Rest Week. Fin.

And thank god for that.

It never entered my head that a regimented "Rest Week" would be as tough, or tougher, than a building week. Yet, getting through a week in which I back off is quite mentally straining. Momentum pushed me forward and the excitement that loomed over challenging workouts kept the endorphins on tap. When the tap was turned off, I felt like I hit a wall.

I believe this is a good example of why Periodization and ample rest are so important. The recovery process doesn't happen simply overnight. When ramping up fitness for three different disciplines at varying intensities, the broader scope must be incorporated. This goes far beyond a week-by-week status, let alone day-by-day.

Last year, I ramped up my regiment in preparation for the Escape to Miami. I rested when I felt I needed to, but went hard when I felt I could. Come race day, I felt like I had a decent race. However, I don't think I was in peak condition. If anything, I went in too drained. In the weeks after the race, I had a very hard time getting back into training and ended up withdrawing from the final race of the season because the spark wasn't there in the weeks leading up to it.

Obviously, one of the biggest changes I've made is to trust someone other than myself to plan my training load. KC fully understands how periodization translates into endurance sport, and there's no doubt that I am training smarter than last year.

I wouldn't change anything from last season - it was an incredible learning experience. But I was sure to make adjustments for this season based on my goals. I feel that allowing for adjustment is the most important aspect of my training. Rest weeks, as much as they will make me cringe from now on, are a vital component that I must accept.

On that note, Rest Week officially ended on Friday. Saturday was a solid 65-mile ride in good company of a few Elite Cycling athletes. Got some great pulls in later in the ride and I feel like my position is very well dialed in.

Sunday was a strong 2,000yd open-water swim, then straight to an 18.5-mile run with 10k pace intervals. The run was hot and brutal, but my Zone 4 to Zone 1 recoveries were right on par. Sarasota is looking to be a scorcher, so I want to get all the heat training I can take.