It took me a (very) long time to accept that taking a break from training wasn't always a bad thing. That in some cases, it is not only warranted but expected - encouraged even. So I've tried not to beat myself up over the last week as I've backed right off on my training. Again. With any injury, rest and rehabilitation are vital - but too much of either can be detrimental. Keeping mobile is essential - but so is rest. Finding that delicate balance can be very tricky.
So have I found it?
Whenever I think I'm on a winner, that I've achieved equilibrium, something happens to blow me out of the water. In the last instance, it was having another relapse. Granted that it wasn't a bad one AND I had the insight to identify it early. And with Early identification come early intervention. And with early intervention come quicker recovery. All looking good right?
So I kept going. Tried to keep my positive frame of mind. But I wasn't getting better the way I hoped (and expected to). So I took a week off. Sue me. I don't care. Because the week has done me good. Well, my injury anyway. My mid line states otherwise. Seriously, I look about 4 months pregnant!!!!!
So yesterday's home session was a life saver. 60 minutes and around 500 calories. My body coped well. I pushed myself and managed just fine. It was SUBLIME! Better yet, I felt fantastic this morning!
Today was another raining session - this time with my trainer. It was much more subdued (only 260 calories in an hour) BUT it was incredibly challenging on my core. My core needs to be rebuilt again so it was a welcomed session.
But have I found that delicate balance? Time will tell.
Monday, August 22, 2011
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Reeeeeehaaaaabbbbb
So today I woke up pretty well this morning. Nothing hurt. Very pleased! But as the day progressed, the niggles returned...so off I went to the pool for some rehab this afternoon. I was surprised at home much my easy and routine water tasks hurt! Hopefully it has helped because tonight I hurt like buggery.
Yet, despite the pain and discomfort, I'm already looking to my next challenge. The Age advertised Melbourne's own City2Surf today. It's 90 days away. 14Km. Do I? Don't I? Hmmmm. It's so tempting to sign up. Not for the run because that would be suicide with my back. But walking... I'm not sure if I'm pushing it though. Is it too soon after this set back? Regardless, it is in my sites for next year! That and the Eureka Stair Climb! Goals are important people - you need to be aiming for something or you'll drift away with the tide!
Yet, despite the pain and discomfort, I'm already looking to my next challenge. The Age advertised Melbourne's own City2Surf today. It's 90 days away. 14Km. Do I? Don't I? Hmmmm. It's so tempting to sign up. Not for the run because that would be suicide with my back. But walking... I'm not sure if I'm pushing it though. Is it too soon after this set back? Regardless, it is in my sites for next year! That and the Eureka Stair Climb! Goals are important people - you need to be aiming for something or you'll drift away with the tide!
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Replenished and refreshed
The last week has been a bit on/off for me. I think I'm progressing well and then the limp comes back. I expect to be bad and everything suddenly resolves and the limp goes away. It just doesn't make sense!!! Even for my whacky body!!!
I haven't done a whole lot of training or rehab this week due to work. Not an ideal week to be idle as the training would have really helped survive the week a little better. Anyways...
So tonight I bit the bullet and did a training session. The on/offness of the last week has made me reluctant to train. So off I went. I had spent 5 hours wondering around a shopping center with Miss 4.5 today which left me feeling physically (and mentally!) fatigued...so I promised myself it wouldn't be a massive session. I spent 30 minutes on the treadmill and managed to increase my incline AND speed. Not by much (1 and 0.2 Km/hr) but an increase is an increase! Then, desperate to start on rebuilding the muscles that seem to disappear whenever I relapse, I dusted off the TRX band to do some squats. I'm glad I did. I know I was helping to rebuild the muscles but it was relatively effortless - awesome! Hopefully the serves me well come tomorrow and I won't be too sore!!! The plank was surprisingly easier tonight. Pelvic lifts were a nightmare though - must leave them alone for a bit longer!!!
The session has replenished my soul, refreshed my batteries and replenished my faith in my body and my sessions. I LOVE exercise!
I haven't done a whole lot of training or rehab this week due to work. Not an ideal week to be idle as the training would have really helped survive the week a little better. Anyways...
