One Trip, Three Sports

After spending a month recovering from the New York Marathon, I finally feel like I'm on the mend again. I'm not 100% pain free, but I am able to run 5 miles without pain that alters my gait. I think the distinction is pretty important.

Since I ended up staying in Miami longer than I originally intended to, I was able to spend a week in PT. My official diagnosis is patellar tendonitis, which is a form of runner's knee.

I spent the first half of my sessions receiving some manual therapy. It was very painful for my injured knee to be poked and prodded, but it was worth it since my knee felt much looser after. I spent the second half of my sessions trying to pinpoint the weaknesses in my gait/form and completing strengthening exercises that focused on correcting those weaknesses.

After two sessions, I was cleared to do some run/walk intervals. I was able to drop the intervals and move into some slow running after just one run/walk session.  By the week's end, I was able to run 5 miles in a little under 50 minutes. Considering I couldn't get through 2.5 miles without major pain before the trip, I will happily take it.

Random birds on my run? Must be in Miami

 I was also lucky enough to get my hands on a road bike during my trip. My mom and I did a few medium-length rides together between 22-35 miles on the days I didn't run.  Gorgeous scenary, as always.

Bayfront Park Marina

Doesn't it just look like tropical paradise?

 But, my big biking breakthrough didn't come until my last ride of trip. My mom had to bail on me since she was having some major back pain, so I asked my dad if I could tag along with him. 46 miles or bust. My longest ride ever. 

Not only did I finish in one piece, but I successfully learned how to drink from my water bottle as well! It's too cold for me to ride now that I'm back in CT, but hopefully I'll be able to pick up where I left off next spring.

As per usual, I didn't make any real progress on my swimming skills.  However, I did make a pretty big purchase. My dad took me to his favorite tri shop in town, and I got fitted for a wetsuit. I swear, it was like trying on Spanx for your entire body.

Aren't wetsuits oh-so-flattering?

I ended up going with the Orca Sonar Wetsuit with long sleeves. Supposedly the sleeves help with buoyancy, and really, I will need every ounce of help I can get on the swim!

All in all, I would say it was a pretty productive trip.