It would be a hard one, not only by the high level athletes, but also by leaving two bad results on this mini Oceania season.
When there is no results, there is excuses and I hate giving excuses!!
I am actually pretty glad and happy, and kind of against my will I'm writting down this lines about these excuses. Only because I am really greatful for everyone who is cheering for me, so I wanted you to not worry and let you know that I am very confident for the rest of the season!!
(The exact time I quitted at Gold Coast WTS, live broadcasted by ITU.org)
Back in November 2014, while I was still planning the 2015 season, the Brazilian Federation finally posted the trial rules for the Toronto PanAm Games, and the only chance to run away from the subjective criteria was to be in the top 50 on the Olympic Ranking until May. In a talk to Grant Holicky, my coach, we decided to go for it!
It wouldn't be easy, in the same November, my thyroid problem was in it's summit, my cholesterol levels hit 275, the highest ever, testosterone levels on the floor and in a VO2 máx test I discovered a 30% deficit on what I used to test. Exam repeated by physician suggestion, the doctor thought his equipment needed calibration!
But it was me, the "VANYA" biological machine wasn't efficient as it used to be. I even looked for hormonal replacement, but it would be another novel to have a Federation help on getting the burocratic clearance over the anti-doping agencies.
(Gold Coast WTS start, the second from front to back)
I have researched more, dug really deep, and also had a help from a friend who studies Epigenetics, and gave me a really good point of view on how our brain is linked to everything, including thyroid function.
It was so much stuff, that I can't really tell what made the difference, maybe a bit of everything! But the great part is that before leaving Brazil I did one more blood test, and TSH (thyroid related) level was back to a normal pattern, and the better, with not taking any medicinal drugs!!
But as everything can't be perfect, I had a strong sinusitis, days before travelling to Australia...
In the first two races, I was still feeling weird, recovering fom antibiotics. But for my surprise I didn't feel so bad while racing, couldn't perform great, but definitely a different feeling. Three weeks later in Gold Coast, also felt good, but really missed speed, missed VO2!!
I think the machine is now adjusted, metabolism working well, but it's needed to regain lung capacity, lactate tolerance and all this characteristics that need several hundreds of miles to build it up. It should take some time, but with the Rio Olympic Games approaching, no time to waste, and I will be racing at 80, 85, 90% of full potential, until I can get closer, if not better, to what my VO2 used to be!
It was so much stuff, that I can't really tell what made the difference, maybe a bit of everything! But the great part is that before leaving Brazil I did one more blood test, and TSH (thyroid related) level was back to a normal pattern, and the better, with not taking any medicinal drugs!!
But as everything can't be perfect, I had a strong sinusitis, days before travelling to Australia...
In the first two races, I was still feeling weird, recovering fom antibiotics. But for my surprise I didn't feel so bad while racing, couldn't perform great, but definitely a different feeling. Three weeks later in Gold Coast, also felt good, but really missed speed, missed VO2!!
I think the machine is now adjusted, metabolism working well, but it's needed to regain lung capacity, lactate tolerance and all this characteristics that need several hundreds of miles to build it up. It should take some time, but with the Rio Olympic Games approaching, no time to waste, and I will be racing at 80, 85, 90% of full potential, until I can get closer, if not better, to what my VO2 used to be!
Right now I am the 4th Brazilian on the Olympic Ranking, to contest one of the 3 national spots, so no time to lower the guard, thanks everyone for the encouragement and see you in the Panamerican Championship on May 2nd, in Mexico!
