Light week.  Mostly b/c of work and a day off for Father's Day. 

Also an odd week.  I'm a big believer that, this far into training, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.  I'd like as few changes as possible at this point.  So, let's count the changes this week.

New bike saddle, new bike fit, new nutrition, and physical therapy.

Saddle:  I wanted a saddle months ago and kept putting it off.  I had decided to get through IM with old saddle but then it litterally started to shred and fall apart.  Kristen and Jack surprised me with a Father's Day saddle last week.  Two rides so far on the Cobb Plus.  Much more comfortable but will take a bit getting accustomed to on the longer rides.

New fit:  I've suspected that I needed it for a while, add to that a new saddle and a bike related IT band problem and it was imperitive.  It had already been scheduled but Dr. Sadri, during my initial appointment, told me to get re-fit ASAP.   Curtis says my new position will be more comfortable, more efficient, and yield more power.  That's a win-win-win.  So far, much more comfortable.  I'll let you know on the rest.  It definately shifted more work from my quads to my hamstrings.  My hammys have never been so fried after a ride and quads never so fresh.  I hope that I have enough time to get my legs in shape for LP.  That said, I finished stronger and faster than I started...that's a good sign.

Nutrition:  My nutrition plan is rock solid and needs no tweaking.  What better time to try something that I've heard great review about.  UCAN seems to work for those following a paleo diet.  If it works it'll make nutrition MUCH more simple on race day.  Success!  Burnt Mountain route on 420 calories of UCAN and a banana and felt great the entire ride and, like I already wrote, I finished stronger and faster than I started.  I'll try it again to make sure but no more gels and 420 calories are very easy to carry. 

PT:  Thanks to Tankboy for recommending Dr. Sadri, I'm confident that I'll be in good order w/in a couple weeks.  A few weeks ago I started feeling IT pain towards the end of rides with lots of long/sustained climbs.  Dr. Sadri said that my IT band is an absolute mess.  It is an overuse injury from weak hips and poor bike fit.  Graston therapy 2x/week, lots of stretching, and hip strengthening exercises.  No time off from training.

Two weeks in a row that I took Tuesday off.  Silly and no need for it b/c I wasn't even fatigued or in need of an extra rest day.  It was, however, nice to spend the evening with Jack.  We had a "guys" night while Kristen worked late.  Reality Ride tonight, fun!!