injured? no problem...

As long as I can remember, I've never been that simple kind of athlete. Basically, I am quite challenged. At 12 years (or so) I remember getting out of the pool telling my coach I can't move my arm above my head and somewhat laughing about it. High school, college...it never ends! I finally quit swimming in college due to certain reasons i won't even bother getting into. Taking a few years off reminded me how much I still wanted to be an athlete and compete. I never imagined doing a triathlon, but I did a sprint...then another...then an olympic distance...now I am doing a half ironman in July. It's hard to explain, but competing and training for something is an amazing adventure. 2010 I have BIG plans for myself...some maybe a bit over my head, but hey that's what it's all about right? Here's a peak into it...

Feb 28th- half marathon (well, i'm not sure how that's looking right now. i haven't signed up)

April-collegiate nationals (triathlon)

May-200 mile running relay. repping city sports. it's a 12 person relay.

July-half ironman

August-oct- collegiate season (most likely i will be too busy to do majority of these races)

Sometime- marathon!!!! then qualifying for boston marathon (i know, i told you im over my head)

This is going to sound ridiculously cheesy (yay cheese) but every time I get injured or have to stop doing something I learn quite a big deal about myself, being a better athlete, or just training in general. I suppose I should know a hell of a lot about myself by now. hah. Well this time around this isn't anything new. Well, sort of. The source of the problem is no different than it was probably 4 years ago. Make sure you find the source of the problem......don't just fix the knee or ankle and ignore the rest. It will always haunt you! Since I am in a physical therapy class I understand the problem a lot more...and can probably give myself a rehab plan (i probably shouldn't though). My professor used me as an example for class for an evaluation. sweet huh? Here it is. If you have any running problems and back pain, perhaps this could you too (it's pretty common).

Basically, the SI joint (joint between the sacrum (the end of the spine) and the illium (well..your pelvis)) on my left side seems to be sprained..or misaligned/dislocated, etc. It can be put back, but it comes out pretty much all the time. Sometimes the damn thing hits some nerves while its out too. I am asymmetrical. Go figure right? I think i am asymmetrical in life pretty much. Anyways, this misalignment causes a tilt in my pelvis...thus causing my left leg to be longer. When i was running my body tried to compensate by making my left foot pronate (go inward) and be even with my right leg. So the lateral side of my ankle was being compressed and bam it's painful. Last time it was my pelvis pulling on my groin because it was tilted. I think i need to get that thing back in place. I was told it will pretty much come back out again, but I just need to strengthen the muscles to try to hold it in better. weird eh?

So as nerdy as i am, i bought a running book to try to create a better training plan and do things right this time. So, if anything don't be frustrated with an injury (although it can be), but use it to your advantage so when you do get back you kick more ass than before. The only thing, though, is that I am almost going crazy using the damn cardio machines at the gym. I hate being next to undergrad girls who have resistance at 1 and move their legs as fast as they can (and think they are getting skinny doing it). I pretty much read my running book and stay on there for about an hour. The machines also make my back pain much worse. This is because machines keep your feet grounded the whole time. so these means i am asymmetrical the entire hour .... straining my left side even more (i feel like i shouldnt be doing this). running you lift up your leg (obviously), so i get a relief from the asymmetry for those brief moments in the running gait cycle. Basically, a lose lose situation. Lets become symmetrical again so i can get back out there and run! base running first...start out running nice and slow.....

As much as i know you like to ignore your injuries...they will bite you in the ass later. So listen to yourself and get it checked out. oh and be symmetrical. it will help.

happy thanksgiving! if you have any injuries you feel like telling me about I'll try to figure them out :) *cough* BERGEN