The trifecta effect

As I sit and write this month’s update o f ho w my Ironman training is going, I’m feeling the typical f irst signs o f a cold; a sore throat and headache If this is going to develop, it will be the 3rd cold I’ve had in the last couple o f months This might no t seem uncommon at this time o f year when the seasons are changing, bu t it is unusual for me

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Prior to this year, I could count the number o f times that I’ve been ill on one hand, bu t it seems no w to be a common occurrence; The f irst cold I trained through, the second I had to take time o ff. A hacking cough and chest discomfor t does no t go hand in hand with exercise, and you can’t sweat ou t a virus, it’s a my th.

It’s been f rustrating to have a stop/star t beginning to my ironman journey bu t it’s a sign that I need to look no t just at my f itness, bu t at my o verall health and lifestyle

I always have been a sucker for junk food and the white stu ff – sugar! We have a ver y enticing baker y in Sto tfold, a couple o f Cafes and the Co -op all selling my favourite foods o f which I regularly indulge A poor diet especially late at night is never going to give you a good night’s sleep and together, these two issues, are no doubt affecting my immune system as I increase my training and place stress on my body

So if I’m going to do this, and by this, I mean continue to train longer and harder in the weeks and months ahead, then I’m going to have to look no t only at the 3 triathlon disciplines o f swim, bike and run bu t also the 3 factors that are equally impor tant to the trifecta necessar y for a healthy lifestyle; sleep, diet, and exercise.

So if you see me at the Co -op loitering in the far corner by the baker y section, please tell me to pu t the doughnu ts do wn and keep focusing on my Ironman goal…

Mumwith3