Two steps forward, one step back

Back in January, I started training for my first triathlon of the year, which was scheduled for March 23rd.  I was ready to go & the day before it, I fell and messed up my shoulder.  I couldn't move my arm well enough to swim, so I decided not to participate. Instead I spent the day as a volunteer at the event & had a blast cheering on all of the competitors.  I admit it was disappointing because I had trained so hard, but I realized it wasn't the end of the world & I was already signed up for my first sprint triathlon coming up in May. Turns out when I fell, I separated my shoulder/collarbone.  Go big or go home is what I like to say & I held true to that.  I have a few more weeks of recovery to go & I am not able to ride outside & running has proven to be a challenge.  I have had to find creative ways to stay active and minimize the use of my left arm. I stopped my strength training sessions, but have been able to get back in the pool & on the indoor bike this week.  I have never been happier to get to the pool (and that is saying a lot!) There are lots of one arm drills & working on my kick. Plus an excuse to spend extra time in the hot tub! I am so used to working out six days a week with double workouts 2-3 days.  This injury has forced me to cut back & really think about what I can do. I need to make sure I take my time & heal properly otherwise I will only be hurting myself.  Thankfully, one of my friends has been able to help me focus on what I CAN do & not what I can't.  It would be easy to feel bad for myself & focus on the negative, but I am trying to keep a positive attitude.  Before too long I will be back to 100% & doing all the things I was before.  

This weekend I was supposed to run the Cherry Blossom 10 Miler.  I decided to switch to the 5K.  This way I will be able to test out the running legs & see how my shoulder reacts.  If it is uncomfortable, I will be walk, but I am hoping I will be able to run at least some of it. Whatever happens, the weather looks nice & I will be happy to be outside!