A pass on Budapest. A leg up on 2011.

Check out the great article that USA Triathlon put together about my brother, sister-in-law and me.

So, obviously, I didn't go to Budapest. After a lot of thinking and a very shaky few weeks of training, I made the decision that it was in my best interests to not race at the Grand Final. It was anything but an easy decision, however, I have no regrets about making it. At this level, you cannot race unprepared and with the month of August being as it was, there was no way I was going to be prepared enough to be satisfied with my performance at the Final. I was also worried that racing again would set my recovery back even more.

After long discussions with coaches, friends, family and people I trust, it became clear that taking time off now and getting back to work for 2011 was far more important. So, that is what I am doing. I am taking a real step back - mandatory time off - and I will be back building up for 2011 before most other people have even shut their 2010 seasons down.

I know I have a lot of work ahead of me this off season, so I am actually excited to have almost 6 months until I have to think about racing again. It means that I can finally take the time to do the work that I have been discussing with my coaches but have not been able to do amidst the world travel and races. Having the extra time means we can do things right and really monitor my progress to make sure my body can keep up with the work and stress levels. There is lots of "new" ahead of me... and I can't wait!