After rehabilitation on both knees and one foot, I have learned that the rules of workouts and competitions have come due for a reckoning. The good news is that swimming and cycling are unaffected, as neither is hard on the joints. Kickboxing and running, however, need a little adaptation. It’s time for orthopedic shoe inserts.Continue reading “Rules Change; Story Moves Forward”
Category Archives: Pain Management
Racing A New Normal
I know I am feeling good and positive when I look at the racing schedule and start adding races to my calendar. But it’s a new normal, courtesy of Stage 1 arthritis (both knees) and a repaired meniscus (right knee, 24 physical therapy sessions). The over-the-counter arthritis meds are helping considerably, and so is anContinue reading “Racing A New Normal”
Pain vs Play: How A Routine Change Changes Everything
“We’re pattern-making animals by nature. It’s what our brains do. But, if we want to grow, we have to develop that capacity to interrupt those patterns and stress-test them from time to time.”
— Rich Roll, Fast Company, 6-8-2024
Still Learning: Trainer Or Not, And Does Pain Equal Gain?
Following up on Daoust’s Guardian feature: To use a trainer, work out in a group, or go solo: If you find a trainer or instructor you like and you can afford the sessions, go for it. Check with your city or county parks and recreation services for inexpensive rates before signing up with a privateContinue reading “Still Learning: Trainer Or Not, And Does Pain Equal Gain?”
It’s Been A Bit; Things Happened
We will just get right into it, because, why not? I got hurt. Not major hurt, but enough to go to rehab. A small meniscus tear. Fortunately, not bad enough for surgery. I am nine weeks into twelve weeks of physical therapy. Can I say PT is the hardest work I’ve ever done? It’s hardContinue reading “It’s Been A Bit; Things Happened”
Injected With A New Lease On Life
I finally did it. After decades of nagging back and hip pain, I saw a neurosurgeon and a pain management specialist. And got an injection that literally hit me in the sacroiliac. I did not even know I had such a body part, never mind knowing where it was or what it was for. IContinue reading “Injected With A New Lease On Life”
Old Body Parts: The Reality, And Hope For A Drag Show Of A Race
I was only half-kidding when I referred to being tired and having body bits give in and give up on me. I am seeing a neurosurgeon in June. But not so much for something worn out. More like something built up. Just in the wrong place. Calcification on my spine, to be exact. Good, strongContinue reading “Old Body Parts: The Reality, And Hope For A Drag Show Of A Race”
Foot Up, Out Of Action — Just Temporary
I waited out the pandemic to do it, but it’s done. That fugly foot bump known as a bunion was shaved off my left foot and into history nine days ago, by the same surgeon who did the same thing on my right foot twenty years ago. My toes are blue-black (at least, what littleContinue reading “Foot Up, Out Of Action — Just Temporary”
I’ve Fallen…And I Got Up And Kept Running
I suffered a fall today while out running. Nothing serious, just a scraped knee and elbow. No excuses; I tripped over one of those plastic road reflectors and just did not catch myself in time. I scared a few people on the road, since they saw blood and assumed I was a zombie (the bloodContinue reading “I’ve Fallen…And I Got Up And Kept Running”
I’m Awake…$!&% Hurts!
Staying active during the day was never really a big deal for me. As long as I was groovin’ and movin’ nothing about my older self bothered me. Getting up in the morning is another matter. That’s when I tend to notice the twinges, pinches, pulls and pains that accompany a life lived running, swimming,Continue reading “I’m Awake…$!&% Hurts!”
Old Is Serious...Aging Is Hilarious 