So tonight I bit the bullet and did a training session. The on/offness of the last week has made me reluctant to train. So off I went. I had spent 5 hours wondering around a shopping center with Miss 4.5 today which left me feeling physically (and mentally!) fatigued...so I promised myself it wouldn't be a massive session. I spent 30 minutes on the treadmill and managed to increase my incline AND speed. Not by much (1 and 0.2 Km/hr) but an increase is an increase! Then, desperate to start on rebuilding the muscles that seem to disappear whenever I relapse, I dusted off the TRX band to do some squats. I'm glad I did. I know I was helping to rebuild the muscles but it was relatively effortless - awesome! Hopefully the serves me well come tomorrow and I won't be too sore!!! The plank was surprisingly easier tonight. Pelvic lifts were a nightmare though - must leave them alone for a bit longer!!!
The session has replenished my soul, refreshed my batteries and replenished my faith in my body and my sessions. I LOVE exercise!
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
If it's so good, why does it hurt?
So today was physio. Another day of limping and stiffness - thank goodness for physio!!! But my GOODNESS it hurts!!! Normally I can deal with the pain but today Logan decided to try something different on me...and it HURT! LOL. I'm hoping that tomorrow it will be much better. He said that my hip flexor was super tight (no surprise to me!)...and then he dug a little deeper! OUCH!
If I keep progressing the way I currently am though, I should be back training properly again in a few weeks. And not a moment too soon! I jumped on the scales today and it was baaaaaad. Time to kick things up a notch! 103Kg. NOT good! I HAD got down to 101.08!!! If I can't train properly, I'll have to get in the pool or something...
If I keep progressing the way I currently am though, I should be back training properly again in a few weeks. And not a moment too soon! I jumped on the scales today and it was baaaaaad. Time to kick things up a notch! 103Kg. NOT good! I HAD got down to 101.08!!! If I can't train properly, I'll have to get in the pool or something...
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Fits like a Glove
So today was training day. Not particularly thrilled about being IN the gym. I mean, who wants to watch the fat lady wobble? Can't imagine anyone would be thrilled about me being in there...well, at least not the meat heads. Luckily we got to train downstairs again. Tried to replicate last week but it was a bit difficult with my back and leg.
A short warm up on the treadmill and a quick weigh in. Not as bad as I was expecting although not brilliant either. In the last 6 weeks I've lost 1 Kg. Pretty dismal. Must do better over next 6 weeks. Actually, might make that my new mantra "Must do better".
The training part of the session felt like a decadent hot bubble bath - you know what I mean! You run the bath to the brink, allowing the bubbles to spill over the edge. You walk into the room baring all. You dip your big toe in to test the waters...it's not so bad. So you climb into the bath...you slowly sink into the water...and as the hot water seeps up over your body, everything relaxes. Your body gives way to the calming waters and a sigh expels from your lungs. You close your eyes and are in heaven. When you eventually climb out (usually because the waters gone cold and you resemble something of a shriveled up prune), your body is totally relaxed and rejuvinated.
That's exactly how this session was for me. It was what my body needed. It might not have been what my HEAD needed...but it was what my body needed. I walked in limping, I walked out limping...but slightly less. I kept moving, I increased my flexibility, I worked on strength.
When I first did my back, a pain day would have seen both my trainer and I scratching our heads wondering what to do. Slowly (oh so slowly!!!) we worked out what I could and couldn't do when various injuries crept in. We worked out how much we could push. And today, that has paid off. We knew exactly what to do, exactly how much to push, how to speed up the healing process. And. It. Paid. Off!!! So happy!!! (Touch wood) this is my smoothest relapse so far. Granted it isn't a complete relapse but in days gone by, a relapse even of this magnitude would have left me sidelined, devastated, and facing a long recovery.
It feels so good to have this sussed! To know how to approach and jump over every single hurdle that pops up along this winding journey. I don't remember the last time I felt so empowered!
A short warm up on the treadmill and a quick weigh in. Not as bad as I was expecting although not brilliant either. In the last 6 weeks I've lost 1 Kg. Pretty dismal. Must do better over next 6 weeks. Actually, might make that my new mantra "Must do better".
