Day 21 - #FML
>> Sunday, May 2, 2010
I'm trying to write a calm and collected blog post, but considering how fricken annoyed and frustrated I am right now, I'm not sure it's possible.
Today was Day 3 of my 3-day rest after getting calf cramps. I was looking forward to getting back to the gym. I attempted 1 burpee and knew immediately it wasn't going to happen. Continuing would only make my leg situation worse. There's only 1 thing I want more than finishing the burpee challenge, and that's figuring out what the F is wrong with me. Ugh.
So I quit. I quit the burpee challenge. Not because I want to, but because I have to change my focus. I have to replace all the time I was going to spend on doing burpees each night and instead, do exercises to get stronger, more stable, and more flexible.
After my failed burpee attempt, Michael did a number of assessment techniques to see if he could figure out exactly the root of my problem. Although I get calf cramps, he's theorized for some time that it's coming from my hips being weak or unstable. The physical tests he had me do didn't really show anything wrong. I think that's because I've learned to compensate for my issues so that I'm still able to do certain movements. It's when I do those movements repeatedly (i.e. 50+ times per day like w/ the burpees), that the problems show up.
He then compared my mobility on the left and right side and it's here that the problem became totally obvious. When comparing how far I can stretch each side there's a huge difference. My right side can only move a fraction of the distance that my left side can.
Amy left a comment the other day that said, "well, you wanted a challenge." And she's right. If I'm completely honest with myself, being diligent about doing physical therapy-type exercises is much harder for me than doing a 100-burpee challenge. There's no instant gratification, no finish line, nothing excited at all. I don't think the 100-burpee challenge would have been all that challenging for me- I find those kinds of things fun and gratifying. But doing exercises each night, just to make my body be able to do something it SHOULD be able to do without the exercises, well that sucks- it's boring and I have a hard time following through on actually doing them.
Michael has given me 5 different exercises that he says I need to do AT LEAST every other night:
L 90/90 stretch
1 legged hip thrusters w/ knee pulled to my chest
Foam rolling calf, butt, and hip
4 different leg raises to strengthen my hip
Standing 4-way hip exercise w/ exercise band
So, although not nearly as cool or exciting, that is my new challenge- to actually follow through and do these exercises dilligently.
Ugh. Life is sucky sometimes.
Kelsalynn
3 comments:
Aw, Kelsa, that sucks. I'm glad you're married to someone who can help you though. You don't have to go spend $$ on tons of different doctors to figure out what's wrong. I hope those exercises help, and quickly.
I like when you quote me. :)
Seriously though, you still do have a challenge on your hands. I have no doubt that you would have showed that burpee challenge who was boss. And I think you'll be able to do this new challenge too.
I think one thing you should focus on here is how lucky you are to have Michael. A lot of people would have known there was a problem and not been able to diagnose it. You can and can fix it. Sure it's gonna take some work but you also know it means the burpee challenge could still be in your future some day.
I for one am super pumped about your stretching challenge. For two reasons: 1) it was my idea- sort of....remember when I suggested it on the phone awhile ago???
2) imagine if it works- then you can run again!!! seriously, how cool would that be? I know you said you miss it- and I know you hate it when your body doesn't cooperate- so think of this as YOU taking control of your body and making it do what you want it to do again! Take THAT stubborn hip, knee, calf!
keep us posted, we'll keep you accountable on that stretching.
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