Training Log Archive: maprunner

Went to Clinton overlook, which has more interesting terrain, and more animal tracks, than Holcom. Nice ski. Time is pretty accurate, based on start and finish, but I hit the 405 stop button sometime during the ski so it didn't record the whole time.

So, I have ultimately come to the realization that many of my recent aches, pains and injuries are not due to over-training (if anything, I'm scared to push through even the slightest pain now). It's clear my muscles are out of whack, in the sense that some are stronger, or weaker, than they need to be. And some are doing more or less work than they are designed to do. Trouble is, how to get that assessed, and find proper exercises to remedy the situation? I would love to go straight to a physical therapist, but in KS and MO you need a prescription from an MD first. Tried searching for places that would do an assessment (sports clinics, personal trainers. etc) but they are not obviously identified as such in a Google search. If anyone else has had any luck with this, please let me know.

Finally decided to go to a chiropractor (I have a bias against them, which I know is not shared by everyone. And I know that my bias is irrational, since it is based on assumption, not actual experiences). This one has helped MeanGene (yes, Dr Jones) and specializes in treating athletes. I figured I had nothing to lose.

He was just what I needed. Thankfully (for my bias) he did not try to "adjust" my back. He just watched me walk, and lunge. And he assessed muscle strength in my legs. And actually listened to my medical and training history. And he diagnosed that my glutes and core are weak, leading to IT band, hamstring and patella femoral issues. Solution: a few visits, to learn various exercises and stretches (plus daily repeats at home). I'm really hopeful that this is all I need (at the moment. I'm a realist about growing older :)

And maybe I'll learn to recognize my own symptoms and treat myself in the future (same as I learned the parts of a car, each time something broke and needed to be repaired).

The temp was -13 this morning, but it warmed up to a balmy 20 degrees by evening, so I decided it was time to play in the snow. Walked up to Holcom, and then skied around a few laps. The snow was perfect. Not the usual mushy stuff we get around here. And it was a crystal clear night, so I could see the stars. Very nice.

Blizzard conditions outside meant I was definitely training inside today. Winds are very strong. JJ will have a hard time keeping the driveways clear; as soon as you shovel some away, more blows in. Also expecting frigid temps for the next few days.

Spent the day at home. Unfortunately, I had to burn a vacation day. But I was able to do a lot of sewing and reading, almost as if it were a Saturday :)

Local PTOC race, green course, Blue and Grey park. Temps in the 20s meant the snow was crusty and the horse trails were frozen ice (unless they were in the sun, and then they were just muck). Physically it was very tough. Wish that could explain my navigation, but it doesn't. Total brain fart day.

On the way to 2, I thought I had missed the first trail, and headed east to pick up the second trail (I thought). So when I hit the road, I thought I was fairly close to 2. Doh!

Made it to 2, and then had another brain fart on distance on my way to 3. Thought I had hit the field closer to 3, so I headed up the hill. Totally out of it.

Stopped at 3, took a drink, let my brain get some oxygen. I picked an incredibly safe route to 4 and finally executed something cleanly. After that I moved through the course without any total F-ups, but I was hesitant and slow the whole way. Never moved with any confidence. A bad day.
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