The training part of the session felt like a decadent hot bubble bath - you know what I mean! You run the bath to the brink, allowing the bubbles to spill over the edge. You walk into the room baring all. You dip your big toe in to test the waters...it's not so bad. So you climb into the bath...you slowly sink into the water...and as the hot water seeps up over your body, everything relaxes. Your body gives way to the calming waters and a sigh expels from your lungs. You close your eyes and are in heaven. When you eventually climb out (usually because the waters gone cold and you resemble something of a shriveled up prune), your body is totally relaxed and rejuvinated.
That's exactly how this session was for me. It was what my body needed. It might not have been what my HEAD needed...but it was what my body needed. I walked in limping, I walked out limping...but slightly less. I kept moving, I increased my flexibility, I worked on strength.
When I first did my back, a pain day would have seen both my trainer and I scratching our heads wondering what to do. Slowly (oh so slowly!!!) we worked out what I could and couldn't do when various injuries crept in. We worked out how much we could push. And today, that has paid off. We knew exactly what to do, exactly how much to push, how to speed up the healing process. And. It. Paid. Off!!! So happy!!! (Touch wood) this is my smoothest relapse so far. Granted it isn't a complete relapse but in days gone by, a relapse even of this magnitude would have left me sidelined, devastated, and facing a long recovery.
It feels so good to have this sussed! To know how to approach and jump over every single hurdle that pops up along this winding journey. I don't remember the last time I felt so empowered!
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Challenging the Relapse
Have you ever been told you can't have or do something...only to find you suddenly want it more? Well, that's me.
As soon as my physio said I was exercising too much and to back off, I wanted it more. The second my solace played up and side lined me...I wanted it more. But knowing just how bad it can get, I obediently backed off. I didn't do a shred of exercise yesterday...stretching doesn't count...does it?
Last night and this morning I felt like a fat heffa. I know I've put on a kilo or two in the last week but it feels like 20. So today I took my cherub to the pool. Now, you can't (or shouldn't) leave a 4 year old in the pool unsupervised. Meaning no laps for me. But whilst she played, I did some rehab stuff. Walking in the water, leg moves that resemble ballet and so forth. I was actually surprised at how tight I was and how much that little bit of water rehab did!
When I left, I felt much better. So much so that I went home and got on the treadmill. Now don't go getting your nickers in a twist - I didn't go all out. I wanted to...but I didn't. I surprised myself with how much restraint I had (if I'm honest). I did vary my speeds and incline (nothing above 1 for incline which really is negligible). When things started to hurt, pull, or tighten - I backed off. Whilst it meant that I was able to reach (and pass) my goal of 30 min (I ended up doing 35), it also meant that I didn't burn as many calories as I normally do...and wold have liked tonight. But I have told myself to forget that - mobility and rehab are the key at the moment! Just being able to exercise my way through a relapse is a huge achievement for me! So I have to be content with that.
Right now - I am feeling good. I did some exercise. My back and leg feel loser than this morning. I'm not in any pain. I have to be happy with that.
As soon as my physio said I was exercising too much and to back off, I wanted it more. The second my solace played up and side lined me...I wanted it more. But knowing just how bad it can get, I obediently backed off. I didn't do a shred of exercise yesterday...stretching doesn't count...does it?
Last night and this morning I felt like a fat heffa. I know I've put on a kilo or two in the last week but it feels like 20. So today I took my cherub to the pool. Now, you can't (or shouldn't) leave a 4 year old in the pool unsupervised. Meaning no laps for me. But whilst she played, I did some rehab stuff. Walking in the water, leg moves that resemble ballet and so forth. I was actually surprised at how tight I was and how much that little bit of water rehab did!
