Splintered!

Just as the trifecta of cardio fitness, muscle strength and confidence were coming together after a series of challenging rides, I fear that the ol' frogster has succumbed to the crouching tiger (or is it hidden dragon?) of fitness: Injury.

Gamefully chasing my N2 Comrades after just missing the catch at 7-Locks/Tilden, my legs were becoming increasingly heavy like a wet Sunday paper. By time we regrouped and made our way out to Poolesville, the pain became acute as my right shin tightened up like a mooring knot. Now I've got it up and on ice like an old frog ready to croak. I use "like" more than a gum-smackin' teenager.

Shin splint was my first diagnosis. "Don't runners get that?" you may ask. Well yeah, but it can also come from repetitive and intense exertion (check). "The Frogman is flat-footed. Could that contribute?" Good question, because it can. Trouble is that FF puts more stress on the inside of the tibia, whereas my pain is just outside the shinbone. "Sounds like it could be tendinitis. Ever think of that, huh?" Hmmm, I've had that before after digging fence posts in the dry mid-summer clay of my old side yard. That Sucked! It was weeks of pain, stretching while trying to take it easy. It was hard. "Is this that?" I'm an architect, not a sport medicine guy. Tendinits in that region is typically between the kneecap and shin (patellar tendinitis), however, so maybe not. Either way, it is a tear and/or inflamation and must heal fast as I'm expected to represent BPVC at Walkersville and Tysons next weekend. "Will it heal in time for you to be rady?". Well, we just don't know now, do we...