Out with a legend

My training schedule hasn't exactly been good this week.  I had a 2k swim on Monday but my next session was Friday where I struggled with a 1,500m swim.  On reflection I struggled with motivation as I had nobody else in the pool with me.  However since then I've found a 5k race to enter in August which will give me a target to keep me on track for September.
On Saturday I went out for a 2k jog.  The back of my knee was tight but I felt fine.  It's really only if mu leg twists that it hurts but the swelling at the side has made me book an appointment tomorrow with a specialist.  I need to know if I will be able to return to long distance running training as my scheduled desert race is in March and I need to start building the base miles.  But I don't want to be do any long term damage so better safe than sorry.  I'll let you know.
But today I went out for 2.5 hours on my bike and was accompanied by a local legend on the bike - a proper cyclist who could drop me with the blink of an eye.  Tony was looking for some company as was I and was happy to go at a 15mph average which was about my max at this time.  It was great to have company and especially one who is able to keep the pace as easily as he did.  My hamstring felt ok, a bit tight but no pain.  If I can keep this up then while my hamstring is recovering I will be getting my fitness back.  Hopefully I will be able to get back to running soon but lets see what the specialist says.
Finally I had a number of friends competing in various Ironman competitions in Scotland, France & Canada.  I watched their progress with pride having followed their training - it's great to see people who have worked hard get their rewards.  Well done Ironmen and Ironwomen!