Illness

It has been almost a decade since I have been ill enough to warrant taking time off of work. Normally I just use my sick leave to extend my weekends, so coming back after an illness is not something I’ve had to do very often(thank goodness), and after an amazing year of racing(for me), I’m both upset and glad with it’s timing.

On the negative side, getting sick takes a toll on the body, so I will lose a decent amount of the fitness that I’ve been able to sustain this late into the year. Granted I will have only been off the bike for a week, but it will take at least another week before my body gets back to being able to do regular workouts. Traditionally I would enjoy a break from being on the bike, but I haven’t wanted one. I’ve been enjoying my offseason rides, exploring new roads, and rediscovering some that I haven’t ridden in awhile.

On the positive side, the timing couldn’t be better. My race season is over, and I was just starting my offseason training. I have raced more this season than any other, almost twice as much as previous years, and have made huge gains in my mental and physical prowess. If I had gotten this sick during my trip to TOAD, I would have been devastated, mentally and physically.

It’s hard to accept but with the mentoring of my coach, and some good drugs, I will get back on the bike soon enough and start working towards my 2019 goals once again.