Good Morning!

Strange times are upon us! While most on this email list are from MN where a ‘stay at home’ order is in effect, we are all trying to get out the door and get in some exercise….training, in other words. I encourage that. We are in the process of sending out some MN Biathlon training plans at present and the training year 2020/2021 starts on Monday.

But all sorts of concerns arise. 34,000 new infections were tabulated yesterday in the US, though only 85 were noted in MN, probably from lack of testing as the death rate in MN is over 3%. So whatever you do—keep your distance from others not in your normal household. And remember, heavy breathing from exercise causes a lot of lingering virus hanging in the air—so really spread out on trails when others are around.

The other factor is your immune system as the above article addresses. Our plans are for fairly light hours of intensity this time of year, focusing primarily on building endurance with overdistance work and strength. Keep the intensity sessions short and recover well before going hard again.

Good coaches have recognized for years that after a hard workout or race, the athletes’ immune systems are depressed for a period of time. That is the worst time to be social and to stand around coughing on each other. Keep that firmly in mind when you are out on your daily workout!!

Stay safe, be careful!
Bill Meyer, Coach