Additions have been made again for my summer races/events.
My BikeMS ride is still June 12-13th but now I have a link for anyone who would like to help with my goal of raising $300 towards MS research Click Here.
I'm also going to sign up for a half marathon in September!
In Bethesda/Rockville Area!
Vacations are set for Possibly October and definitely August.
Apr 28, 2010
Apr 20, 2010
Quick Post
Hey just a quick update, ran the Earth Day 5k run on Sunday. I finished in 25:34, an 8:14 average mile, and placing 145th out of 686 total people. Not to bad for my first running race post injury.
I also wanted to update the spring/summer races:
April 18th: Earth Day 5k (Silver Spring, MD) Finished 25:34
May 2nd: 5 boroughs bike tour (New York, NY)
May 8th weekend: Trip to NY
May 12th – 16th: Agee/Spampinato wedding (Cincinnati, Ohio)
May 29th weekend: Trip to NY
June: Opened at the moment. Group rides and training will be going on
June 12th-13th: Bike MS ride (30 miles on Saturday, 50 miles on Sunday)
Raising money for Multiple Sclerosis
July: Possibly 4th of July vacation?
July 10th: Caribbean Sounds 10k (Rock Creek Park)
August 14th – 21st: Brigantine Family vacation (Brigantine, NJ)
September or October: Melissa and I will run half Marathon on the trail or if we find a race
September 4th: Open Water Swimming races in Connecticut (3 mile, 1.5 mile, .5 mile)
September 18th: Run Geek Run 8k (West Potomac Park)
October 10th: Boo! Run for Life 10k (West Potomac Park)
November: TBD (Vacation in Ohio for Thanksgiving hopefully)
December: TBD (Queens, NY for Christmas break)
Somewhere I would like to do a shorter triathlon (June –August time frame)
I also wanted to update the spring/summer races:
April 18th: Earth Day 5k (Silver Spring, MD) Finished 25:34
May 2nd: 5 boroughs bike tour (New York, NY)
May 8th weekend: Trip to NY
May 12th – 16th: Agee/Spampinato wedding (Cincinnati, Ohio)
May 29th weekend: Trip to NY
June: Opened at the moment. Group rides and training will be going on
June 12th-13th: Bike MS ride (30 miles on Saturday, 50 miles on Sunday)
Raising money for Multiple Sclerosis
July: Possibly 4th of July vacation?
July 10th: Caribbean Sounds 10k (Rock Creek Park)
August 14th – 21st: Brigantine Family vacation (Brigantine, NJ)
September or October: Melissa and I will run half Marathon on the trail or if we find a race
September 4th: Open Water Swimming races in Connecticut (3 mile, 1.5 mile, .5 mile)
September 18th: Run Geek Run 8k (West Potomac Park)
October 10th: Boo! Run for Life 10k (West Potomac Park)
November: TBD (Vacation in Ohio for Thanksgiving hopefully)
December: TBD (Queens, NY for Christmas break)
Somewhere I would like to do a shorter triathlon (June –August time frame)
Apr 13, 2010
Back From Injuries, Spring Time
Hey all, it has been a really long time since I have posted anything (August 9, 2009 WTF!). Mostly because there was nothing but annoying rants about how I couldn’t do anything workout-wise because of my injuries. If you are interested in reading any of these rants and 140 characters bitch-fest it is on my Facebook and Twitter accounts.
To catch everyone up, I was dealing with a major leg/back problem since late December 2008/early January 2009 through returning from my two months working in San Diego in August and September. I had an MRI exam on my lumbar part of my back to find out that I had multiple minor herniated discs, as well as disc degradation. The doctor at Capital Spine and Pain took care of me and I had cortisone shot in my L5/S1 vertebrae. I followed, and continue to follow the doctors recommendations, “don’t help anyone move and stick to one girlfriend!”
The amazing thing about this injection is that it instantly helped. Still being cautious I didn’t really do a whole lot of training. I continued to get some physical therapy, but after a few months nothing seemed to be helping so I started going to the gym again. At first I was focused mainly on swimming and upper body weights. Avoiding putting any stress on my lower back.
