Being a sports person can be the most frustrating things of all times.  Not only do we put ourselves through immense pain for no reason, but we also get angry and upset at the first instance that we can't torture ourselves.  For me I am experiencing this mixed set of emotions at the moment.  After a great holiday of skiing, two months down the line I still have this indescribable niggle in my leg.  This is hindering all running as the impact brings out the pain.  I can walk, cycle, and swim fine...but of course, due to my having secured a spot in the London Marathon, the running has been the worst effected by my clumsiness.  Everyday I think “today is the day that the pain will stop”...but alas it is still there reminding me that I am human and injuries are just part of the sporting world.

So, instead of moping in my misery I need to explore this opportunity to work on all other aspects of fitness levels.  As I am trying to focus on triathlons this season, now is the time to finally force myself into the pool to work on my swimming which I enjoy the least.  I don't know whether I despise swimming due to the fact that I am hopeless in the pool or whether I just don't enjoy the thrill of jumping in a pool when it’s cold and dark outside.  Swimming in my past only occurred when I couldn't face the heat of the sun anymore...not an actual form of exercise.  But recently I have attempted to embark on this new challenge that has been forced upon me.  I have even joined a club in an attempt to motivate and encourage me.  This, to my surprise, has actually worked.  Although still in the slow lane and practically drowning after the warm-up laps...I feel a sense of accomplishment and most of all, confidence.  It is somewhat addicting as I can see the results almost instantaneously.  My breathing has eased up and I am not choking on every breath I take.  I am a born again swimmer (or just evolutional swimmer).

The other major leg of the triathlon, the one that actually takes up the most time, is the cycling.  The weather teased us earlier this year with the sun shining almost everyday, but now it seems back to the dreary winter days.  I spent the weekend cleaning the bikes, getting them ready for their next ride...but let’s hope the weather agrees with my plan.  Considering I am a warm weather rider, I have taken to in the indoors with spinning classes.  These classes are a great way to exhaust and challenge yourself.  Every class I walk into I feel like I am a decent cyclist...but every class I stumble out of, I am reminded I have a long way to go.

So, although my training is tainted and my motivation slightly altered I am trying hard to make the best of a bad situation.  I think this is some sort of blessing in disguise to force me to other methods of training and challenge me to my fullest potential.  I will, however, welcome a run...but until then its back to core training and technique building.