Rest Sucks

The past month I've been able to log some good training. I've hit a few long rides, runs, and even an open water swim. Last week I had planned to go easy so I could start my hard speed work weeks before the big taper for Timberman. I felt great recovering with the slower paced days.

The Tuesday of the slow week I had an opportunity to play softball with a friend and I jumped on it. The next day my hip flexors were sore like I had lifted weights. When Sunday rolled around I rode one loop of the Kinetic Half course hard. During the ride I felt a slight pull in my hip but didn't think much of it. A few hours later I had a tough time walking. On Tuesday my hip felt 90% so I opted to play another doubleheader of softball instead of training, figuring it would be easier on the hip. Wow I was dead wrong. The muscle quickly knotted up and I limped through the games.

The injury forced me to chill on the couch and watch the Tour de France all week. I kept wishing I could be tap dancing my way up those mountains. After watching Contador take yellow this morning I felt well enough to try some easy riding. I managed a meager 27 miles at 15 mph before I called it a day. Don't think I'll take any stages with that kind of effort. I probably could have gone further but what's the point. It looks like I'll be taking a forced taper this week for Charlottesville International. Bummer since I had planned to train through. Oh well, I hope to be healed and able to race respectable by next Sunday. We'll see how the week goes.

UPDATE 7/23/09: Had a decent tempo run yesterday but still experienced tightness and pain. Probably brave some bike training tonight to see if its a go for Sunday's race.