Finally after a month or two of avoiding biking and running, I started to train a bit more. I started off with a jog on the treadmill at 5 mph. and slowly adding speed, then an occasional sprint. Feeling more and more comfortable with this I began bike riding. Since this was during winter I did some easy trainer work before moving to spin classes at the gym.
Now that it has begun to warm up and the snow is finally melting from the mass amounts of snow that caused the entire area of D.C. for almost an entire week just after the Super Bowl, I started to go on the roads with Melissa. Some short rides down to Georgetown and around the area. We even started running outside, again slowly easing into hard runs.
The good news in all of this is that the back is healed. There are occasional pains but I either take it easy and it is alright by morning or the next day. I have tried to take a good look at my training and make sure that I don’t have any more overtraining injuries. This has included taking days off and relaxing so my body will recover properly.
Also, thanks to my roommate I was able to partake in my first group cycling ride. WOW! I have never been going that fast on a bike in my life. At points we were topping out at 40 mph and when the pace line was formed we were cruising at 25-30 mph. Got to see new places to ride and met some interesting people.
One of the people ran the Boston Marathon and beat LANCE ARMSTRONG! The guy is 56 years old and ran 2 hrs and 46 minutes! How awesome is that to say that you beat a guy like Lance! Another guy I met coach’s triathletes and runners and helped my roommate train for the three ironman triathlon races that he has completed. The guy can also fly up hills on a bike. He was starting near the back of the pack and finish in the top ten (of what seemed to be 50 people) at the top of the hill.
Other things going on in my life right now:
Still living/working in Washington, D.C., Wednesday April 14, 2010 makes it two full years.
Still dating Melissa, almost 14 months now
This summer has some exciting events planned:
April 18th: Earth Day 5k (Silver Spring, MD)
May 2nd: 5 boroughs bike tour (New York, NY)
May 8th weekend: Trip to NY
May 12th – 16th: Agee/Spampinato wedding (Cincinnati, Ohio)
May 29th weekend: Trip to NY
June: Opened at the moment. Group rides and training will be going on
July: Possibly 4th of July vacation?
August 14th – 21st: Brigantine Family vacation (Brigantine, NJ)
September or October: Melissa and I will run half Marathon on the trail or if we find a race
November: TBD (Vacation in Ohio for Thanksgiving hopefully)
December: TBD (Queens, NY for Christmas break)
Somewhere I would like to do a shorter triathlon (June –August time frame)
Some things to think about for 2011 for anyone reading this:
1. My friend Kevin and I want to do Ragbrai (Click Here). Anyone interested in creating a team and getting custom jerseys? Probably need at least 8 people (maybe more).
2. Chicago Marathon 2011?
3. Any other event where I could get some good hurting in. Suggestions? Centuries? Tri’s?
To catch everyone up, I was dealing with a major leg/back problem since late December 2008/early January 2009 through returning from my two months working in San Diego in August and September. I had an MRI exam on my lumbar part of my back to find out that I had multiple minor herniated discs, as well as disc degradation. The doctor at Capital Spine and Pain took care of me and I had cortisone shot in my L5/S1 vertebrae. I followed, and continue to follow the doctors recommendations, “don’t help anyone move and stick to one girlfriend!”
The amazing thing about this injection is that it instantly helped. Still being cautious I didn’t really do a whole lot of training. I continued to get some physical therapy, but after a few months nothing seemed to be helping so I started going to the gym again. At first I was focused mainly on swimming and upper body weights. Avoiding putting any stress on my lower back.
Finally after a month or two of avoiding biking and running, I started to train a bit more. I started off with a jog on the treadmill at 5 mph. and slowly adding speed, then an occasional sprint. Feeling more and more comfortable with this I began bike riding. Since this was during winter I did some easy trainer work before moving to spin classes at the gym.
Now that it has begun to warm up and the snow is finally melting from the mass amounts of snow that caused the entire area of D.C. for almost an entire week just after the Super Bowl, I started to go on the roads with Melissa. Some short rides down to Georgetown and around the area. We even started running outside, again slowly easing into hard runs.
