...another excuse to ride. Grocery visit.

Winter in the Adirondacks... 'Cause it sure ain't here in the Berkshires!

...back to life.  Many days of down time, physical therapy and patience have

rejuvenated the knee, and consequently, the soul of Matthew Cartier.  I am

inclined to believe that I am back on track, and can once again, focus on the

training needed to complete the 2009 Lake Placid Ironman.  Over the

weekend, I had the chance to spin for 65 miles on my road bike, and to

trail run for 40 minutes virtually pain free.  What a relief!

Recovery

Finally, an update...  Thank you all for your concern.  I am recovering from the

'mental aspect' of the patellar tendonitis; however, the 'physical aspect' seems

to be going much slower than expected.  After meeting with a sports doc, and

having x-rays done, the findings are inconclusive.  I may have to undergo an 

MRI.  At any rate, physical therapy has begun.  I am able to spin on  a road bike,

and still attend yoga classes, but running is not an option.  Imagine 6 weeks 

without a  run!  

After meeting with a neuro-muscular therapist this morning, it has been made obvious that my body needs rest...  the nerves, and the ligaments behind my right patella are so inflammed, and stressed that it is with great difficulty that I attempt to walk today.  Unfortunately, my snowshoe race season could be over.  If the season were to end today (which it may have for me), I would be fortunate to be ranked:

http://hstrial-cdunn9.homestead.com/NewEnglandRankings.html

I do plan to meet with a sports medicine doctor tomorrow.  Perhaps, it will be the findings from both medical professionals which determine my immediate future and subsequent plans.  Bummer.

If only the 3.8 Mile Hawley Kiln Snowshoe Race finish was this dramatic...

In this photo, featured from left to right:  Tim Mahoney, Dave Dunham, myself and Tim Van Orden, break away from the pack about one mile into the race.

All four would eventually finish top 5, as Dave would lead the charge, followed by myself, TiVO, and Tim M. The conditions were as difficult as any yet this season... due to the mild temperatures and snow chemistry.  Somehow, Dave Dunham was able to 'float' across the snowpack, while the rest of us seemed to break through with each step.  Great race to all.

...do you think this photo illicits the actual pain?  I may spend the next few days being supported by 'crutches' because I was too stubborn to accept defeat.  (And, consequently, take time off).  What seems like the most difficult winter thus far, I am now dealing with acute tendonitis in my right knee.  I thought that if I took 8 advil prior to the race, I would be able to race pain free.  And then, be pain free post race as well.  Well, this logic did not get me anywhere, besides the couch.  I have been prescribed rest, anti-inflammatories, and ice.  Bummer.  What a reward for trying to be healthy!  At any rate, maybe I will learn to play that guitar, navigate my new IMAC,  and/or brew some beer.  Believe it or not, I still finished 2nd in this race...  I would have to say that the mind is the strongest muscle in our body.