Today, May 14, 2007
Ride: 30 miles total. 15 to the shore, 15 back inland. Intensive rolling hills, feeling quite capable, and heart rate monitor proving problematic for first 18 or so miles, then finally calibrated, as did cyclometer. Woo hoo.
Then in the PM, after my Orthopedist appointment, 47 minutes in Zone 3 on the elliptical. Felt great, still dehydrated, and dinner was very late, but felt rewarded.
The orthopedist was pleased with my recovery, as well as the MRI, which displayed no skeletal nor muscular damage, just some minor inflammation. He suggested I run 1-2 miles on a track Friday, as this is the beginning of my third week with no running. Now onto more reflective issues.
I’m beginning to resolve my issues. The old A-Low is beginning to return, yet he is also wholly aware of what needs to be amended, principally.
I am a triathlete. And the demands therein are taxing. And moreover, now that I am lined up to work a demanding job in government, going to law school nights, and trying to stay healthy, leads me to believe I will have thrust upon me a greater burden of responsibility than I have ever known. But tonight something made me realize I can rise.
I had a 2 hour job interview this morning. Then I rode for about 90 minutes. Drove a whole state away, to have an orthopedist appointment, gathered supplies for a 3 day camping trip with close friends starting tomorrow, received “Thank You’s” from friends and family who want to attend my commencement, then drove home to celebrate Mother’s Day belatedly with my Mom, as we were all so tired yesterday. After that, went to the gym, 47 minutes on the elliptical, plus core.
I then drove home in the dusk, near dark, and saw more cyclists still out there getting in their daily ride. Some runners battled the automotive beasts on the dimly lit streets. No dinner yet. No third shower yet. Just my thoughts and my Rover.
I know we as a species, triathletes, are arguably the most determined, time managed, and sharply focused group of humans this planet has to offer. There is pride in us. And there is even arrogance. But I maintain it to be truth.
Its coming back....
The feeling and essence of being a triathlete. It took a damn long time to return, but I can feel it coming back. Its different than marathon conditioning.
Its more of that burning ambition that freaked people out at pre-season
It’s a wholly different animal.
Driving home, the sun going down, and I still hadn't finished a shower
Albeit, I feel more pure, and clean, and honest when I run.
But when I finally sit back, relax, and realize all I accomplish in one day, I feel hardened by it. Not physically toned, but mentally sharpened, and more focused.
I'm a bit scared by the real world right now
Because I'm going to have to make HUGE sacrifices
My job will have me in Boston, and three surrounding suburbs, the closest a 20 minute drive away. Then likely 10 more minutes north of the city for Law School, then back to my apartment, God knows where.
…and somewhere, through some kind of miracle, I'll be training.
