#48: Saddle sores and scar tissue

In general, the formula for me to get to Kona shouldn't be that complex:  get stronger at all three sports, learn the game, stay focused and be consistent over the long term. No doubt, over the last 30-45 days, the consistency has taken a serious hit.  Reasons for this were legit; a lot going on.....but if I'm really going to get there, I needed to get things right.  Last week was clearly the mental lift that I needed to get back on track......and I've got the cranky body to prove it.....definitely sore from being back in the saddle.


Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results?


My R hip flexor (the muscle group that helps you to lift in a "marching" motion) has been a little suspect for a while now (I remember talking w/my sister Amy about it in July before NJ State Tri); without a doubt the result of overdoing at one point and some strain.  Mild and tender now and again but never really impeding function.....the PERFECT ache to just ignore if you are someone who thinks toughness is a virtue.....sometimes, this strategy pays off for sure....the body often knows what to do.....but many times.....it's just stupidity.....or insanity if you think Einstein's definition is accurate.....and thus, after realizing that I am indeed an insane dumbass at times.....I decided to not only get training back on track, but get after this R hip.

Not literally

Put your money where your mouth is!
My strategy was simple:  FIRST breakdown and replace my running shoes.  If you've been following for a while, you KNOW that I'm pretty bad about this....."what's a few more miles?".....well, after scrolling through my blogs, I finally found the entry where I recorded my new pair of shoes.....ooops......February 20th.  Generally speaking 7 months for a pair of sneakers wouldn't be that bad......however that was just the beginning of the more intense phases of Ironman Training and I tacked on an Olympic Triathlon, a 1/2 marathon and a Sprint Duathlon and the training that goes with.  If I was averaging 20 miles per week (which is probably a bit light considering there were weeks where 20 miles was a single run).....I was well past the limit.  So I'm a little lighter in the wallet, but hopefully softer on the joints too.


NEXT it was time to really put some effort into rehab and recovery.  Stretch + massage + inflammation control eventually leading to strengthening and normalcy (defined loosely).  So after some foam-rolling and some stretching, my wonderful wife's willingness to massage the hip (I'm sure there was nooo satisfaction in my squirming in pain as we found tenderpoint after tenderpoint), and some icing.


LAST or should I say last resort, since I don't plan on implementing this unless the others are not helpful.....is to cut back on activity.


Hangin' with the big dogs and finding my training mojo


After my brick on gorgeous (last) Sunday, I committed myself to a solid training week, no matter what; I was going to still focus on the running miles as I still have a marathon in my brain this year (although I may switch plans from Atlantic City to Rehoboth Beach b/c it works out better timing-wise), but I wanted to get at least 1 session on the bike and 1 in the pool.


I realized how far out of "habit" the more serious training has become for me.  

• Monday - Mistake #1: I set out to run a "long run" - was shooting for 16-18 miles depending on how I felt.  I totally miscalculated my nutrition needs and by mile 12 was crashing hard.  I got in about 15 miles, but had to cut it there b/c I felt so terrible.
• Tuesday - Mistake #2: I planned my entire day out and figured the only way I was going to get in the pool was if I targeted 8-9P.  Not my favorite....but got to stay focused right?  Left the house got to the "Y" to swim and realized.....no bathing suit.  I'd be lying if I said the thought of just swimming in the shorts (big billowy cargo shorts) didn't cross my mind, but it ultimately came down to the fact that I had really nothing else to wear on the way out the door and I rushed back home to get it.  Needless to say, this drastically compressed my training time, but I still got a short session in.
• Wednesday worked out pretty well.  Got the new shoes, bought a headlamp and made my way out for a "night run" with a group of guys who, although a bit older than me, have some serious accomplishments under their belts.  It was a good 8 miles.  First run with an "all american" too, as Frances Koons jumped in with us for the first 4 of 8 miles.  Good session
• Thursday - Rehab session
• Friday - stretch and ice
• Saturday - went out with the big-dogs:  Made it up to the columbia trail in time to catch a pretty solid group who was heading out for varying distances:  3 from the Wednesday group, 3 athletes from the NJ-NY Track Club, my brother Eric who is working hard toward a PR at Marine Corps Marathon and me.  Got in around 8 miles with them before I had to cool down and head out.  I've never been much for group runs....mostly b/c my training schedule isn't conducive.....but it worked out well.  Takes your mind off your body....which can be a good thing.

So all said, this week worked out pretty well.  Got about 36 miles in and feel like I'm getting back in the groove.  Still need to catch up on some rest when I can and get back into a more specific training plan.....but I feel like I'm getting more focused.

Next stop pain-free routine and maybe even a training plan!

Here we go,

Mike E.