Recovery. It's a hard thing to do and I hate it.

I know it's necessary, but that doesn't mean I need to like it. I've been training and racing for triathlons and running races for many, many years but my need for recovery has never been so important as of late. I don't want to call it "getting older", so let's not.

February and March I saw some of my best training sessions ever, and hit times that I was really happy with, but then I "forget" to recover. I don't want to, I just want to keep going. Luckily my body loves to remind me with it's many un-pleasantries, and so I'm learning to listen a little better. If maintaining my hard training means more rolling, more stretching, more "rest", then I'm game; I'll do it.

 But I won't like it.

With March all done, I'm looking forward to April and getting my spring racing season officially started! I pulled the plug on the indoor trainer last week and officially moved my bike to outside rides!

Nothing better than fresh air! 

I have three scheduled races so far in April. A 5km mid-month and then two more towards the end, on the same weekend; less than 12 hours apart! I can't wait! The double header is a night time trail race on Saturday, followed by an early morning aquathlon on Sunday; the final in the series and my last indoor competition for the year! (And yes, recovery is on my radar!)

Spring has brought us some weird weather, but I've been thankful for the beautiful days that we've had and can't wait for more to come!

Recovery is a bitch, there's no doubt about it. I don't want to do it, but I know I need it, and so I will; because I have many, many more miles in me yet to be discovered!

Bring on spring baby!

This winter has been nuts in terms of what Mother Nature was throwing at us. We've gone from crazy freezing temperatures and tons of snow to above zero and rain; definitely a challenge for training! However on those breakthrough warm days I was able to do things in January and February that I've never been able to do; like ride on the road or run in spring tights and a vest!

February was a great month! It’s the one time a year when we have a (planned) snowy winter bike race in Devon - AKA BikeTown Alberta. In past years I have always played the role of support crew, this year I threw my hat in the ring and raced as well – on my cross bike! SO. MUCH. FUN!

I only went head over handlebars once, which is not bad for my (lack of) skills!

February also brought the one and only snowshoe running race that I was able to do this year. Proud to represent Oiselle with 1^st place OA female.

For whatever reason (most likely my lack of discipline to recover properly, not getting enough sleep or eating the right foods) my weird, odd, tingly, tight lower body injury is trying to make a comeback. But I am doing all in my power to keep it away! Recover, recover, recover!! #trainsmart

My "I am not pleased at injury" look!

Let's bring on those spring temperatures because I'm ready to get into spring race season! Until then I’ll keep sliding on the ice, swooshing on the xc-ski trails and playing in the snow!