A little Swine Flu Update

Upon returning from what was a successful training camp in beautiful Gainesville, FL, in which I managed to ride 5 hours for three consecutive days and invoke the wrath of my crotch, I found myself with a slightly compromised immunological system. Aside from the heavy training load, I also lost a little weight and with it, the ability to ward off viruses and other nasty bugs that thrive on weak defense systems. Many thanks go to the Black family for being wonderful hosts ( yet once again) during my stay there. My trips to FL would simply not be the same if not for them.

On Monday, I felt slightly off. On Tuesday, fever had set in and I was unable to move much. Leland picked me up from school ( I was already unable to drive) and took me home. My body temperature was 102F for a while, and I was diagnosed with swine flu.

I usually don’t get sick. When I do, I fight it off rather quickly, or at least, quicker than most. Not this time. Today, over a week after showing the symptoms, was the first day I am even sort of back to a normal routine. It was a nasty bug.

While I am upset to have lost these past 8 days of training which I really needed to do well at PumpkinMan, I am only left with the option of doing what I can, with what I have. I am not changing any plans regarding the event and plan on fighting as hard as I absolutely can come race day.

After that, I will most likely be racing the Chesapeake Man Ironman distance event on Sept. 26. Once again, another event I would have appreciated the extra 8 days of training, but another event I will fight as hard as I can, with what I have.

Onward.