I've just spent the past week on the 'Rehab' list... my left knee is giving me problems. NO - not NOW!! I've got too much bike training to do!!!
Isn't that always the way..?
By last Friday evening, I had resigned myself to the fact that, in fact, I may not make it to Timberman 70.3. The best laid plans and all that crap... It was a sad realization but truthfully, I just don't know when it will be down to the nitty-gritty of whether or not I have to pull the plug if I'm injured and cannot complete my necessary training to get me up and down those darn hills....
I'm such a dweeb... I was so focused on the 'clear blue waters of Lake Winnipesauke' that I forgot to note that it's a HILLY course!! I no longer fear drowning. I am not afraid of a long run - even in the heat of summertime. However, I do fear for my knees as I try to stomp my pedals to get up hills amidst mutterings, groanings and prayers for not blowing out my knee during the ordeal... damn, damn damn...
Lunatic Ravings:
- What if a new rear 12-27 cassette is not enough to get me up the hills? What if I'm just not strong enough yet?
- What if this is as good as it gets?????
- what if I climb up but am scared to zoom down the other side?
- what if I fall?
- what if I have to WALK my bike up a hill if my knees are screaming at me?
- What if I set my race goals too high??
- What if I can't complete my training... will I have let my coach (JJ) down?
- Will Eric be disappointed in me?
- What was I thinking, signing up for this stupid race, anyhow????
- What if...?
Finally, I got GERTRUDE to shut the hell up (yes, I have JUST named that raving loony-tunes LUNATIC in my head: Gertrude... I don't know why... it just suits her.... perhaps I like the sound of 'Shut UP, Gertrude' said out loud... I don't know...) If Gertrude is your name or the name of someone you love, I apologize - it's nothing personal ;)
Anyway...
After much reflection, I decided that no matter what happens at Timberman or whether or not I actually get to start that race as planned, I'm in the best shape of my life at this time. I've gained strength and endurance and more than anything else - I'M HAVING FUN!! I can swim now! I can honestly say that I love to run now!! I'm still afraid of getting stuck in my clipless pedals but... aside from that... I enjoy riding my bike through the country!!! It's all good. LIFE IS GOOD.
I've had 3 visits to my favourite physiotherapist and spent plenty of time in his clinic watching FIFA games while doing my exercises and therapy ;) It's official: I enjoy watching soccer far more than any other team sport on television... not only does it move quickly enough to hold my attention but I can easily spot the ball on the field -- a definite plus! Maybe I'll start photographing soccer games.... but, I digress...
I was talking about my bike training... or Gertrude... or rehab... or something...
Last weekend a bunch of us went up to Muskoka for a training weekend. It was tons of fun! Everyone had their bikes and were out and about, running and cycling the hills of Muskoka.
I took my trainer and rode inside to avoid any further issues with my knee. It wasn't that bad, actually... there were no mosquitoes inside the cottage...
It rained most of the time on Friday and Saturday... Sunday morning was hot and brilliantly sunny. Naturally, I got a horrific sunburn... LOL!
The water is Muskoka (Lake Mary, to be exact...) was lovely - and COLD! Brrrr!!! Holy cow... I figured I'd be okay in my wetsuit and swimcap but within 15 minutes of swimming I had a horrible brain freeze (ice cream headache...) and that was enough fun for me... spent the rest of the time frying myself on the dock...
I hope that it will be warmer than that in New Hampshire!
I got some great shots of Eric (hubby) and friends and will post some of those a bit later...
A good time was had by all!
Now, this coming weekend, I am hoping for sunshine and a pain-free knee so that I can get some much-needed endurance training in! Wish me luck!!
