Disappointing would be the word to describe the initial tri part of my week. I discovered at a bike fitting that I have been compensating for my hip injury by riding with my left knee out on an angle while peddling instead of keeping it in line with my hip and foot. After discovering this I attempted to make the the adjustment and BOOM hip pain. Back, not in its full glory but, right before the Best of the Best Triathlon. I was totally bummed.
And yet, social would be the word to describe my non tri life. With some unexpected rest days and Matthew away for the weekend, I got to spend lots of time hanging out with friends doing fun things.
Monday, I did strength training. I'm realizing that I'm having a hard time incorporating strength training 2 times a week. I need to get better at this.
Tuesday, I went for a drizzly 4 mile run in 38 minutes. Before triathlon, I used to worry about getting my feet wet but, after biking and running sopping wet, I've learned that wet feet are no big deal. Now I love running in puddles and splashing as I go by. Hehe
Tuesday evening I came home to a yummy meal prepared by Matthew and a warm fire. The first fire of the season since it was so cold and drizzly all day. That man sure knows how to take care of me.
I continued to feel pain in my hip even while swimming and as the rest of Wednesday continued, I knew that this injury was not gone and by fixing my cycling technique I was aggravating the injury.. So I took off Thursday. And when it still hurt Friday, I rested Friday too. I was pretty bummed. I had planned to rest Thursday anyway but Friday I planned to go for a ride and I just didn't think it was a good idea especially with the race coming up.
Thursday night, Matthew and I were invited by REI to come to their pre-opening for the new Southlake location since I'm an REI member. It was so fun! It was just for members and not officially open yet but we could buy things and we each got an awesome small REI brand daypack with "Member" embroidered on it! They also provided free food and drinks. It was fun to do something different during the week.
Saturday morning I woke up and knew that I had to do something to get my body ready for Sunday so I did a 2 mile jog around the neighborhood. Thankfully, my hip didn't hurt too bad but oddly enough, the inside muscle between my groin and thigh hurt terribly after and for the rest of the day :( My guess is that I spent Thursday and Friday walking/carrying myself funny and now have this soreness due to that. (Great.)
Sunday morning, I was pretty nervous while getting ready but felt a sense of calm after I arrived and went into race mode, getting body marked, setting up transition, etc. I mentally decided, that I would continue with my bad knee out of line technique for this bike to avoid further irritation of the hip and to just give it everything I've got while listening to my body. And guess what!?!
I got 2nd place in my age group!!! (I'll do a whole race report later this week) I couldn't be more excited/thrilled/humbled! I seriously can't believe I have the ability/support to do this wonderful sport! Cheers to the end of 2014!