As I sit here writing, my left knee is throbbing for reasons
I do not understand. I’m entering my 3rd week of discomfort. It does not seem to be caused by running. I’ve also
limited my cycling (mostly because of weather and work) this month and can’t believe
that it is the result of overuse. It can hurt when I am sitting and having a
generally restful day. My podiatrist thinks it will go away and I’m hoping that
he’s right but this is exactly the time that I was planning on starting my
weekly long runs so it is more than frustrating to be sitting here—both in
discomfort and with the uncertainty that comes with not knowing when I'll will
get better. I’m doing the stretching that he recommended, plus icing, and
Advil/Arnica, but nothing seems to be having much of an effect.
That said, this is the time of year to remember what we are
thankful for. Even with a throbbing knee sidelining me, there are plenty of triathlon-related
items for which I feel blessed. Here are just a few of them:
My overall health: While this would be easier to write
without the knee pain and the surgery I had earlier in the year for plantar
fasciitis, the fact is that I have the ability to swim, bike and run at a time
on a regular basis. Since some people have trouble even walking up stairs, being generally healthy is something that I should
never take for granted.
Iron Mitch: For inviting me to participate with Triathlete
Magazine, and the entire Triathlete Magazine team for indulging me. (By the way, Mitch blogs here.)
Versus TV, Fox Sports, & Tivo: For
having an ITU or Ironman race waiting to be watched while I'm on the indoor trainer.
My family: For allowing triathlon to transcend
occasional hobby/activity to an all-consuming lifestyle.
WTC: For bringing Ironman to China and giving me a race I am
truly excited to be doing.
My Masters Swim Friends: They turn what could otherwise be drudgery
(swimming back and forth in a 25 meter pool) something that approximates a social event.
There are of course many more but this is enough to remind
me how lucky I am to be able to participate in this sport and something I can
never take for granted--throbbing knee notwithstanding.