Leading up to what has become my most important race to date - the 2010 National Championships - I've been feeling pretty focused, motivated and confident in my ability to bring home my goal. (Earning that spot with that team) But it seems just as in the past, just when things are ticking over and everything appears to be going to plan; something always has to trip you in your stride...

 In this instance it's not collapsing teams, unpaid wages, altered contracts or deceitful managers - now it's my knee. What started out as a small yet manageable issue has slowly snowballed into a substantial problem.

I was out training with a local youngster about a week ago, doing some solid climbing work in Kangaroo Valley. Coming back up Barrengarry Mountain I stood up in one of the hairpins and felt a grinding pop in my right knee. I thought nothing of it, as there was no pain. But once I had ridden home, showered, eaten and had a sleep it really started to stiffen up. Unable to straighten my leg, I got the ice pack out and managed the problem.

Over the past week each days' pain level has differed. For instance, yesterday I struggled to walk without a limp, yet today I did a great club ride with the locals. Go figure...  Anyway, I'm looking ahead to some X - Rays on Monday, followed up by physio. The doctors' prognosis so far is that I appear to have a recurring tracking injury in my knee, which can be managed through exercises specific to the problem. But before this process starts, I might be required to take 3 weeks off.

As far as National Championships go, I'll have to make a serious decision once I've had my X - Rays done. Until then, short 1hr rides seem all I'm capable of. And as far as my spot with that team; well, let's cross that bridge when we get there.