the plumber has leaky pipes

those who've been following my life on Twitter or Facebook are aware that I've been really focused on improving my health + fitness for the past few months. 2008 and 2009 were filled with lots of things that got in the way of my training -- managing a rapidly-growing business along with some health issues to name just a couple of them. but now, I'm back and training with a vengeance and ready to race full-time in 2010.

one of my priorities in making this decision was to hire a coach -- a partner with whom I could plan and execute the training necessary to get me back into fighting shape. I haven't had a coach since 2004, and one of my biggest hesitations was the fact that I couldn't find a local coach with whom I really wanted to work. don't get me wrong, there are so many great coaches in Northern California, but I was looking for someone special -- someone I could really connect with. when I inquired with my current coach about her interest in coaching me, her response was "I would be honored to coach you, Lorri." that's all I needed to hear.

you might wonder why a cycling coach needs a cycling coach, but the reason is pretty simple -- I'm not able to make myself or my training a priority without having someone to be accountable to. yeah, I could write my own training program (I have in the past). but what I was really looking for was someone to view me with fresh, unbiased eyes, to hold me accountable for my training, to give me tough love when required, and encouragement when needed, and to inspire me to greatness.

the proverbial plumber had leaky pipes. so I hired another plumber to fix the problem for me.

the road is just beginning. I hit an all-time high body weight in June (thanks in great part of a terrible prescription drug I was taking). I was riding less in a month than I used to ride in a week. and my body just fought me every step of the way. when I did ride, it was pretty miserable and I'd be completely exhausted for days afterward. something had to happen or I was going to have to change careers. not to mention that my true passion -- riding my bikes -- just wasn't fun for me anymore.

so, I quit taking the drug and started focusing on weight loss. I've gone through two other periods of significant weight loss in the past decade, and I knew exactly what I had to do. I started keeping my fitday.com journal again and monitored every calorie in and every calorie out. to date, I've lost almost 30 pounds, and while I've still got about 25 more to lose, I feel better everyday and I know I'll hit my weight loss goal by the start of the 2010 racing season.

in August, I went back on a training program (with my new coach), and the progress has been remarkable. my weight is down, my power is up, and that means just one thing -- free speed! I'm nowhere near race fitness at this point, but I'm able to ride and recover and I look forward to conquering all my favorite climbs before year-end.

so, there it is! I've got big racing goals for next year and I'm very excited to feel that they'll be attainable. four months ago I was ready to give up the bike forever, but instead, I've been able to turn my life around and enjoy the process of getting leaner and stronger and fitter and faster everyday!