Since Jesse bought The Well-Built Triathlete by Purple Patch coach and former professional triathlete Matt Dixon, he’s been raving about Matt’s techniques and what Matt calls the pillars of performance. Matt, formerly known as the “recovery coach,” endorses key workouts during the week to improve fitness (high-quality workouts rather than mindless volume) and recovery workouts and rest days to ensure consistency. One of the pieces from the book that I find most fitting to myself is how Matt describes chronically fatigued athletes: tired all day and alert at night. That description, along with the other warning signs he describes, hit a little too close to home. My own struggles with sleep and fatigue, including jumping into marathon training after training for an Olympic triathlon, have made me re-think my own workout regimen.

Last night, Jesse and I went to A Runner’s Mind, a boutique running store in Laurel Heights, to hear Matt Dixon speak and answer questions and sign books. He was accompanied by professional triathletes Meredith Kessler and Laura Siddal. Meredith and Laura spoke about their respective journeys, with Meredith coming to Matt as an 11.5 hour Ironman and transforming into a world-class champion. Laura recently made the switch from amateur to professional and said that she’s loved the process and support from Purple Patch.

The talk was inspiring and left me wanting to fulfill my goal of completing a half Ironman. Matt wished athletes racing Vineman this weekend the best of luck and mentioned how the course is one of the best. I’m determined to put this race back on my schedule and plan on scoping out the course on Sunday.

While I won’t be toeing the line this weekend, I’ll be enjoying Guerneville, running an “easy” 12 miles, and watching Jesse crush Vineman (while perhaps enjoying a glass of two of wine country’s finest). Have a great weekend!