Amazing how a big goal like Iron Man Kona can create an emotional roller coaster. As mentioned previously, I have had my fair share, in fact more than my fair share, of injuries during my build up and unfortunately the neural hamstring strain is not going away. I envisaged having my biggest training week ever this week – around 24 hours. That was thrown off course on Monday evening after a 10km run were my hamstring flared up to the point I could hardly walk on Tuesday morning.
Tuesday night was a huge low point for me – I was ready to pack it all in and give up on the Kona dream. I literally cried myself to sleep wondering if it has all been worth it. In desperation I turned to something I have never tried – Chinese therapy:
A certain Dr Peter McKendry came recommended and I felt I was at the point were I was willing to try anything. I will generally try most things in my life and if they work or are good then great – if not then I have learnt something. Today was treatment number 2 and I managed a pretty hard bike session this evening – pain free. Not that the hamstring bothers me on the bike but Tuesday morning was bad, even on the bike.
Another huge factor is support – I would say nearly impossible to do this completely solo – its too hard on mind and body. Without my wife’s encouragement and her utmost belief that I can make this happen and my coach, Lucie, giving me advice based on experience, I wouldn’t get through this. Lets see what tomorrow holds!