Making Deals

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! Hope everyone had/is having a great holiday, full of friends, family - and fun new triathlon gadgets.

My Christmas was full of many wonderful moments - and one unexpected "gift."

Christmas morning, I decided to go for a run. I was actually looking forward to it - and was planning on fitting in 8-9 miles. The weather was the best it had been in days and I felt pretty good - cleansing away some of the extra calories, while making room for more. I was averaging a decent pace for me, while still keeping it easy. Everything seemed great.

Around mile 3, I stopped briefly to take off my sweatshirt. When I started running again, I soon noticed that something felt "cranky" in my foot. I slowed down a little, thinking it was an ache that I could work through. Instead, it worsened and I found myself resorting to some gimpy looking gait. The first loop of my planned route was ending and I walked a bit. My foot was really hurting now and when I tried a few steps to begin the second loop, I knew it would not be a good idea to continue.

The whole thing was so weird, because nothing precipitated the pain. I hadn't twisted my foot, hit a pothole, anything. The only symptom I noticed was that the pain was pretty much in the same place where, about 15 years ago, I had rolled my left foot in a pair of clogs and broke a metatarsal bone.

My family was very sweet and helped me ice my foot and keep it elevated. They took over a few dog walks as I hobbled around.

Sometimes, with the right combination of ibuprofen and wine, my foot would feel better and I'd start thinking the injury was a fluke. Then a few hours later, the pain would return. I made deals with myself and the triathlon gods. I promise to rest my foot for a week or so if this isn't a stress fracture. I promise to complain less about running if this isn't a stress fracture. I promise to....

Of course I am self diagnosing right now, based upon what I've heard from others and what I've read on the internet. At this point, I would be surprised (and very, very happy) if it wasn't a stress fracture. I am going to schedule an appointment with the doctor sometime this week.

In the meantime, no running. Though I can't imagine how people are able to run on a stress fracture. On Friday, I pounded out a decent two mile swim and worked out some frustration. (BTW - pushing off the wall with one leg leads to a sore glute). At this point, I think (hope) I'll be able to swim and bike when Lake Placid training begins next month (please?). And I will be good. I will let the injury heal, even if it means no Shamrock and more walking at Placid.

Much thanks to all my friends and family who've sent positive healing wishes and advice. Especially those of you who've been through stress fractures yourselves.

And now - I am off to try on my bike shoes and attempt a ride on my trainer...

Keeping my fingers crossed.

Barracudas

TRIgirl BL's husband teases us about the Guppies name.

After Ironwoman Canada's workouts this past Monday, Barracudas may be better justified.

300 meters of fly (OK, not all in a row, but the most I've ever done in one workout).

Ab work in between sprint swim sets.

And 60 modified push-up (Not straight through, but 10 after 6 200 meter runs).

Uh, yeah.

Hibernating

Wow, I knew it had been awhile, but I didn't realize almost a month has passed since my last post.

I am not sure if this is a good or bad thing. Like I've found myself waivering on my goal to have no goals for December.

I am hoping this break will be a good thing. I've heard theories of the body and mind needing rest.

To regroup, repair, rejuvinate.

Then agian, I remember, triathlon does not come easy to me. I have to work hard, uh, so very hard, for even the smallest gains.

I remind myself - it is not like I am not training. But 15 hours per week dropped to 10 and is now hovering around the 7-8 hour mark. Where it will probably stay until January.

After some effort, my food consumption is finally rebalancing as well, though not until after a three pound weight gain (that feels more like twenty) that I am trying to graciously accept until my re-committment to training after the holidays.

I also wonder if this reduced exercise thing has played games with my immune system. I've been more sick this month than I've been in a few years.

So, we will see how this little experiment goes.

In the meantime, don't tell anyone, but I am secretly psyched because Sunday includes a great bike with the weekend posse - and a decent distance Christmas light run with the TRIgirls, too.

January - this may be the first year I actually look forward to your arrival.