Back to work - Part II

I can't blog properly at the moment because a) I don't have any exciting races to report, and b) my brain isn't working properly since acquiring glandular fever. It started with what I thought was a strained neck muscle and normal fatigue from training. But then the fatigue, aches and pains got worse and my glands started to swell.

Sure enough, a blood test confirmed glandular fever and rest was ordered. The only problem with this treatment is that it works. You rest and you feel better. When I sit on the couch all day I feel ok. I feel like I can start doing things. But things, like taking a shower, cooking dinner or reading don't take long to tire me out. I'm on a see-saw at the moment, trying to balance my activities with rest.

I got it wrong initially. I was feeling good and it was my birthday. So we had an extended birthday dinner or two, with a quick chat to some high school students the morning in between. It was a bit of a mistake, doing too much too quickly, and I went downhill fast. My glands swelled to the point where swallowing was excruciatingly painful and I could do nothing but sleep and complain. It took almost a week to recover from the swollen glands but a short course of steroids did wonders making my life instantly more enjoyable.

So now I'm back on the see-saw. I am so sick of the couch and watching TV and the little outings I am able to go on are gold. I am making progress and can't wait for the day when I am able to go for a short spin, then a long spin and finally get into training again. Some people will use setbacks as a sign to give up or stop but to me they show me how much I do enjoy training, competing and even working!

Back to work

My time away was awesome in many ways. I had some really succesful meetings, presentations, interactions, excursions, meals and of course shopping expeditions.

Not every presentation went to plan and the last talk I gave really tested me as my computer completely froze. I had 15 minutes left and was left to talk from memory, using my hands to demonstrate what would have been on the screen. Most people that know me will appreciate how unusual talk this long is for me. But it worked, so much so that the French women harassed me at every point to answer questions, even whilst I was washing my hands in the bathroom!!

I've been home for 2 weeks now. The PhD is approaching the finish line, I ensure you the sprint is about to start (and it's long and uphill). Cycling is giving me a nice distraction, I just wish Bec wasn't so strong because she's wasting no time getting me back into shape.

Sunday morning I was back out at Champion Lakes. In some ways I wanted to do the TT so sson after getting back so I would start to appreciate pain again and see how bad my fitness is. The times can only get quicker!!

The conditions were crazy! People with discs were forced to ride at 45 degrees. I don't know how so many people rode them. Good practice!! I was on my trusty training wheels, with aero bars my only source of aero equipment, it wasn't going to be fast. In the end I was happy with the ride, even if it was my slowest TT ever.

Good to see so many women out, The Tour de Perth must be providing some motivation for tough training. I hear if you register by Nov 4th you'll get your name in the program.

Look out for some pics of me with ET...