Sore throat - ulcer!!

The antibiotics are having no effect on the throat. I can pinpoint the exact spot which is sore with the tip of my finger and I've been trying to have a closer look at it in the mirror. Unfortunately, it is in a really awkward spot, which is not easily visible, so I have been like a contortionist, opening my mouth, pulling my tongue out of the way with my fingers, trying to angle my head towards the bathroom mirror so that the light illuminates the spot. It didn't work. So, I got the torch and repeated the process - daughter was most interested in this whole performance. As I was starting to suspect, I have a massive ulcer. It's on a bit of my mouth/throat which is opening and shutting every time I eat/talk/call the kids. I looked through my training diary and see that after most sportives or big rides, I develop an ulcer. Usually, they heal much more quickly than this and I think it may have something to do with the position of the ulcer as it is constantly being aggravated. I did a quick search on the internet and found that ulcers may be related to deficiency of iron/zinc/b vitamins so I added a multivitamin to my morning concoctions.

I've been feeling very lethargic and woozy these last few days but it's hard to know how much of that is due to the heat and humidity. Last night was cooler and I think that I only woke up once during the night. I certainly feel much better today and really want to go for a ride. I just text Joe to tell him the latest and he has asked me to do a 1hr 20min ride and see how I recover during the day.

So, that's where I'm up to. If it was the Etape tomorrow, I would definitely be riding. As it is just a training event, I don't mind if I miss it. We're only 16 days away from the big one and it's more important that I'm fit and well for that.

I'm taking the kids to the cinema today and then coming back to watch the opening stage in Monaco. Can't wait :-)