Been a while since I posted anything, but then Pam and Angie do such a good job and have generally managed to post a summary of the week before I can even think about blogging.
Finished up week 11 of the training plan feeling stronger overall. Training seems to have been going pretty well and I have been pleased with my personal progress, especially as I am starting to feel some improvement in my swimming.. Nothing spectacular, but enough to make me feel that the training program we are on is going to pay off. Monday was the start of week 12, the start of a recovery week and a rest day. During the course of a very restful day my left knee just completely gave out….very sharp shooting pain, then nothing but a dull ache. Happened 6 or 7 times during the day but, by the following morning, it seemed to be OK. No problem with the 1.75 hour bike, but the knee did not feel great when I got off the bike. Managed to do the 45 minute run without a problem, albeit at a 10 minute pace. However, the afternoon saw the knee collapse numerous times and by this morning it was fairly well swollen. Swam easily for half an hour (as I don’t kick much…not a big problem!!) but could not run afterwards. Lots of ice, compression and rest today but the swelling is not going away. Have an appointment with the chiro tomorrow.
Am hoping this is just a very temporary set back, As I have arthritis in both knees having some pain is not unexpected, but having my knee collapse altogether is little out of the ordinary. Feels like a pinched nerve…hope it is nothing worse.
About Paul
Background
Retired, living in La Crosse Wisconsin USA for most of the summer and in Isla Mujeres, Mexico for the winter.
Am 64 years old, but will compete in the 65 to 69 age group in the WI Ironman in Sept 2011.
Married to Brook who provides enormous amounts of support and encouragement, not to mention making sure I eat the "right" stuff. She knows more about my nutritional needs than I ever will, which is about 10 less things to worry about!
Have two children from a previous marriage and four grandchildren. Matthew, my elder child, is 42 and has just completed his third Ironman in Western Australia, finishing in 10 hours 56 mimutes.
Athletic Backgroud
Played Rugby Union at school and on and off through most of my early adult life. Played my last game at 36.
Started running with the Hash House Harriers when I lived in Bahrain back in the '70's. Never got too serious about it though.
Ran in a few 5K and 10K races in the '80's, but had no interest in competing. Ran my first marathon in Chicago in 1990, more to prove I could run one than anything else. Did not run another until the Madisom Marathon 13 years later, after training with Pam through the winter, and there are lots of stories from that race. Ran another marathon a year (2004) later and PR'ed at 3:52. Have run lots of 5K, 10K and half marathons since. I enjoy running now more than I ever did, largely due to becoming more involved in the local running club and also because of the track coaching from Angie.
Have owned a bike on and off since I was about 15, but did not get serious about road and mountain biking until I came to Wisconsin in 1989. Have competed in various mountain bike and road bike races since then.
Learnt to swim when I was about 12, but never got involved in any races.
Was introduced to triathlons in the '90's when I was on vacation in Australia. My son, Matthew, told me he was going to do a tri and I should come along and have a go as it would be "fun". Had no real clue as to what I was doing but I did not finish last and I really enjoyed it. Have competed in two Ironmans, both in 2004. The first was Wisconsin and the second Western Australia, which I did with my son. Matthew is coming to compete in Wisconsin in 2011 so I get the chance to race with him again.
