Quiet Week

It's been a quiet week in Lake Wobegon...

It wasn't supposed to be like this. I returned from my trip full of energy and enthusiasm about getting started on my training program, picking up the marathon preparation where I had left off, sailing at least four times this week, working out...

Instead I came down with what my wife calls a bad cold but which I think is actually acute bronchio-pneumonio-laryngitio-sinusitis, or it might be black lung, legionnaire's disease or SARS. Anyway I've felt like shit all week. So no sailing since Sunday, no running, and no other exercise -- and I had to abandon my plans to sail in the Surf City Regatta this weekend.

But looking on the bright side, the relaunch of Proper Course has had some unexpected benefits. Thanks to the friends who validated my goals, and special thanks to all of you that came up with some constructive suggestions to my question about ways to improve my sailing. This is exactly the kind of practical help that I had hoped that I might be able to solicit from you by sharing my thoughts on training. It's clear that I had some holes in my plan and the suggestions to work on such issues as wind prediction and awareness, and balance, are something I have to ponder... or at least blog about in the next few days.

Also of great practical help were an offer from a friend who read my blog -- a much better sailor than me -- to come and practice with me over the coming months; a lead from the same friend to a Laser sailor who is living in Portugal near the site of next year's Masters Worlds whom I hope will be able to help with some local weather knowledge; and a very generous offer from a certain equipment manufacturer to provide me with some samples of his products.

So all in all, not a totally wasted week. Now if I can just get rid of this cough I hope I will be able to do some sailing next week.

It's been a quiet week in Lake Wobegon where the women are strong, the men are good looking, and all the sailors (except me) are above average.