It's always easy to point fingers when there is a setback in life. This one is my fault, although I am convinced it started in Vancouver during the Olympics (which was the last time I blogged - yikes).
Those 25 amazing days were also 25 exhausting days. I didn't realize it at the time because we were so driven by the Olympic buzz, but my body was breaking down little by little every day. I would wake up early to get in a workout, then proceed to work 16-18 hours. No rest and no days off makes for a very unhappy inside!
When I came home, I didn't take time off to rest then either - I just kept training. Swim, bike, run, swim, bike, run. Some aches and pains began to develop. It started with my lower back, then went to my left hip and eventually to the right hip. The pain was "do-able" though and with massages and a few trips to the chiropractor, I thought I was OK. I wasn't.
In mid April I went for a 6 mile training run. I had it perfectly timed before I had to pick up the kids from school. I knew something was wrong from the start: my gait was completely off but like an idiot, I kept going. My right hip really hurt, but the pain subsided about mile 2 so I figured I was fine. Wrong.
About mile 4, the pain was back and excruciating. By mile 5 I really needed to walk but coudln't because if I did I would be late to get the kids. Lesson learned to give more time for those "just in case moments!"
Long story short, that night I could barely walk, climb stairs or pull my pants on standing up. I walked with a cane for a couple days. Over the next couple weeks it got a little better but my limp was very noticable. Finally I made an appointment with a hip specilist.
The initial diagnosis with Dr. Xenos at Steadman Hawkins (who is awesome) was simple enough - likely a torn labum muscle in my hip. But after the MRI, the story was different: the initial stages of a stress fracture AND fraying of the labrum muscle. A stress fracture and muscle tear? Wow.
For two weeks I was on crutches to eliminate any weight bearing activities which helped so much. Thankfully both problems were caught early and once they heal I shoudln't have any lingering issues. My limp is almost gone now and I've been cleared from the crutches unless I have a "bad day".
Unfortunately most of my kick butt events are out the window. No Triple, No 70.3 Boulder, No Ironman in November. I'll be lucky to be ready for one triathlon this summer and I usually hit 3-4! Thankfully I have been able to bike during this time will be able to ride in my 14th Courage Classic at the end of July, which is very important to me.
I have taken my workouts down a notch which is not easy for me. I usually climb hills on my bike with great ease but have had to slow down and spin my pedals like crazy so I'm not pushing too hard. It's tough to pass guys that way but my ego is coping :)
I have decided my new motto is something Dr. X told me last week: "Let pain be your guide." No more working through pain on any kind of workout. If it hurts, stop and rest. For most people this makes naturally sense, but for us "Type A" folks, it's very tough to stop and rest.
Truth be told, this injury couldn't have come at a better time: I still turned 40 this month and have two amazing vacations planned with my family. I'm ready for the R&R.
Now, where's the pool boy?
