Alex McDonald Pro Triathlete

For the past 2 years the final touch on my training for the Ironman World Championships in Kona, HI has been racing the Duke Liver Center ½ Iron Triathlon, which has now become my home town race since moving here in 2008. Regardless, of my current racing, or lack there of, this year, I could not let this race go by without being involved in some way. So, despite the rain and early morning start I rode my bike the 20 miles to the race, volunteered for a few hours and then rode home. It was a lot of fun to watch, help out and be involved from a different perspective. My injury and set backs this year finally gave me the time to volunteer.

I have always meant to volunteer more at races, however, with my own training and racing schedule normally very full I always found it difficult to find the time and the energy. This year I have had, at least the time and have found the energy. Between working the expo in Lake Placid to volunteering this weekend I had a great time and have a new found respect for the volunteers and expo workers within the triathlon industry. I would encourage everyone to get involved from a different perspective, if you have raced, volunteer. If you have volunteered, race! ☺

The best part of this weekend was watching my friends and occasional training partners rip it up on race day. Including Timex teammate Eric bean cross the line first!

I have had a frustrating 2009 to say the least. After my hip started bothering me at the end of May and I pulled out of some races in June I finally learned that I had a stress fracture in my femoral neck at the beginning of July.
Although it was frustrating I at least had a diagnosis and could now make a plan for returning to racing. However, my body and my mind apparently need to work on their communication skills. After some set backs while returning to running I have finally realized that I was putting a little too much stress on my self too soon. Not only was this stress physical, but mental as well. I was so focused on getting healthy and getting back on the race course that I was ignoring many of the indications that my mind and body were sending. They were telling me to slow down and not force myself to try to return too soon. After some good conversations with my coach as well as friends and family I decided that I needed to take the pressure off and really give myself time to recover, mentally and physically. As a result it looks as if I will take my “off season” now and focus on rest and recuperation along with my diet and body composition. Let the running return gradually and spend some time with my wife and dog. As a result I will focus on an early season Ironman in 2010 and know that I will return to racing stronger, faster, leaner and more determined than ever! Now pass me that beer and Burger… just kidding coach! ☺