The good news in all of this is that the back is healed. There are occasional pains but I either take it easy and it is alright by morning or the next day. I have tried to take a good look at my training and make sure that I don’t have any more overtraining injuries. This has included taking days off and relaxing so my body will recover properly.
Also, thanks to my roommate I was able to partake in my first group cycling ride. WOW! I have never been going that fast on a bike in my life. At points we were topping out at 40 mph and when the pace line was formed we were cruising at 25-30 mph. Got to see new places to ride and met some interesting people.
One of the people ran the Boston Marathon and beat LANCE ARMSTRONG! The guy is 56 years old and ran 2 hrs and 46 minutes! How awesome is that to say that you beat a guy like Lance! Another guy I met coach’s triathletes and runners and helped my roommate train for the three ironman triathlon races that he has completed. The guy can also fly up hills on a bike. He was starting near the back of the pack and finish in the top ten (of what seemed to be 50 people) at the top of the hill.
Other things going on in my life right now:
Still living/working in Washington, D.C., Wednesday April 14, 2010 makes it two full years.
Still dating Melissa, almost 14 months now
This summer has some exciting events planned:
April 18th: Earth Day 5k (Silver Spring, MD)
May 2nd: 5 boroughs bike tour (New York, NY)
May 8th weekend: Trip to NY
May 12th – 16th: Agee/Spampinato wedding (Cincinnati, Ohio)
May 29th weekend: Trip to NY
June: Opened at the moment. Group rides and training will be going on
July: Possibly 4th of July vacation?
August 14th – 21st: Brigantine Family vacation (Brigantine, NJ)
September or October: Melissa and I will run half Marathon on the trail or if we find a race
November: TBD (Vacation in Ohio for Thanksgiving hopefully)
December: TBD (Queens, NY for Christmas break)
Somewhere I would like to do a shorter triathlon (June –August time frame)
Some things to think about for 2011 for anyone reading this:
1. My friend Kevin and I want to do Ragbrai (Click Here). Anyone interested in creating a team and getting custom jerseys? Probably need at least 8 people (maybe more).
2. Chicago Marathon 2011?
3. Any other event where I could get some good hurting in. Suggestions? Centuries? Tri’s?
Aug 9, 2009
First week in San Diego
Hey everyone!
Here is my first blog post from Sunny California! San Diego has been amazing so far, between the sunny skies, great view from the apartment and seeing the Pacific Ocean for the first time, it has been a great week.
A recap of the highlights:
Monday began with saying goodbye to Washington, D.C. for two months. I'll miss everyone there, and I will be back shortly. The cab came and got me around 10:00 a.m. and took me to DCA. I'm always surprised flying out of there, no wait to check in, and fly right through check in. After sitting in the terminal for about an hour and a half I got on the plane to O'Hare. Flight was fairly uneventful. I was disappointed that the government associate did not think that I would want a window seat, or at least a row that was not over the wing. Neither happened so the only view I had was to look up and down the isle.
After landing at O'Hare without a problem, I walk to the next plane. Can anyone guess what happened there? Anyone that has traveled through this airport know, DELAY. Now I was happy it was only a thirty minute delay, BUT still added time to the trip. AT this point I thought I would get some food but nothing sounded appetizing, I figured there would be something available on the plane. Of coarse, nothing except for a drink. Seriously flying across the country, tack on a few extra bucks on the ticket and just give everyone food. Not that hard.
I have to also say that anyone who is thinking that they will take their young child on a plane. DON'T. They have to sit there, not go anywhere, and don't like the change in pressure. LEAVE THEM HOME.
After landing at the airport, getting the bags and car, getting to the hotel was easy, checked in and got to the room. After sitting I realized I had not eaten and did not have food. I was too tired to go anywhere and just gave up. It bothered me the next morning to see that there was a McDonald's right across the street and food just everywhere.
