Real Life Stinks

[Woth2982]

So Here we are less than 2 months from the W&D Half, just returned from a disastrous DL half, and amped up to train for the W&D.

Well wouldn't real life just throw a hammer at my head!

I took a week off after DL to let my body recover, the night I was gonna start training again my car died. Had to buy a new car THAT DAY! So I went to sign papers for a new car that night. The next night I had to pick the car up and my back was tweaked a bit.

The next day FULL ON BACK SPASM! I could not even walk I was in so much pain! I needed my mom to drive me to the doctors. Fortunately the doctor doesn't think it is related to the DL half, however I am still in a bit of pain and worried about the W&D. Does anyone have any good tips on how to keep the rest of my body in shape? I cannot lift weights since it hurts too much, I have done a bit of walking. I am seeing a Chiropractor tomorrow. Any advice is welcome! I am desperate and worried I won't be able to run.

 

[bumbershoot]

Oh ouch!

Along with the chiro, you might try acupuncture, too. Good stuff!

With the disastrous and probably emotional DL run, car dying, having to buy a car (both emotional!), it's no wonder your back is having problems! Lots of stress can bring that on.

 

[cewait]

So Here we are less than 2 months from the W&D Half, just returned from a disastrous DL half, and amped up to train for the W&D.

Well wouldn't real life just throw a hammer at my head!

I took a week off after DL to let my body recover, the night I was gonna start training again my car died. Had to buy a new car THAT DAY! So I went to sign papers for a new car that night. The next night I had to pick the car up and my back was tweaked a bit.

The next day FULL ON BACK SPASM! I could not even walk I was in so much pain! I needed my mom to drive me to the doctors. Fortunately the doctor doesn't think it is related to the DL half, however I am still in a bit of pain and worried about the W&D. Does anyone have any good tips on how to keep the rest of my body in shape? I cannot lift weights since it hurts too much, I have done a bit of walking. I am seeing a Chiropractor tomorrow. Any advice is welcome! I am desperate and worried I won't be able to run.

More than likely your core is out of whack. I would suggest finding a Pilates instructor and take a few reformer classes. While the moves look tough, they are theraputic and will help with your issue. The reformer will assist and support the moves.

 

[JennyDrake]

Hey, I ruptured my Achilles in January so I know all about how much real life can stink!

I have back issues too, but they are well controlled w/ Pilates. Mat or reformer--anything to get you started, but find a "real" studio if you can--you need someone who really knows what they are doing since you are in so much pain and you need a sloooooow session.

I have success with magnesium as well ~200% of RDA. Really helps my spasms if I can catch them early.

Please let us know how you are doing. _I_ KNOW how much it hurts.

 

[cewait]

Hey, I ruptured my Achilles in January so I know all about how much real life can stink!

I have back issues too, but they are well controlled w/ Pilates. Mat or reformer--anything to get you started, but find a "real" studio if you can--you need someone who really knows what they are doing since you are in so much pain and you need a sloooooow session.

I have success with magnesium as well ~200% of RDA. Really helps my spasms if I can catch them early.

Please let us know how you are doing. _I_ KNOW how much it hurts.

I've a question... For me, mat is always tougher. Could just be me... but I agree, that starting off slowly and building up makes you bullet proof.

 

[Woth2982]

Hi All,
Thank you for the advice. I am going to look into all of it! I am doing much better since the chiropractor on Friday. I can finally walk normal again. The pain is still there but I am able to stretch now...albeit very slowly. Trying to walk as much as I can tolerate and try to only drive to and from work (the car aggravates it the most). I did some water walking in the pool at the YMCA and that felt really good. May try some laps this week if I feel strong enough. I am just hoping to be able to get out and jog a bit in the next couple weeks.

 

[John VN]

Hi All,
Thank you for the advice. I am going to look into all of it! I am doing much better since the chiropractor on Friday. I can finally walk normal again. The pain is still there but I am able to stretch now...albeit very slowly. Trying to walk as much as I can tolerate and try to only drive to and from work (the car aggravates it the most). I did some water walking in the pool at the YMCA and that felt really good. May try some laps this week if I feel strong enough. I am just hoping to be able to get out and jog a bit in the next couple weeks.

Just saying that there is really nothing wrong with walking an event. My PR for a HM is 2:11:12 walking because my knees will not handle running. That time might not be as fast as you can run but walking is a lot easier on the body.

McFlurry John

 

[1MCSCROOGE]

Just saying that there is really nothing wrong with walking an event. My PR for a HM is 2:11:12 walking because my knees will not handle running. That time might not be as fast as you can run but walking is a lot easier on the body.

McFlurry John

That's a fast walking PR HM! Nice! I say however u get to the finish line: do it!

 

[wiigirl]

Oh ouch!

Along with the chiro, you might try acupuncture, too. Good stuff!

With the disastrous and probably emotional DL run, car dying, having to buy a car (both emotional!), it's no wonder your back is having problems! Lots of stress can bring that on.

 

[Woth2982]

Just saying that there is really nothing wrong with walking an event. My PR for a HM is 2:11:12 walking because my knees will not handle running. That time might not be as fast as you can run but walking is a lot easier on the body.

McFlurry John

RUNNING my best half was 2:55! Worst case I will power walk this. It will probably take 345-4 hours. I have been looking forward and working towards this for a year. I am insanely competitive with myself so not being able to potentially go after a PR and beat my 255 is eating at me. BUT I have both princess and Tinkerbell next year so there is always the next time to get my PR.

 

[John VN]

RUNNING my best half was 2:55! Worst case I will power walk this. It will probably take 345-4 hours. I have been looking forward and working towards this for a year. I am insanely competitive with myself so not being able to potentially go after a PR and beat my 255 is eating at me. BUT I have both princess and Tinkerbell next year so there is always the next time to get my PR.

Internal competition is great but at times very injurious. If you have to walk/power walk, try not to heel strike. Use shorter strides and more mid or ball plant. Faster turn over with less impact resulting in fast times and lower injury risks.

Good luck.

McFlurry John

 

[Woth2982]

Got the all clear to start training again! Was told to start on the elliptical and do a high resistance on the bike to build up my legs again. Can start interval running in a week! Thank you all for all the advice. I am going to a yoga class on Saturday at my gym to work on stretching out my back.

 

[Woth2982]

Internal competition is great but at times very injurious. If you have to walk/power walk, try not to heel strike. Use shorter strides and more mid or ball plant. Faster turn over with less impact resulting in fast times and lower injury risks.

Good luck.

McFlurry John

Thank you! I am sadly prone to injury due to this. I push myself more than I should. I blame the gymnastics mentality from my youth, if you can't see a bone or it isn't bleeding get back up and do it again. Definitely going about this race with my brain instead of my heart.