It was another expensive day in triathlon-land. I had to buy new speedplay pedals, they couldn't fix my old ones. With pedals and a couple other little items, I left the shop with my wallet $240 lighter. The good news was they were able to fit my bike in for a tune-up and it didn't cost me anything. I told them my gears weren't changing smoothly and they found my rear derailleur was bent. I'm sure it must have happened in transport from China back to Toronto.
All day I've been thinking about my Achilles. The more I think about it, the more I think it's stress related. I think my bodies muscles tightness is effecting it. Right now I have a lot of important time-sensitive projects I'm working on and I think that's the cause. Even my upper back and neck has been tense for some time.
Building on the theory that's it's stress, I know the only way to improve is to relax and not let it bother me. I decided to try a long run again tonight, this time with a different attitude. Once I started thinking of work, I took a deep breath and tried to let it go. I also tried to run as "laissez-faire" as possible.
When my Achilles started bothering me during the run, I tried to loosen up and clear my head. It helped. I was able to complete the run and was still able to walk afterwards. The run wasn't easy, especially the first 35 minutes. My lungs and legs weren't as strong as I'm used to, although, with all things considered I was pleased with my overall pace and heart rate on a very hilly course.
When I got home, I stretched, massaged my legs with "the stick" and have forced myself to lie down with my legs bent. I'm forcing myself to try and "hang loose". I don't know if it's going to work, but I figure I have nothing to lose.
Today was my second day of clean eating. Last night my body was burning up. I'm sure it was working on getting all the bad stuff out of my system. I also been tired for the past two days and have needed naps.
This week, for the first time since China, I feel like I'm getting back to my normal training routine and state of mind. It's a good feeling.
Long Run - 2:00:01 / 23.46 km / 5:06 pace / 140 avg hr.
183.6 lbs / 22.5 BMI
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8 comments:
B
Glad you are feeling great again, just keep it up. All in the mind?
Work can do that to a man.
J
Dude... how have I never thought of a beer holder like that?! Finally a use for our plunger =D
Keep up the hard work... take it easy at your race this weekend!
J, mentally great, physically, still paranoid and stiff. I'm hoping it's mental. I'm going forward with the idea that it is and trying to adjust accordingly. I should know in about a week. But it wouldn't surprise me. Also, good luck on Sunday, I'll be rooting for ya. I can hardly wait, you seem so ready to tear up that course.
M, thanks. Isn't that a great idea, I love it too. haha.
B
On the comeback trail! Sounds like a physical and mental turnaround for you... excellent.
A bought a shirt off cafepress PFG site today...I'm not going to wear it until I complete my first Tri.
It will feel better than any medal they give out!
-Derek
I find it so interesting how your body reacts to clean eating.
I'm so excited you are racing in a normal time zone this time.
What was that for breakfast in the picture? It looks good.
you're quite right about your muscles been to tight as a reaction to stress and that affecting your achilles... it's a good try to train your mind to sort it out, good on you!, I'm still taking notes!
D, thanks, so far things are looking up. Awesome on getting the shirt. I'd love to see a picture of you wearing it and I'll put it on the PFG blog. haha.
A, thanks, I feel much better.
T, that is poached eggs on rye bread.
Thanks V, your much too kind.
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