When I left, I felt much better. So much so that I went home and got on the treadmill. Now don't go getting your nickers in a twist - I didn't go all out. I wanted to...but I didn't. I surprised myself with how much restraint I had (if I'm honest). I did vary my speeds and incline (nothing above 1 for incline which really is negligible). When things started to hurt, pull, or tighten - I backed off. Whilst it meant that I was able to reach (and pass) my goal of 30 min (I ended up doing 35), it also meant that I didn't burn as many calories as I normally do...and wold have liked tonight. But I have told myself to forget that - mobility and rehab are the key at the moment! Just being able to exercise my way through a relapse is a huge achievement for me! So I have to be content with that.
Right now - I am feeling good. I did some exercise. My back and leg feel loser than this morning. I'm not in any pain. I have to be happy with that.
Friday, August 5, 2011
A downward turn
It seems that whenever I start to get somewhere with my training, something happens. This time, it's my back. Again. Are we really that surprised? I mean, it's been niggly for the past week and a bit - intermittent pins and needles in my thigh, numbness to my toes. Classic signs of sciatica. Taking deep breaths and trying not to panic about impending doom...
So, I back off the training and step up the core work and stretching. Feeling comfortable with where I'm at. Head into work yesterday (begrudgingly wearing my proper work shoes instead of my sneakers - stupid accreditation) and hit trouble as soon as I head up the stairs. Walking up the stairs I notice a massive weak deficit in my left side. Not. Good.
I walk around the ward a bit (arrived early) and do a few little things for accreditation. Go to put my stuff in my locker and drop something on the floor. Bend to pick it up. BAM!!! Hello pain! I had this shooting pain through my sciatic. Not good. I knew it was because everything was tight and no other reason. I tried to walk it off but noted that I now had a significant limp. Devestated I spoke with my boss and told her I'd not be staying. I staid for an hour before going home.
I saw my physio yesterday, fearing the worst and hoping for the best. Hoping that by seeing him as soon as I identified the issue, I'd avoid another relapse as bad as the one I had in November. The good news from my appointment was that it doesn't seem to be further disc injury but a pinched nerve. Ok, I can deal with that. I think.
Logan works on my back and tells me it is coming from my solace. Huh? We back track over everything I've done in the last two weeks and identify my increased time on the bike is to blame. And here I was thinking that it was a low-impact activity and therefor safe! WRONG! So, I can still (gently) train but I'm not allowed to do stairs or the bike. I live in a two storey house. What perfect timing for me to use it in my argument with DH to move house!
So, I've been icing, stretching, applying my fisiocream, and trying not to panic. I have a BIG meeting at work on Monday that I need to be on my A game for. I don't have time for a relapse. I don't have time to be off line. I just need this to go away!!!!
Injuries suck. Avoid them if you can!
So, I back off the training and step up the core work and stretching. Feeling comfortable with where I'm at. Head into work yesterday (begrudgingly wearing my proper work shoes instead of my sneakers - stupid accreditation) and hit trouble as soon as I head up the stairs. Walking up the stairs I notice a massive weak deficit in my left side. Not. Good.
I walk around the ward a bit (arrived early) and do a few little things for accreditation. Go to put my stuff in my locker and drop something on the floor. Bend to pick it up. BAM!!! Hello pain! I had this shooting pain through my sciatic. Not good. I knew it was because everything was tight and no other reason. I tried to walk it off but noted that I now had a significant limp. Devestated I spoke with my boss and told her I'd not be staying. I staid for an hour before going home.
I saw my physio yesterday, fearing the worst and hoping for the best. Hoping that by seeing him as soon as I identified the issue, I'd avoid another relapse as bad as the one I had in November. The good news from my appointment was that it doesn't seem to be further disc injury but a pinched nerve. Ok, I can deal with that. I think.
Logan works on my back and tells me it is coming from my solace. Huh? We back track over everything I've done in the last two weeks and identify my increased time on the bike is to blame. And here I was thinking that it was a low-impact activity and therefor safe! WRONG! So, I can still (gently) train but I'm not allowed to do stairs or the bike. I live in a two storey house. What perfect timing for me to use it in my argument with DH to move house!
So, I've been icing, stretching, applying my fisiocream, and trying not to panic. I have a BIG meeting at work on Monday that I need to be on my A game for. I don't have time for a relapse. I don't have time to be off line. I just need this to go away!!!!
Injuries suck. Avoid them if you can!
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