Checking into the base was another issue. Apparently no one told me/my home base that we needed to do some other work that my internship didn't tell us. So I finally got in and started to learn the system that I would be helping convert (why I'm out here in the first place).
Friday (post work)
This was the first time I felt I could go out and enjoy myself a little without having to worry about work, sleep, workouts, etc. So I went to where co-worker (Christin) suggested. A restaurant in Olde Town called "Olde Town Mexican Cafe". I went here to try the recommended margaritas. Christin was correct, great margaritas. Anyone who is in the San Diego area should check this out. order an 1800 margarita. Just delicious, a little strong on the tequila but grand marnier makes it very smooth. I also got Chicken Fajitas, which were also delicious with about half a green bell pepper, some red and yellow peppers, onions, guacamole, and re-fried beans. Very tasty and filling.
Saturday (pictures here http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=hYL7bWZ7phw )
After having a good (wait great it's included so it is great) complementary, I went and got my ticket on base then drive to the ship. Parking right next to the ship was $10 for 10 hours! Seriously how could you be parking anywhere else!
I walked around the ship for 4 hours seeing a bunch of planes, areas of a ship, and listening to some interesting people with great insight to the intricacies of the ship. Follow the link to check out the pictures that I took.
After walking around the ship and checking out the flight deck, I realized that I only had breakfast before I went to the ship. I decided that I'd better go get dinner, so after getting a few things at the gift shop I headed to a place that was visible from the ship. The place is called "The Fish Market". This place had some of the best views, right on the water, and great food.
The meals I've had here have been at a bar since it is just me no need to waste a booth or table. I'm a fan though, I get the food really fast, and random conversations. I ordered Spicy Tuna Sushi which was good (especially with all the wasabi I added to it) for an appetizer. For dinner I ordered rainbow trout with steamed rice and vegetables. All very good, especially with the home brew Pale Ale.
Sorry for this being so long but I wanted to get the whole week out. I'm gonna most likely head to a beach or do some other site seeing tomorrow so I'll try to just blog about tomorrow in one blog.
Later
Here is my first blog post from Sunny California! San Diego has been amazing so far, between the sunny skies, great view from the apartment and seeing the Pacific Ocean for the first time, it has been a great week.
A recap of the highlights:
Monday began with saying goodbye to Washington, D.C. for two months. I'll miss everyone there, and I will be back shortly. The cab came and got me around 10:00 a.m. and took me to DCA. I'm always surprised flying out of there, no wait to check in, and fly right through check in. After sitting in the terminal for about an hour and a half I got on the plane to O'Hare. Flight was fairly uneventful. I was disappointed that the government associate did not think that I would want a window seat, or at least a row that was not over the wing. Neither happened so the only view I had was to look up and down the isle.
After landing at O'Hare without a problem, I walk to the next plane. Can anyone guess what happened there? Anyone that has traveled through this airport know, DELAY. Now I was happy it was only a thirty minute delay, BUT still added time to the trip. AT this point I thought I would get some food but nothing sounded appetizing, I figured there would be something available on the plane. Of coarse, nothing except for a drink. Seriously flying across the country, tack on a few extra bucks on the ticket and just give everyone food. Not that hard.
I have to also say that anyone who is thinking that they will take their young child on a plane. DON'T. They have to sit there, not go anywhere, and don't like the change in pressure. LEAVE THEM HOME.
After landing at the airport, getting the bags and car, getting to the hotel was easy, checked in and got to the room. After sitting I realized I had not eaten and did not have food. I was too tired to go anywhere and just gave up. It bothered me the next morning to see that there was a McDonald's right across the street and food just everywhere.
Checking into the base was another issue. Apparently no one told me/my home base that we needed to do some other work that my internship didn't tell us. So I finally got in and started to learn the system that I would be helping convert (why I'm out here in the first place).
