, I'll race local time trials and road races all in preparation for the National Championships in July.
In the past I've attended team training camps in Chula Vista Co. and have raced in Paralympic events in Canada. I've planned a trip to my hometown on Cape Cod for the first time in 4 years. It's time to see the family and my friends who I've ignored for too long. Of course I'll have my bike and a training program from my coach. Sending my power files to him to make sure I'm not just vacationing.
My main focus this year will be the US paralympic Road National Championships which will be in late July and held in Bend OR. As always I'll race to win. Beyond that will be the IPC/UCI World Championships in (I think) Spain sometime in early Sept.
Again, I'll be in the black and yellow of the Spike Shooter race team. Spike is an Energy Drink that makes Red Bull feel like a diet cola.

Like last year, I'll post updates on my training, travels and racing throughout the season.
Any comments and/or questions please don't hesitate.
-mike