Rest, recovery and now building back since the bike crash
Well, it’s been a little over 5 weeks since another athlete collided with me on the bike course at Longhorn 70.3 and caused me to do a high-side flip, break my pelvis in 3 places and rip chunks of skin off my body. 
Due to the significant pain I was in after the crash, I obviously rested and had to stop training.
The first week was difficult, but I was disciplined with my sleep, rest, lower caloric consumption and solid nutrition in hopes I would be back to training after a couple of weeks. Weeks 2 and 3 were really tough. I often found myself feeling sad, angry and frustrated. Thanks to great friends, athletes and family, I worked to relax and essentially enjoy some of the downtime. Rob and I actually went to two movies (we’ve only been to 3 since we’ve been together over the past 9 years! So now we have 5 under our belt). 
We saw more movies at home in 3 weeks than we’ve seen in the last year! It was really good to just chill out and let my body heal. I even let myself gain a few pounds. Actually 7 lbs- yikes! 
But, I knew that if I rested now, I would be back much more quickly and even stronger for allowing my body to recovery fully!
Rob and I are big believers in taking a full 2 weeks off at the end of the season. This produced tons of success for Rob in college and it’s really lead to big gains in my triathlon career as well. We intended on doing this 2 week brake after Clearwater anyway. So, we just ended up resting sooner. And, I actually had to take more time off, but that’s okay. I know it’s so hard for so many of us "Type A," driven, Endurance Athletes, but once you actually do it...take 2 full weeks off, totally recover and refresh, you’ll be a believer too! You will see huge performance gains in your next season!! 
So, I’m once again proving that rest makes you better! I’m already back to training!
Another huge help, along with diligent rest, is quality nutrition. Although I focused on good foods, as we always try to eat well, I unfortunately, forgot to take my MAP in the first 2 weeks after the crash!
I’m so used to taking it before and after training sessions and with no training - I just forgot! I am sure many of you associate quality nutrition and even taking your MAP with training. But, I am changing this association and reaping the benefits now!
After my MRI results, I emailed Dr. Minkoff of Body Health and he recommended I not only get back to taking this amazing amino acid combination, but that I actually up the does to about 12 a day. MAP is the perfect amino acid designed for human health. MAP, previously called, Biobuilde is shown to be 99% bioavailable-meaning you absorb the needed amino acids! With this formulation, you receive all the benefits of quality protein such as speeding recovery, building muscle and keeping your bones strong. It’s not just for training! Well, I knew this as I started MAP years ago after a hip stress fracture and "knock on wood" - I’ve been good ever since!
The crash was a huge set back, but hey - it could have been much worse with many more broken bones after the impact I underwent!! Well, with MAP back on board over the last 3 weeks, my diligent rest, extra sleep and quality nutrition, I’m coming back already from 3 pelvic bone fractures! I went 1 week with no pain from walking and sleeping and started easing back on the Elliptical. Then, I slowly eased back on the trainer, riding for 1 hour, then 1.5 hours then up to 2 hours. Over the past 8 days I have now been averaging 2 to 3 hours every day on the trainer! I’m loving my new Ceepo bikes! I’m finally feeling so much better! I have gained my strength back and dropped the weight! I’m confident with this controlled and consistent training, 2010 is going to be outstanding! 
Thanks again for your support, encouragement and excitement! Have a great Holiday Season and keep in touch on how your downtime is going!
-Coach Kel
Oh, and if you want more info on MAP click here!
Posted by on 11/30 at 10:54 PM
Coach Kel's Training and Racing •
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