Friday (post work)
This was the first time I felt I could go out and enjoy myself a little without having to worry about work, sleep, workouts, etc. So I went to where co-worker (Christin) suggested. A restaurant in Olde Town called "Olde Town Mexican Cafe". I went here to try the recommended margaritas. Christin was correct, great margaritas. Anyone who is in the San Diego area should check this out. order an 1800 margarita. Just delicious, a little strong on the tequila but grand marnier makes it very smooth. I also got Chicken Fajitas, which were also delicious with about half a green bell pepper, some red and yellow peppers, onions, guacamole, and re-fried beans. Very tasty and filling.
Saturday (pictures here http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=hYL7bWZ7phw )
After having a good (wait great it's included so it is great) complementary, I went and got my ticket on base then drive to the ship. Parking right next to the ship was $10 for 10 hours! Seriously how could you be parking anywhere else!
I walked around the ship for 4 hours seeing a bunch of planes, areas of a ship, and listening to some interesting people with great insight to the intricacies of the ship. Follow the link to check out the pictures that I took.
After walking around the ship and checking out the flight deck, I realized that I only had breakfast before I went to the ship. I decided that I'd better go get dinner, so after getting a few things at the gift shop I headed to a place that was visible from the ship. The place is called "The Fish Market". This place had some of the best views, right on the water, and great food.
The meals I've had here have been at a bar since it is just me no need to waste a booth or table. I'm a fan though, I get the food really fast, and random conversations. I ordered Spicy Tuna Sushi which was good (especially with all the wasabi I added to it) for an appetizer. For dinner I ordered rainbow trout with steamed rice and vegetables. All very good, especially with the home brew Pale Ale.
Sorry for this being so long but I wanted to get the whole week out. I'm gonna most likely head to a beach or do some other site seeing tomorrow so I'll try to just blog about tomorrow in one blog.
Later
Jul 21, 2009
Finally An Answer!
Yesterday I finally got the results of an MRI I had on my lumbar (lower) spine. The Doctor I went to on the 13th wanted the MRI done after X-rays and hip evaluation ruled out any hip problems.
The result of the MRI was that I have a L5-S1 Disc Herniation; this has been causing the pain and numbness in my leg because of the pressure being put on my nerves. As of right now they want me to see a spinal doctor within their group. They have said that for right now the best thing for me is to continue with the Anti-inflammatory pills. The next step will be a localized cortisone-like injection to the area affected.
The benefit right now with this result of the MRI is that I know it’s not a leg injury. Since I have had the news I have started to slowly workout on my indoor bike trainer and tried arc trainer (similar to the elliptical). The self evaluation of the post-workouts is good with day after pain and soreness at a minimum. The soreness will come with added workload, but since this injury has occurred I’m taking the build up to working out slowly.
Biking is going to be the beginning of the working out, but soon I will add swimming. Since the angle and motion of the back while freestyle swimming isn’t very comfortable at the moment I will ease into the working out with stretches and exercises provided by Trainer Ali. If anyone else is having back troubles, after consulting a doctor, there are websites online that have great suggestions for stretches.
So that’s all that is going on now, but I’ll keep posting on the road to recovery, and in two weeks I’ll continue to blog about my trip and experiences in sunny San Diego, California.
The result of the MRI was that I have a L5-S1 Disc Herniation; this has been causing the pain and numbness in my leg because of the pressure being put on my nerves. As of right now they want me to see a spinal doctor within their group. They have said that for right now the best thing for me is to continue with the Anti-inflammatory pills. The next step will be a localized cortisone-like injection to the area affected.
The benefit right now with this result of the MRI is that I know it’s not a leg injury. Since I have had the news I have started to slowly workout on my indoor bike trainer and tried arc trainer (similar to the elliptical). The self evaluation of the post-workouts is good with day after pain and soreness at a minimum. The soreness will come with added workload, but since this injury has occurred I’m taking the build up to working out slowly.
Biking is going to be the beginning of the working out, but soon I will add swimming. Since the angle and motion of the back while freestyle swimming isn’t very comfortable at the moment I will ease into the working out with stretches and exercises provided by Trainer Ali. If anyone else is having back troubles, after consulting a doctor, there are websites online that have great suggestions for stretches.
