Amy copes with an unexpected setback that threatens her training

I break down this week, for the first time since training started about two months ago.

I first feel a painful twinge near my inner right thigh on Sunday night, the day I finally swim 16 laps -- or about a half-mile -- in my gym pool.

The next day, while sitting in my office chair, I feel a sharp jab whenever I move my right leg.

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I suspect a groin strain, though I don't know specifically what may have caused it. Having never in my life had so much as a stitch or sprain, I'm unsure of what this will mean to my training.

Later, at the gym, my trainer Matt agrees it's likely a pulled muscle, probably the result of pushing myself too hard. Then he drops a bomb: Depending on the severity, it can take days or even weeks to heal. He tells me to ice it and rest for at least a few days, maybe longer -- words I don't want to hear with the race I'm training for (the U.S. Women's Series Triathlon in Naperville) just six weeks away.

Lying down later that night hurts even more. Walking is fine, but anything else -- getting in and out of the car, sitting up or down or turning my leg to the side -- hurts like heck.

For the first time, I worry about not being able to finish this triathlon. The thought is so depressing, it brings me to tears.

On Tuesday, the sharp pain dulls slightly. It continues to bother me, though not as severely, for the rest of the week. The only working out I do in five days is a few arm exercises and a five-minute walk.

I won't lie; this week is by far my most difficult, both mentally and physically. I try not to worry too much (everyone says to take it day by day), but not being able to work out is frustrating and depressing. It also makes it difficult to stick to any kind of eating-well plan.

But there are a couple upsides: For one, my friends and boyfriend see the humor in it all and make sure to tease me (a groin injury -- it just sounds funny). Which actually helps to put things in perspective.

More importantly, for the first time since training started, I'm forced to think about how the body works and what I'm really asking mine to do in the span of a few months.

Quite frankly, it's an amazing thing when everything's working as it should. A few times, I stop to stare at people running outside, in awe of the sheer mechanics of it. I think about how fragile the body is, about how many parts need to be working perfectly together during even a short run.

I also think about how I've never fully appreciated what my body can do. And about how lucky I am to even be able to train and work out at all.

I talk to a few experts this week about my injury and resulting fears and doubts. One is James Inman, who has been reading my column and offering encouragement via e-mail. James, a certified triathlon coach with Elite Athletic Development in Arlington Heights, tells me to slowly ease back into working out.

"Your body will tell you when it's had enough," he says over the phone. "Don't be afraid to use it."

I also talk to Kathy Kent, a certified coach and personal trainer. I meet her on Saturday at a triathlon workshop she's hosting, sponsored by the Naperville Running Co.

The session is so helpful. I discover I'm on track with training (well, up till this week, anyway.) Kathy also talks about what the race will be like and basics like what to wear and bring. (Who'd have known they make specific triathlon suits so you don't have to change during the event? Or elastic shoelaces that lock, so you don't have to tie anything!)

I also meet a few women who will be in the event, too -- some just as clueless as me!

I talk to Kathy afterward about my injury. She echoes Jim's advice, that this was just my body's way of saying it needed a short break.

Later, I decide five days is short enough. I hit the gym, biking for 20 minutes at Level 1. Then I do 10 minutes on the elliptical. It feels OK! I know I'm not out of the woods -- I still feel some stiffness and discomfort, especially when lying down. Still, any progress is encouraging.

Jim had said injuries often make the body stronger. For now, I'm praying he's right.