My damaged knee has been dragging on much longer than I’d hoped and still doesn’t seem to be 100% fixed, I’m registered to race next weekend but I’m really not sure it’ll happen. Training has been limited to the flat cycle paths along the Rhine Valley at a steady pace and reduced distance.
Its been a real lesson in why to avoid injuries in the future. For a start, its difficult to stay motivated when you can’t see much benefit to time spent cycling – I’ve really just been trying not to loose too much fitness but not actually progressing. Then getting passed by roadies all the time as I’m on the MTB with knobbly tyres, not to mention looking up to the mountains surrounding me and seeing new trails appearing everyday as the snow melts. But actually the worst thing is the frustration of seeing all the time and hard work from training over the winter being lost at the only time it really matters. I was really starting to feel strong and ready to start racing before all this. I know, its a long season and theres plenty of time to get it back but its still very annoying!
Hey Cait,
I’m sorry to hear about the injury – years ago (when I played basketball) I hurt my knee sking too which put me out for 4 months. The motivation thing is an issue. In my first Elite cycling year I did something similar again and spent 3 weeks off – a winter training that I felt I lost. Stay relaxed, upbeat – the winter training will pay off and you’ll be feeling great again in May and still be fresh at the end of the season.
Best wishes,
Ryan