So that’s all that is going on now, but I’ll keep posting on the road to recovery, and in two weeks I’ll continue to blog about my trip and experiences in sunny San Diego, California.
Jul 13, 2009
Injury Update
Hey readers!
this isn't going to be an exciting post or anything, just keeping everyone in the loop.
I had x-rays on my hip this morning, and it came back negative. I don't have any broken bones, or anything like that. The hip specialist (the part of the body, not that he was overly cool or anything like that) said that there was nothing wrong with the hip, and he was concerned with it being a problem with my lower back.
I now have an MRI scheduled for Wednesday where hopefully they will be able to definitely diagnose the problem and fix it in time.
this isn't going to be an exciting post or anything, just keeping everyone in the loop.
I had x-rays on my hip this morning, and it came back negative. I don't have any broken bones, or anything like that. The hip specialist (the part of the body, not that he was overly cool or anything like that) said that there was nothing wrong with the hip, and he was concerned with it being a problem with my lower back.
I now have an MRI scheduled for Wednesday where hopefully they will be able to definitely diagnose the problem and fix it in time.
Jun 15, 2009
One of the few things I hate to do....
I have been finally convinced that I needed to do something that I hate doing. That is, resting/not working out.
Back in January I was gearing up for two separate events, the Kinetic Half Ironman and rowing season. I was pulling consistent double schedules which consisted of a morning workout and an afternoon workout, in between was an eight to nine hour day of office work for the Navy.
Morning workouts typically consisted of a cardio workout, dominated by treadmill runs since running in freezing temperatures is not always the best decision, especially at 5 a.m. The afternoon workout would either be upper body weights and a treadmill speed interval, or an indoor trainer session for cycling.
The speed interval on the treadmill is one of the hardest workouts that I have done. A lady, who won Ironman Canada for her age group of 35-40 years old, explained the workout to me in between some minor coaching for my swimming technique in an Arlington, VA community pool. On the treadmill, run a mile as fast as possible, then take a slow jog for 30 (thirty) seconds, then repeat. My current best for this is 3.5 miles. And if done correctly, this will whoop your butt.
At some point in January, I did something to my left leg that caused mild discomfort when I wasn’t working out, but zero pain when I was working out. As the months progressed the pain got worse and started to affect my workouts. I, being a stupid stubborn athlete, felt that the pain was going to go away and I just needed to keep training to reach my goals. In my mind I was figuring that if I go to a doctor before my events that they would not want/allow me to race for risk of further injury.
Fast forward to my half Ironman distance, I completed the race and then the pain started to get exponentially more painful. Everyone who saw me said that I started to look like a 60 year old man, since I was beginning to have a lean forward because of the pain. My parents were the ones who especially were concerned. I was happy to hear that my dad would have not gone to the doctor because of the same reasons that I didn’t go to the doctor.
Finally after the triathlon, Preakness, and a few weeks, I got to the doctor, this is about five and a half to six months after the initial injury. She decided that I didn’t need an x-ray, MRI, or even medication for inflammation or the pain. I did get a referral to the physical therapist, who said that it was most likely a strain of the hamstring and hip flexor. The best cure for this would be ice, ibuprofen, and time off. The first two were not the problem but after getting the definite answer that the long run it would be best to not row at least for a week.
Currently I am in that rest week and I will be going to the physical therapist to see what the next steps are going to be. A few good things about the week turned out pretty good, a Captain friend of mine said, hey you could still do upper body, so I started lifting so it was nice to be in the gym and do some working out, and I enjoyed a few nights out at some bars which I haven’t been able to do with training, racing, and other events.
This past weekend I was able to go out to a very nice restaurant and have some foods I probably would never have tried if not for going with the group I was with. Also going to one of the nicest clubs in the Washington, D.C. area, “Josephine’s” to celebrate my girlfriend’s birthday.
