Reigster now for free to join this or any of the thousands of ongoing discussions - Connect with thousands of athletes, post questions, share thoughts, find a training buddy,access triathlon training programs, marathon training programs and more!
Discussion: 1st Tri this Saturday, a bit of a dilemma...
Subject: 1st Tri this Saturday, a bit of a dilemma... By: Timarie K. Written on: 2006-06-20 20:15:20 Message: Hi all- have my first Tri this weekend (Philly sprint) as a practice for an Olympic at the end of August. Have been more than dilligently following my training schedule, and all was going just perfectly (well, after getting on a bike and in a pool for the 1st time since I was a kid). Really enjoying the training and while I will never be a speed demon (goal to complete this weekend in under 90 mns) I feel really good about this sport and my accomplishments thus far. Or felt... did a practice race this past weekend exactly simulating philly (ok, without 600 others kicking me in the face) and it went well. Saturday my back was completely killing me and I had a massive headache, neither of which is normal. Have taken it easy (totally have to, can't run), have been taking Advil and using a heating pad at work and at night, with very limited improvement. This is a total bummer. First I feel totally guilty for not doing much this week, although I know that you are supposed to taper and it's smart. I am also a bit concerned too for having this last so long. I usually bounce back pretty quickly, and normally wouldn't even feel 90mins of exercise. I will do Sat unless I am on my death bed. Any suggestions, mentally and physically?? Thanks in advance
Subject: RE: 1st Tri this Saturday, a bit of a dilemma... By: Brad H. Written on: 2006-06-20 20:45:47 Message: Timarie; If you have seriously injured your back, then I wouldn't risk my season by competing on the weekend. I know it's demoralizing, but you will be better in the long run... (no pun intended) This is your taper week anyway. Take it easy, some light stretching, maybe an easy swim and re-evaluate on Thursday. If all's well, go for a short bike/run brick and get ready for your big day. If it doesn't feel right, go to the race anyway and cheer people on. (and watch and learn) Don't risk your newfound health (120 lbs?!? Holy smokes) by doing something that could hurt you... Good luck and keep us posted... Brad
Subject: RE: 1st Tri this Saturday, a bit of a dilemma... By: David W. Written on: 2006-06-20 20:46:14 Message: For the physical part, have you tried a chiropractor for your back? Maybe the fact that you put all of them together in one day, your back just tightened up and needs an adjustment. Three days after my half ironman, I played sand volleyball and tweaked my back and I went to my chiropractor and he said things were tight and after a couple times really loosened it up. He said typically after an event like that, muscles tighten up. Maybe the same thing for your headache... the shoulders could have tightened up on the swim and run and just need to get loosened up. Did you back tighten up immediately after or was a few hours... same with the headache? As far as mentally, you know you can do the distance... just listen to your body. Does stretching help either of the issues? You are doing great with the training... keep up the good work!
Subject: RE: 1st Tri this Saturday, a bit of a dilemma... By: Jeff S. Written on: 2006-06-21 09:02:19 Message: Timarie, You are a very intense person and I'm sure you put everything you had into your practice Tri last weekend, your body just maybe wasn't quite ready for that intensity for that amount of time and your back and headache are it's answer to that. I think that what David said is very true, your body could have tightened up and that was the reaction you got. I know it isn't fun but you don't need to feel guilty, you are supposed to go light this week and take it easy, if you are feeling good by this weekend then go for it, it not then it is okay to pass on the event, you still have other more important events coming up that you want to be ready for. You know your body better then anyone else so you will have to judge if you think doing the event this weekend will be good or if it will make things worse. The chiropractor might help, but you might also need to see a doctor if things are too bad, you could have possibly pulled or damaged something, so take it easy and evaluate yourself on a day to day basis at this point. Good luck, Jeff
Subject: RE: 1st Tri this Saturday, a bit of a dilemma... By: Ronald F. Written on: 2006-06-21 10:13:29 Message: I wonder if the headache really has anything to do with the workout, it might not. The sore back will most likely loosen up. You can help that by staying active and hiting the hot tub (whatever you normally do to loosen up). If you feel like you have done some real damage to your back you should bag the tri but I doubt that you did. Tight muscles in the lower back is commonly caused from having a road bike that has a long reach from seat to handlebars ( this can be adjusted but I would not make changes this close to your race. A massage might help but I find that a massage within a few days of a race makes me sluggish on race day so you would want to do that today if possible. I would bet that you will still be a little sore on friday but in good enough condition to race this comming weekend. Good luck Ron
Subject: RE: 1st Tri this Saturday, a bit of a dilemma... By: Carie M. Written on: 2006-06-21 13:26:56 Message: Be willing to take it slow & easy, at least when you start each of the legs... Sounds like you really went for it on your practice! I'm betting you can do it, and I'm sure you WILL cuz you obviously have a lot of conviction - just be willing to take walk breaks if you need, or back off the intensity on the bike, or whatever. It's your first time out, and just being there will be a learning experience in itself... Make sure it's a fun experience! You'll do fine and the rest now is definitely what you need, enjoy the break!! Can't wait to hear your race report!
