Thursday, June 26, 2008

Backing Out?



Hey y'all in the 'BoomerNation, there's no doubt this season has been the most challenging out of the four I've been racing. The ups and downs from injuries have disrupted my training and could end my season early.




Just as I recovered fully from my nagging knee tendinosis I develop some back hurtage. On Monday I was at the gym for my scheduled strength training and used one of these wheel things to strengthen my core:


After three sets of five extensions I felt a cramp in the middle of my back just to the right of my spine. At the time I didn't think much of it other than I strained myself a wee bit... and after all isn't that what is supposed to happen, feel a bit strained after exercise, right?


Well, the next day while swimming a moderate effort set in the pool the pain returned with a greater intensity than the day before. As the day progressed the sharpness of the cramp became a dull ache. Again, I didn't think anything more than I pushed myself the day before.


Then Wednesday morning came. Again, in the pool the pain returned but this time it hurt so bad I could hardly get myself over the ledge to get out of the water. Worse yet, getting in and out of the car seat was a lesson in cuss word control. Yah, I had a problem.


Later that same morning I called my USAT Certified Coach and friend, Gerald, to get a referral on a chiro. He gave me the name and within minutes I had an appointment for an hour later.


The diagnosis? My right hip is misaligned by being a few centimeters higher than my left hip. All resulting in a knotted and twisted network of muscles from my heels to my neck.
The prescription? Anti-inflamitories, more visits to the the chiro and the dreaded...
... down time!
Ugh!
With only nine weeks until Ironman Louisville this is NOT the time to be on the bench.
Stay tuned...

11 comments:

Benson said...

oh man, sorry to hear about this. those wheel things are stupid gimmicks and always cause injuries. stick to the basics next time.
Sure hope you heal quick to you go strong into IM Louisville.
be well.

Amy said...

I'm your Twisted Sister!! I have a wacky pelvis too. Once it gets straighted out you'll be feeling better really quickly. Ask the chiro for maintenance stretches and core exercises and also how to check your alignment yourself. There are a few manoeuvres that you can use to correct yourself eventually. When I figured out how to help myself I was able to really get in control of IT band, back and knee issues.

Unknown said...

Feel better Boomer!!! My fingers will be crossed ... and I'll be staying tuned for updates!

Jamie said...

Ouch, sorry to hear about the back troubles TriBoomer!

I've been dealing with a little bit of IT band issues this week and Epsom salt has been absolutely amazing at loosening everything up. I hope you have a big tub, and you'll probably need a whole lot of salt, but it might help relax the back a bit.

SixTwoThree said...

You might try some acupuncture to alleviate those tight muscles too. I see a chiro for alignment too. But the acupuncturist works miracles on my tight muscles. If you lived closer, I'd send you to Jeffrey at Peaceful Waves.

R. Jeffrey Davis said...

Holy Crap! Please keep us all posted. Wishing you a speedy recovery

Born To Endure said...

WHAT???? NO LOU FOR YOU??? :-)

ShirleyPerly said...

Oh no! Last time I had back problems was about 15 years ago and I still remember how very painful and disruptive it was. Hope you're able to get it resolved soon!!

Brent Buckner said...

:-(

All the best for working the problem.

Comm's said...

Good Lord Boom, those rollers should be banned. Have your gym get rid of it if they want any credibility. If they wont then ask for those coiled springs with hand grips so you can bend it to a new chest.

Vickie said...

Sorry to hear that you seem to be on the injury cycle this year. It always seems to go that way: first one thing, then another, and another. Sometimes the stress level we are under places burdens on us that result in injuries. Hope things are going well otherwise.