08 recap

// December 17th, 2008 // pz racing

After a hiatus from writing I’m making a comeback! To blogging! Yes. A very tumultuous year has passed. It has been a year filled with some very good times and some pretty low lows. Bought an amazing house last fall in Boulder and have been constantly working on projects fixing up the house and getting the house finished off.

The home was 80% remodeled when we moved in and we were able to finish it off as we wanted. Spent the winter last year bouncing back and forth between Tucson and Boulder. Big miles in Tucson then big intensity in Boulder, all building towards the Tour of California. Started off the year feeling strong but quickly succumbed to the stomach bug in California that everyone else in the peloton was passing around. After California I was constantly having stomach issues, at first thought nothing of it-I’ve always had a sensitive stomach-this time my symptoms weren’t abating so along with my team doctor I decided to go in for a colonoscopy.

Found out I have Crohn’s disease, spent the next few weeks trying to get the inflammation under control so I would make a return to racing. Came back to racing but the whole season I was always playing catch up, never was able to put together a great block of training and subsequently never performed at a high level. I was always strong enough to help the team and be there for our team leaders at the crucial moments but never quite strong enough to ride for the win myself. The medications that I was on for the Crohn’s were bringing about a whole new set of side effects other than the original Crohn’s symptoms.

Finally was able to make the switch to the right medication and the proper treatment, unfortunately for me this wasn’t until after US Nationals and the end of my season. On a positive note though I am now in complete remission and am training hard and feeling better than I have for years. I’ll do my best to keep the blog updated and keep everyone informed with how the preparation for next season is coming. Next year is going to be a great one!

6 Responses to “08 recap”

John Renz says:

December 18, 2008 at 2:48 pm

Hope your back to 100% Phil. It will be great to see you riding strong once again in 2009. Met you a few years back at the Tour of Georgia (Navigators), and have been following your career since. Best wishes for a great 2009! God continue to bless you and your family!

John Renz (Old Navigator Fan!)
philz says:

December 19, 2008 at 1:33 pm

Definitely not OUCH! I’ll happily be on another team, should be making an announcement next week.
philz says:

December 19, 2008 at 1:34 pm

Thanks Shriver, I think we’ll be making an announcement next week with the team. See you at the races! Nice job at cross nats.
Rebecca Wellons says:

December 20, 2008 at 7:49 am

Hi Phil,

I heard about you and your diagnosis of Crohn’s, and found your blog. I race cyclocross and road and also have Crohn’s. I know first-hand how this disease, surgeries, and the side effects of medications affect a competitive athlete. I am very happy to hear you have been able to control your symptoms and are poised for a great season! I wish you all the best.

Rebecca Wellons
rjwellons@yahoo.com
"Meaty" says:

December 27, 2008 at 9:23 am

Hiya Phil,

Good to hear that you’ll be back in the blogosphere and that you are invigorated for the ‘09 season! It sounds like ‘08 was a difficult year and I hope that you can take your accomplishments and hunger into this coming season for a BIG one!! If you come up to Vancouver again for BC Superweek, be sure to give me a shout. It would be great to see you again and and go out for sushi or something equally yummy!
Sour Swinger says:

December 27, 2008 at 3:30 pm

Glad to see you’re back in the blogging world!