Triathlon Training: Back To The Straight And Narrow

I have taken things nice and easy for four days. I had my knee bother me earlier in the week when I tried to ride my bike and decided to just take a few days off. Two days turned into four days and I think it was best. Now, I did eat like a slob and just not worry about anything and I am ready to return.

I have not quite figured out my knee issue yet. I have an appointment for my bike on Wednesday to see if something is not properly aligned, but I need to start with my training. I have gathered the plans for a 30 week Ironman training. I am not signed up for a full Ironman, but the plan works perfectly with where I am on many levels. The plan calls for a Half Ironman on week 22 and that just so happens to be the exact week of my half Ironman in Wisconsin. At that point I can decided to continue the training for a full or shift gears.

By starting the plan now it gives me direction and a focus. The last few weeks I have been following a plan, but in the back of my mind knowing it was not leading anywhere but building a base. This gives me a real purpose. My total training will be 31 weeks starting tomorrow, February 6th. This gives me one week to repeat a week of workouts when I head for vacation and will not have access to a bike.

I feel good. I need to get back in training mode. Taking four days off has been almost too much time. I get cranky and frustrated by feeling sloppy and out of shape.

I hope by the end of the week to have answers to my knee in either a bike adjustment, a knee brace of some sort, or a new bike by going with a tri bike. I need an answer, but just don't have enough knowledge to figure it out on my own. I have gathered outside guidance through Kaminski ART, Healthy Habits, and talking with others. I am eliminating my negative thoughts and thinking positive that by the end of the week I will be back on track. If not, then I will continue to train for my swim and run until I figure it out. It has been frustrating to say the least. I have made some major gains and advances in my training and to have this minor setback frustrates me to no end. I don't have patience for this type of thing, but I know things happen for a reason and there is a lesson to be learned.

Starting tomorrow the "official" training begins. I will keep things nice and easy and do it right from the start. It will be hard to fight the urge to push forward too soon. 31 weeks is a long time and I need to remind myself that this is a long journey. Pushing too soon will only lead to more injury.

GETTING IT DONE! takes off tomorrow. I look forward to this next phase of the journey. I hope you follow along. Here is to a day. Coffeechug is ready!