It sometimes seems that bad comes in streaks, and it certainly seemed that way entering this 2005 racing season. In February, I stress fractured my patella following a high volume block of training leading up to IM-Arizona. The result was almost three and a half months of swim focused training and withdrawal from a half dozens races. Injury really keeps things in perspective. It is a blessing that we are able to do what we love. When just riding around the block is taken away from you, this shines through just a little bit brighter. I wish that everyone could experience this, without being Jinjured of course.

Then in early April, following a weekend in the woods with my step-dad, I started to become overwhelmingly fatigued from seemingly nothing. I developed headaches, a low grade fever, hot and cold sweats, and then finally a rash, joint aches, vision problems, along with a hematocrit level that showed I was well below the Anemic Level. After several tests, in early May, I was diagnosed with Stage I Lymes Disease. The good news was that it would be easily treated with antibiotics and I would hopefully be feeling better within a few weeks.

Well 18 days later, and after two weeks of working with Justin Daerr, who I have taken on to help guide me through the season, I found myself in Memphis, Tennessee. I was nervous and unsure of what to expect. I had only one goal for the day, and that was to hopefully see an improvement in the swim.

Race morning arrived and I felt good, though I didn't know what that meant. At least I would look good if things didn't go right. I had my second skin (Awesomely comfy race wear from Oomph!), my new TT helmet and shades from Rudy Project (you look fast just walking around in the thing), my carbon babies as I like to call them (Zipp 404's) and my tasty fuel from Hammer Nutrition.

Memphis is a time trial start, where each racer starts individually 3 seconds apart. I was 833, which meant I would be racing with people around the entire race. This has its advantages and disadvantages, but is something that everyone has to deal with.

It was fairly warm and humid coming from Wisconsin, but the sun looked as though it might hold off, which would benefit everyone. The water temperature was 80*, so no wetsuits would be worn. I started out strong as planned and had few problems weaving through athletes. Just before the final turn buoy, I was able to catch a good draft for most of the way into T1. I stood up and looked at my watch as I crossed the timing mat, 20:15. A PR for me by over 2:30.

As I cruised out of transition I knew that I had to ride hard. I tucked in and just focused. Strong and smooth,I repeated to myself. As I approached 30k into the ride I felt good, but that I should back off a bit if I wanted to have a good run. So for the last 10k I decided to ride mod-tempo into T2. With 5km to ride I got stuck behind a few cars that were let onto the course accidentally. These are the times when seconds feel like an eternity. I kept my cool though and joked with another racer as we weaved our way slowly through safely. As I rode into T2 I was rewarded again; 54:42, though the course is a bit short it was still over 3 minutes faster than my split last year.

I quickly transitioned and once out onto the run course, just tried to relax. I knew that regardless of how hot the Memphis sun got, I would be able to stay cool from the breathability of my Oomph! race wear. I settled into a steady rhythm and tried to pick it up through the hilly run. As I approached mile 3 I knew that things were not going to click on the day, but I ran as strong as I could. I approached a mile to go and tried to pick it up, knowing that I would break 1:55:00 if I could run a sub 5:55 mile. I made the turn onto the grass, which is kind of a balancing act with the ground being so dry, then pushed to the line. I looked down and saw 1:55:00. Just missed that mark, but made most of the other ones throughout the day.

I finished as the 3rd amateur, 8th overall and even more of a believer that good things can come from any situation. I would't have been able to focus on the swim if I hadn't been injured and swimming kept my bike and run fitness through the recovery process. Even better, I won't run the risk or becoming stale late in the racing season.

I want to thank my sponsors and everyone who supports and believes in me through life and my racing. You make the difference! Until next time, BB!!!