So. I'm 4 months and some change out from my next projected powerlifting meet. And I'm frustrated.

I'm dealing with a reoccurring injury. This is the second time I've had to deal with a hip flexor strain on my right hip/upper quad. For the past week or so I've been working around it. I can't back squat heavy, and I can't do heavy deadlifts(especially sumo stance). I've been able to front squat, leg press, and do accessory work(good mornings, RDLS, etc).

I am a very, very stubborn person. I am my father's daughter. After his recent surgery, he was trying to cheat at using the walker to get around(a necessity for the first day or two). It was damn near impossible to tell him to take it easy. All this to say: I know where I get it from.

It's been really bothering me for the past handful of days. I've been trying not to go "too" hard in my training. That's always the plan when I write out the workout and arrive. But once I get going...sigh. It's hard to hold me back. It's difficult to take it easy. And I'm dealing with the consequences of that now I suppose. There is more pain when I walk, and some pain when I try to only focus on posterior chain exercises. For at least the next week, I'm going to have to do very minimal with my lower body. I won't rest it entirely because I'll be honest: I can't. I'll stick with lighter weight and more accessories, and I'll hammer upper body and back harder until I heal. That's the deal I strike with myself. I have plenty of time before competition, so I want to play it smart. Heal now, when there is time, instead of dragging this nagging injury with me for the next few months. But rest entirely? That's tough. I keep telling myself: at least it isn't my back or my hands or my neck. At least it's something I can work around and intentionally avoid.

I've started tracking my macros much more closely. I'm using an app, and sticking with it, even though some days I loathe entering in all my meals. At least now the apps are advanced enough to accept bar code scans. It's also a nice little trick to prevent myself from eating out more than I need to. I'm getting in the groove now so that when 2019 starts it will be easier to stick to a regimen. I'm probably going to have to cut weight for this meet, which is new for me. I'll try, at least. Side note: I eat soooo many eggs.