Triathlon - Loss of power

I have been road biking for a little over a year now. Until recently, I have had no trouble maintaining power on flats and on climbs. I rarely ever had to drop down from the middle ring on any terrain. Recently (the last two months) I have noticed a drop in power. More often than not I now find myself having to use my small ring on climbs. I also find that my ability to sustain power on the flats has dropped as well. I cannot figure out why this is happening and I am very frustrated. I am training more now then in the past. I currently ride ~ 200 miles a week and run ~ 20 miles a week. Does anyone out there have any ideas as to what could be causing this loss of power?

A couple of thoughts. Could you be over training? I am trying to build up my miles, and found that I was just flat. I read the Triathlon Bible and when he spoke about overtraining, it was describing me. Check your morning heart rate before you get out of bed and then check again after you give yourself a few days off. If it comes down more than a few points, I'd think about over training as a possible cause.

I'd also make sure your hydration and nutrition have kept up with your training.

Here in the Central Valley of California, the heat has been turned on for the summer--so I'll have to try and get some early rides in.

Good luck

a.c.

One thing I find when I move my training to the next level is just that - "a slight drop in performance" as well. This is where extra sleep, fluids and high quality foods can help. As well as energy products like that available from e-caps. http://www.e-caps.com/za/ECP?PAGE=PRODUCT_CATEGORY&CAT=HAM&OMI=
Products such as Race Caps Supreme, Anti-Fatigue Caps, and Liquid Endurance to name just a few I use.
Another great product I use is "Amino Vital" very quality product.