I have really enjoyed learning from others on this site and I appreciate the "journal" type entries that Thomas, Dustin, Keith, Space Girl and others have posted. I thought I'd post a quick one.In the May, 2005 issue of Men's Journal, Eric noted that, "The brain tends to be overprotective of the body." This is me. My biggest fear has been over-reaching and getting injured. I've had a few experiences in the past where I've started to train very intensely and got injured.When I signed up with Eric, I was nervous as a loose hen with the coyotes howling in the distance.This week, Eric put me through what most of you would not consider particularly hard. For me, the sequence - running, mountain biking, and strength training - was tough on my body. It didn't fatigue me. Rather, it caused significant muscle soreness. But, I decided that I was going to trust that my body could take it. This doesn't mean that I ignored soreness. I've had the usual suite of aches and pains - IT band, plantar fasciitis, an achilles tweak that likes to remind me it's there. I watch these like a hawk, using the foam roller, taking cold baths, stretching. My weak spot has always been my right hip and glute region. The work this week gave me a hot spot, but I dug into it ferociously with a tennis ball and woke up this morning feeling better.The crazy thing is, I finished this week feeling better than I started it. Lower back pain that has been chronic - if not acute - has been diminishing with Eric's core work. The IT band is limbering up as the glutes take over. The hip is taking the work load and coming back for more. The foot strength and stretching seems to have my PF on the mend.Biggest breakthrough was yesterday. I was run-down, but climbed on the bike for a 2-hour recovery ride. Ended feeling better than I started.I am hesitant to make any predictions. This is week 1 of a fairly low-intensity base period. But, for me it was a big step into the unknown in terms or variety and volume. I just offer this up in case anyone is looking for something positive. There are so many posts on the web about nagging injuries, postponed desires, broken hearts and bodies. People rarely write about the positive ... they just go run or ride. This site is different. Even those who are facing some serious physical challenges (and I am not one of them) are upbeat.Thanks to all of you for your posts. Keep on posting!
Thomas and Eric - Thanks to you both for the comments. Thomas - Can't wait to hear about your 100-miler. Eric - Thanks for giving me a safe way to push harder and explore the possible. Look forward to the months to come!
David, Thanks for the great post! Many times this first training phase is the toughest just due to the adjustment period of the weekly load. As your body adjusts and aclimates, things will fall into place.
And refering to your comment on how the brain will protect the body, here is a point to ponder. "The muscles in the HEART can't function in an anearobic state." You WILL have a heart attack if they try to. So this begs the question, if the heart can't work in an anaerobic state, how then can our legs? Or can they? hmmm
Congrats on finishing week 1 and pushing through the tough times. It sounds like you're making great progress already. From what I've read and have seen about Eric through this website, your in the right hands. I don't think you'll find anyone out there providing this type of free service for people, and he really knows what he's talking about.
Speaking from experience, there will be some tough days, and there will be some great days. There will also be those days when you just want to stay in bed and do nothing. Stay with the plan he has for you and if you find yourself lagging, post to the group and let us help encourage you. We all go through it.
I can't wait to hear how you progress over the next weeks and see where you go.
Comments
And refering to your comment on how the brain will protect the body, here is a point to ponder. "The muscles in the HEART can't function in an anearobic state." You WILL have a heart attack if they try to. So this begs the question, if the heart can't work in an anaerobic state, how then can our legs? Or can they? hmmm
Speaking from experience, there will be some tough days, and there will be some great days. There will also be those days when you just want to stay in bed and do nothing. Stay with the plan he has for you and if you find yourself lagging, post to the group and let us help encourage you. We all go through it.
I can't wait to hear how you progress over the next weeks and see where you go.