Major Tuneup Action

I'm chillaxin' on the blogging porch after a Sunday of taper-extreme.  I did do an 8-mile run this morning, but it was ultimately pathetic and pretty much my slowest run of the year. The humidity didn't help and the PMS (and subsequent water retainage) also didn't make for a speedy run. Mostly, I'm blaming it on the taper and all of the sluggishness that goes along with it. I've also spent the last few days making and attending various doctor's appointments in an effort to tune up my own engine for it's long road trip one week from today.

If you follow this blog or know me, you've no doubt heard me mention the occasional numbness in my right  hip flexor/quad region that pops up every now and again. Well, in recent runs, it has popped up with regularity turning an otherwise nuisance into a debilitating experience. It's my own fault. I first made mention in January during the 3M Half Marathon. Yep--that was six months ago and I've chosen the week before an Ironman to visit good 'ol Dr. Sellers at Performance Wellness. Actually, that was spurred by Austinite and Professional Triathlete James Bonney who overheard me talking to Michelle about it at the Quarry a few weeks ago. He recommended a little A.R.T. (Active Release Technique), which is essentially part stretching and part massage with a large dose of torture. No wonder I've been putting it off.

The diagnosis?  Some nerve entrapment due to my hips being slightly out of adjustment. The cause? Weak glutes, overuse and lack of stretching...duh...Guess I'm not a "hard ass" after all. I've gone for a couple of treatments that have also included some ultrasound work and electric shocks (or something like that, right Eric??)  Hopefully it will be "tolerable" during the little marathon portion of the race.

I also contracted a little bladder infection last week too, requiring a visit to my GP. I think the taper is making me fall apart!! It sucks enough to pee in a cup and have someone tell you that you have some blood in your urine, but it sucks even worse when that P.A.-C is a member of your tri club and a reader of your blog (shout out to CL!)  Actually, we had an amazing conversation about racing, training, attitudes, bikes, sharks and dead people! Oh yeah--and hoo ha antibiotics.  I'm pretty sure I'm well on the mend, but think the new bike saddle might be the culprit. 

The rest of the week involves more pleasant appointments such as a lovely massage tomorrow night and a pedicure before I leave. I had my hair cut and highlighted last week, so at least I don't look like Cruella D'Avil anymore. I might not race like a lady, but I'll feel like one.

I'm looking at the clock and it says 6:21pm. With all the luck I can muster, I should be in my last couple of miles of the marathon next week at Ironman Coeur D'Alene. With these few small exceptions, I am feeling fantastic, as is hubster.

We leave on Thursday morning and I'll be sending along information on how to follow our progress on race day! Last year was awesome because I had friends updating my blog on a regular basis throughout the day. Not sure how that will play out this year, but I'll do my best!

Let the countdown begin!