Dear Blogger:

Dear Blogger,

I’m sorry it’s been a while. I’ve been frustrated with a few things lately. And I know - it’s not fair to take it out on you. I apologize for going so long without any contact whatsoever. Yes, I know how to use a phone. I’m sorry I haven’t called. Please, just let me explain.

You see, it’s my knee. Yes, I know I’ve been using that excuse for over 6 months now, but it’s still an issue. I swear. Hear me out. I few weeks ago, I tried ramping up my distances. I kept it within reason, but I’ve got to start building up my workouts or IM WI will NOT happen. It was going OK. My P.T. told me to try some run-offs, so one afternoon after a short 17 mile ride, I tried to go for a run. I was less than a mile into it, and I had to stop.

A few days later, things had been going better: I had a nice run, some good swims, and I was ready to test it again. So I did my assigned pre-workout stretches and started out on a nice 28 mile ride. My knee was good, then it hurt, then it was good, then it hurt bad, then it was great, then blah blah blah. I got home and iced and thought that, overall, it was a good ride. That evening and for the next 2 to 3 days, I couldn’t walk up steps without a horrible visible limp. I would wake up each morning with crazy knee aches. I took a week off. Pissed.

So my P.T. gave me 2 new exercises and stretches 2 days ago. So now I’m up to 178 exercises per day that take a combined time of 29 hours. OK, yes, I’m exaggerating; I’m just frustrated - just let me finish. I went on an OK run 2 days ago, and last nights bike ride was the usual: pain, no pain, lots of pain, no pain... but I can walk fine today. The pain came about 5 miles after starting. That’s not an IM.

This morning, I went to lift weights. I wanted a great workout. I figured, if I couldn’t be doing much else today, at least I could lift. But about 20 minutes in, I started getting all pissy again. I hit my chest, abs, and arms pretty good, but I just couldn’t get revved up to do much else. My stupid knee felt fine, but it kept me from wanting to do much more. I’m simply very frustrated.

In conclusion, I hope you take me back, Blogger. I will try to start to be a better boyfriend. I will listen and visit more often. You did nothing wrong. To rely on an old standby: It’s not you, it’s me. Well, I guess that’s not quite accurate. More specifically: It’s not me, it’s knee.