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Lessons learned

I’ve now been to physical therapy twice. And I’m definitely feeling better, both physically and psychologically. It seems pretty clear that I’m dealing with a few muscular and connective tissue (tendon) issues that are combining to disrupt my running stride just enough to have caused some pain and swelling around my patella. That being said, the prognosis is good and now I’ve heard from both the doctor and the physical therapist that this is something I should be able to get past pretty quickly. It’s going to take some patience as well as incorporating more strength training and appropriate stretching into my daily routine. In other words, great news so far. I’m not going to run this week, but might try a short run this weekend or early next week, latest. Fingers crossed…

This experience has gotten me thinking about some basic principles of exercise. In order to successfully train and race in endurance sports you have to be willing to learn from prior experiences and take that knowledge and apply it to future events. This is true from the smallest details to the most encompassing racing “truths”. Of course, you train in order to build cardiovascular and muscular strength and endurance, but you also train in order to learn how to race. That’s why during training triathletes do things like laying out a mock transition area so that on race day you don’t have to think about where your running shoes are or where that extra gel is hiding. Athletes also design a nutrition plan for race-day and test it out during training to make sure that they’re getting enough fluid and calories, that everything is laid out comfortably on the bike or in pockets and that the specific products won’t upset their stomach. Over the course of races and seasons, you learn what kinds of training sessions are most beneficial to overall success – maybe I realized that if I’d done more hill work, I would have had an easier time tackling the hills during the race or maybe my swim kick is really weak and next season I’ll spend more time working on just the kick.

The lesson so far this season: the importance of strength training. I really think that I haven’t been doing enough – and not doing the right exercises – to address my physical needs and limitations. I’ve heard from multiple people that my hips are weak and that my quads are being overpowered. I’ve gotten a few exercises from the physical therapist so far and I’ll learn some more on my next visit. I’ve got the dedication to stick with it (and, of course, the fear of what could happen if I don’t!) This is a lesson that I guess I had to learn the hard way, but that’s how athletes learn most of their lessons. I’m taking this one to heart and am convinced that after this bump-in-the-road, I’ll be back stronger than ever.

Indoor Bike – April 5
Time: 45 minutes
Average heart rate: 114

Strength – April 5

Indoor Bike – April 6
Time: 50 minutes
Average heart rate: 111

Yoga – April 7

Indoor Bike – April 8
Time: 45 minutes
Average heart rate: 113

Physical Therapy – April 8

Swim – April 9
Distance: 2,600 yards
Time: 54 minutes

Physical Therapy – April 9