Hopefully the physical therapist will give me a certain time frame to start getting back into workout out. My guess is at the earliest a week from today, Monday; I’ll be back on the water at 5:20 a.m. training like I always am. If I am really lucky I’ll be healed up enough to go out and enjoy the great weather recently in the area on my bike. At the least, I want to be healed up enough so when I head out to San Diego (59 days stationed there for my job) I can bring my bike. My goal is to ride some of the mountains that were in the Tour of California, more specifically, Palomar Mountain which is 11+ miles long at about a 7.7% gradient.
Lessons learned:
1.) Go to the doctor if there is pain for more than a week.
2.) Time off is not a bad thing, your body does need time to de-train/heal.
3.) ____________________________
Leave your own personal comment for me having read what has happened.
So now you’re up to date, I’ll be loading some recent rowing and triathlon pictures soon.
Back in January I was gearing up for two separate events, the Kinetic Half Ironman and rowing season. I was pulling consistent double schedules which consisted of a morning workout and an afternoon workout, in between was an eight to nine hour day of office work for the Navy.
Morning workouts typically consisted of a cardio workout, dominated by treadmill runs since running in freezing temperatures is not always the best decision, especially at 5 a.m. The afternoon workout would either be upper body weights and a treadmill speed interval, or an indoor trainer session for cycling.
The speed interval on the treadmill is one of the hardest workouts that I have done. A lady, who won Ironman Canada for her age group of 35-40 years old, explained the workout to me in between some minor coaching for my swimming technique in an Arlington, VA community pool. On the treadmill, run a mile as fast as possible, then take a slow jog for 30 (thirty) seconds, then repeat. My current best for this is 3.5 miles. And if done correctly, this will whoop your butt.
At some point in January, I did something to my left leg that caused mild discomfort when I wasn’t working out, but zero pain when I was working out. As the months progressed the pain got worse and started to affect my workouts. I, being a stupid stubborn athlete, felt that the pain was going to go away and I just needed to keep training to reach my goals. In my mind I was figuring that if I go to a doctor before my events that they would not want/allow me to race for risk of further injury.
Fast forward to my half Ironman distance, I completed the race and then the pain started to get exponentially more painful. Everyone who saw me said that I started to look like a 60 year old man, since I was beginning to have a lean forward because of the pain. My parents were the ones who especially were concerned. I was happy to hear that my dad would have not gone to the doctor because of the same reasons that I didn’t go to the doctor.
Finally after the triathlon, Preakness, and a few weeks, I got to the doctor, this is about five and a half to six months after the initial injury. She decided that I didn’t need an x-ray, MRI, or even medication for inflammation or the pain. I did get a referral to the physical therapist, who said that it was most likely a strain of the hamstring and hip flexor. The best cure for this would be ice, ibuprofen, and time off. The first two were not the problem but after getting the definite answer that the long run it would be best to not row at least for a week.
Currently I am in that rest week and I will be going to the physical therapist to see what the next steps are going to be. A few good things about the week turned out pretty good, a Captain friend of mine said, hey you could still do upper body, so I started lifting so it was nice to be in the gym and do some working out, and I enjoyed a few nights out at some bars which I haven’t been able to do with training, racing, and other events.
This past weekend I was able to go out to a very nice restaurant and have some foods I probably would never have tried if not for going with the group I was with. Also going to one of the nicest clubs in the Washington, D.C. area, “Josephine’s” to celebrate my girlfriend’s birthday.
Hopefully the physical therapist will give me a certain time frame to start getting back into workout out. My guess is at the earliest a week from today, Monday; I’ll be back on the water at 5:20 a.m. training like I always am. If I am really lucky I’ll be healed up enough to go out and enjoy the great weather recently in the area on my bike. At the least, I want to be healed up enough so when I head out to San Diego (59 days stationed there for my job) I can bring my bike. My goal is to ride some of the mountains that were in the Tour of California, more specifically, Palomar Mountain which is 11+ miles long at about a 7.7% gradient.
Lessons learned:
1.) Go to the doctor if there is pain for more than a week.
2.) Time off is not a bad thing, your body does need time to de-train/heal.
3.) ____________________________
Leave your own personal comment for me having read what has happened.
So now you’re up to date, I’ll be loading some recent rowing and triathlon pictures soon.
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