“That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 2:10

During the bike ride at High Cliff on the 15th I injured my left leg just above the ankle on the outside of my shin. It didn’t affect me much until the race was over–then I was limping pretty good. After some analysis, thought, and help from a PT friend, I’m almost certain the injury occurred riding up the hill first thing after starting the bike portion of the race. It’s a strain, from pulling up on my pedals during that long ride up the big hill. It was pretty bad for a few days that first week, but I did a lot of taping and icing until I felt okay with getting some more motion back… then I switched to kinesio tape, some stretching and exercises I got from the PT mastermind, and plenty of heat/ice intervals. Tonight I did my trail run at Lapham Peak and averaged a cool 6:57. Nothing to brag about, but my leg worked! PT Mark had told me on the pain scale that a 3 is okay, 4 is not. He was talking about my stretching and exercises, but I figured the same would be okay for the run. I’d say the first 15 minutes were a zero, then the muscles fatigued and I hit my 3 barrier before I finished. Didn’t feel too bad at all, but I don’t think it would’ve lasted for too much longer. I had ice packs with me so I got ice on it right away like a responsible rehabbing athlete does… Then I went to the pool and swam. Little more icing in the evening and it feels okay right now. It’s a tired sore, but not bad and I’m betting the night’s rest will have me ready to hit the cycle trainer in the morning for a light spin.

I’m ready to begin resuming my training regimen. So what is the damage?

• Lost 2 weeks of bike and run training, during the meat of my training schedule, following a 1.5 week taper before the half IM. I’ve lost a lot in both categories by this point. But I didn’t lose it all.
• I will lose several more weeks of high level training as my leg continues to heal. I’ll be able to train going forward now, but it will be pretty light this week and I don’t know how long it will take to be able to get back to where I was. But I will get there.
• Gained a few pounds of unnecessary weight. Few too many depression doughnuts over the last two weeks… But Chelsea cut my hair yesterday, so I feel much lighter now!
• My improbable goal has become much more improbable. But I have not given up. We never know what opportunity might be our last. Live like it’s your only shot, because it really is. You only race once. #YORO

I need help. But we’ve still got this.