Subject: RE: 1st Tri this Saturday, a bit of a dilemma... By: Timarie K. Written on: 2006-06-22 21:50:25 Message: Hey guys, thanks for all of your feedback. Well, some updates. Headaches persisted and back didn't improve signficantly so I went to a chiropractor yesterday afternoon. Disk disease in 3 of my disks in my neck and severe curvature of my upper back, both relatively recent occurances (gosh, I wish I had listened to my mother when she told me to stand up straight!). Both are dealable with PT so not too too worried about that. He was very concerned about the headaches since they are atypical for me and it has gone on for 6 days, sometimes severe. He sent me to a neurologist and today I went and did an MRA (MRI for the brain, no so fun and injections for contrast). Going back to the other dr. at 6:30 am tomorrow where he is going to assess the films and give me a go/no go for Saturday. I don't think it is anything but felt it was the best thing to do, especially with some exertion coming my way. So, that's the story at this point. Would be really bummed if I can't do Philly this weekend, but I am not stupid. Stay tuned, you'll either see a race report or somehting with "disappointment" in the headline... Have a good weeked! Timarie
Subject: RE: 1st Tri this Saturday, a bit of a dilemma... By: Ronald F. Written on: 2006-06-22 23:31:15 Message: Timarie, Wishing the best for you. Ron
Subject: RE: 1st Tri this Saturday, a bit of a dilemma... By: Timarie K. Written on: 2006-06-23 08:59:26 Message: Thanks Ron- just got back from the dr (yes, he has 6:30 am appts!) and the scans are clean, which is great news. He has given me the go ahead, so I am going to go to Philly and see how I feel tomorrow am. Any question and I won't do it, but until then I am mentally preparing! Thanks all...
Subject: RE: 1st Tri this Saturday, a bit of a dilemma... By: Jael A. Written on: 2006-06-23 09:59:21 Message: Timarie, I am so glad your back is ok. Have a great time on race day. All the best to you, go kick butt! Jael
Subject: RE: 1st Tri this Saturday, a bit of a dilemma... By: David W. Written on: 2006-06-23 10:05:56 Message: Timarie, Good Luck on your race this weekend! I hope all goes well! Dave
Subject: RE: 1st Tri this Saturday, a bit of a dilemma... By: Jay A. Written on: 2006-06-23 10:39:07 Message: Timarie, Glad to hear the scans came back clean. I hope you begin to feel better and you'll be able to compete. I'm doing the Oly in Philly on Sun....maybe our paths will cross.
Subject: RE: 1st Tri this Saturday, a bit of a dilemma... By: Brad H. Written on: 2006-06-23 12:02:30 Message: Timarie; Great news. I'll bet that was a pretty scary couple of days waiting for the results. Take it easy in Philly and let us know how it goes... Brad
Subject: RE: 1st Tri this Saturday, a bit of a dilemma... By: Andrew S. Written on: 2006-06-23 12:33:15 Message: Great news T! The only unsolicited advice that I have is to "listen" to your body during the race. If you feel wierd, stop for craps sake! Otherwise have fun, be safe A/
Subject: Timarie, By: Dan W. Written on: 2006-06-23 13:34:36 Message: Congrats on the test results. As a competitor or a spectator, have fun at the race this weekend!
Subject: RE: 1st Tri this Saturday, a bit of a dilemma... By: Timarie K. Written on: 2006-06-23 13:37:04 Message: Hi all, thanks once again for all of your support. Good luck to everyone racing this weekend and will be sure to take it easy... ok, will at least listen to my body (good point Andrew) and just enjoy! Results on Sunday
Subject: RE: 1st Tri this Saturday, a bit of a dilemma... By: Carie M. Written on: 2006-06-23 13:37:12 Message: Yay so glad you're gonna be able to race! Have a GREAT time!!
Subject: RE: 1st Tri this Saturday, a bit of a dilemma... By: Bert K. Written on: 2006-06-23 13:42:21 Message: Best of luck with your 1st tri! Bert-fellow newbie
Subject: RE: 1st Tri this Saturday, a bit of a dilemma... By: Jeff S. Written on: 2006-06-23 15:58:03 Message: Timarie, Glad to hear that you will be able to do your Tri this weekend, and even more so because you actually saw a doctor and got checked out and okay'd to do your race. Good luck, take it easy, and don't be afraid to back it off and walk, you are just trying to finish at this point, don't worry so much about the time. Good luck we will be thinking about and praying for a good race for you. Jeff
Back to Discussion Index Triathlon Training  Triathlon Gear  Marathon Training  Health and Fitness