I decided not to do the Chattanooga Waterfront Triathlon considering I had a tooth out that week.  Then I could not participate in the ACME Multisports Music City Triathlon because I was reduced to a limp with my hamstring injury.  After much patience and home therapy, I think I'm back on the road.  I've played high level sports since I was in college, and while I know better, my fears about getting ready for Kona led me to put in a massive week after my dental problems were over.  That was a mistake.  The hamstring injury put me down for another week.  At least this time I could at least swim, so I was staying active.  However, I was very concerned about my leg.  I was limping, and could not run or ride without pain.  Of course, that did not help with my fears about preparing for Kona.  I had to let it all go for a few days, concentrate on my swim, ice my leg, and use my foam roller at home.  Wednesday was the first day I rode my bike in about six days, and after taking it pretty easy I was feeling a little better, but I had no confidence in how much I could test the leg.  Thursday was only swim, and Friday I was back on the bike.  I don't let this out too much, but honestly, I'm not one for having any lack in confidence, and that was frustrating me.  So, Friday it was time to let it out.  I'm glad I did, because my leg was feeling pretty good, and while I could feel that I lost the smallest bit of strength, it was nice to know that I could still put in a good effort pain free.  Passing another test, I still had to wait to see what my leg would feel like in the morning.  Up early today, I was feeling good and looking forward to the next test.  Learning from my previous mistakes, I knew I needed to run easy, and also relatively short.  This was my first run in about ten days, and much more high impact on the hamstring tendons that had been such a problem.  But, my leg was only going to feel better, or hurt, and there was only one way to find out.  Plus the only way I was going to feel more confident, was to get out there and make some moves.  A somewhat easy 30 minute run followed, and again, I was feeling pretty good.  The only problem I had during the run was, I could not keep a regular pace.  But, those things come with time and regaining strength and fitness.

From here, I do feel confident that I am back to about 90%.  Tomorrow will be a somewhat long bike as I work my way back, around 2.5 to 3 hours, but I will need to pay attention and not add any intensity (thank you powermeter).  I should be able to get back to a regular schedule, very soon.  However, there are only eight real weeks of training until Kona, and that is not a lot of time.  The good part is, it's not like I've never swam, biked, or ran this year.  I have a fitness background to fall upon, but I still have a lot of hard work to do in preparation.  But, it's not like I've never done Ironman before.  I know what key sessions will continue to boost my confidence, and help me get to that starting line in the best shape possible.  I've missed four important weeks of training at a key time, but those weeks are gone, and I don't have time to sit around wishing and hoping.  However, I do have time to grind out the miles, and that's what I do best.  I've never been the most talented athlete, but I made up for the lack of talent by putting the hard hours in when it counted.  So, here we go.  If you come in the shop between now and October, and I have a blank stare, bare with me, I've more than likely just finished a hard session, or I'm thinking about the next one.  Either way, I know I have a lot of people who support me, and I want to put on the best show I can in Hawaii to repay them for how much they have helped me.  Plus, I love that race!