While in the hot-tub shifting around with my stomach, I did notice some of the pain I had about 3 weeks ago.  Going to run and swim neverthless to see if some mild exercise will promote the final healing.  Definitely not lifting until the pain is gone.  If the pain worsens like it did before, then it will be time for that CAT scan.

POSCRIPT:  Damnit, I just can't seem to make any traction...I'm 32, I shouldn't have these issues.

From between Tuesday-Thursday night, I have gotten an incredible 8 hours of sleep. It's good to be back home and putting in a full 8 hours per night.

The Colorado Trip was fast-paced with a lot of travel between Denver, Boulder and Ft. Collins...repeat.  I'm beat.

It was a great trip to Colorado Premier Training's wind tunnel.  And thanks to Mike and Aaron for coming along to help-couldn't have done it without them.  We got some great video footage of bike fitting via power analysis and also wind-tunnel fit optimization and helmet optimization.  The tunnel was HUGE, about 360 feet of wind tunnel that recirculates (a big rectangle).  We took Aaron through 3 FTP protocols to determine power vs RPE/HR for 3 arm positions...we then took these three positions to the wind tunnel to see which position was more aero.  Aaron also got to try 3 different aero helmets with unexpected results. 

Mark Cote (formerly from the MIT wind-tunnel) was exceptional to talk to and give us the low-down and run the tunnel testing.  Steve Owen has a great operation to enhance athletes of all levels.

Like Mark Cote mentioned, "Most people go into a store, pick up a bike frame (or other component) and ask 'how light is this?'...what they should really be asking is asking 'how AERO is this?'..."...and it's all about the individual...one helmet can yield totally different results between people just based on the persons aero profile against the wind...same with frames, water bottles, etc...it's not a one size fits all as far as components, but a specific interplay between power output, comfort and aero.

It's usually not about component weight or carbon.  It's about how the rider and his bike presents itself to the air - which is the main thing that you have to expend power to overcome, you have a lot more to overcome with your aero profile then a bunch of component grams.  Your profile and positioning vs your energy expenditure in those positions are your most significant areas to improve before high-ticket upgrades.

You will soon be able to learn everything there is to know about wind tunnels and how the AG'er can benefit BIG TIME and why you may want to consider paying for a session BEFORE you upgrade your wheelset to a deep dish or or disk wheelset (they are comparable prices). I hope to have this video series edited and online December.

I also spent two entire days with Ricci and AJ taking video of drills and core exercises that are part of the training plans here...plus many other articles you will be seeing in the new year.

Ricci got Mark VanAkkeren to demonstrate swim drills.  Awesome swimmer. Read his blog.  We have an excellent video tutorial on doing flip-turns for December.

Phenominal Trip.