Some things in life are frustrating. Period. I have illiotibial band syndrome again, the third time, the second in my right knee. Beyond frustration with this injury is where I am at. I know many athletes, some friends, that for whatever reason have crappy things happen to them.
Despite all the foofy hoop la stretching and physical therapy techniques I have ITB again, great. It is totally frustrating that I see all the people around me getting faster and having great training seasons while I sit at home with an injury that at this point is robbing me of all the hard work I put in. I work just as hard as everyone else, but for the last 3 of 4 years I have this injury. I'm convinced it has to be some sort of bio mechanical deficiency and for whatever reason I'm prone to this specific injury. Triathlon is easy, this injury is the hardest challenge I have to face over and over.
It would be pointless to draw this situation out and blog further some sob story. I have beat his injury two other times, I'm sure this won't be my last time getting it. Last year I cured ITB in my left knee and ripped off a great streak of success winning 4 races in a row and finishing 7 times in 1st or 2nd. The injury made me stronger.
Yes it is hard to to deal with, and frankly it pisses me off, but this is my challenge. I use this frustration at the perfect time, a time when I can use it during a race, times that make me appreciate being healthy. Like I have said, "I have beat it before, I will beat it again." Just like I have done before, I will seclude myself from the triathlon world, find other means of exercise and a new focus to get my body and mind even stronger while my injury fades.
I have always come back faster and stronger after ITB, I won't ever give up because this is my challenge. This is a perfect example of how easy it is to feel like "the man" when things go your way. It is the times when you are tired and tested (or hurt) when you find out what you are made of. I have been here before and I know what I am made of, I am not looking back.