I have just been to see an orthopaedic surgeon in relation to persistent back/hip/quad issues. He did all the usual checks and then we started talking. He asked me if I was prone to stress – I said that I was and had been suffering a bit this year. He then asked me what I did for stress – I said that I exercised, trained for triathlons. I then realised the obvious; the spasm in my back that was preventing me from cycling was also negating my release from stress. Furthermore, constant worrying about my injury and the consequences of missed races was further cause for anxiety. One sentence I recall now as I type was when he said, “But what do you do to relax?”
What began as a way to stay healthy and relax has – through my desire to compete – become one of the overriding sources of anxiety in my life. The point that I am trying to make is that constant training, recovery, and the balance with work and family is a tough game. There seem to be so many posts on this forum about injuries and the anguish of missed races that one has to highlight the mental strain and catastrophic capacity for disappointment that triathlon entails.
I am borderline obsessive compulsive, and certainly neurotic, and I would say (by way of a very course generalisation) that many on this forum are similarly inclined. This sport has enormous margins for obsession: from nutrition to equipment to physiology etc, and this has proved incendiary combination with my hyper-competitive drive. The surgeon listened intently to me today, telling the story – now laden with medical terms – that I’ve told many other doctors, PTs, chiros, and massage therapists on my way around the treatment cycle. After I had finished my story and the examination was done he looked at me quite carefully – noting, I’m sure, the pleading look in my eyes for a silver bullet – and said, “I think you should try yoga, Alex, because I think that what you need is some peace in your heart.”
I think that you found yourself one of the many great Orthopods that are out there making people whole again. I also think that maybe you should listed to his prescription and take Yoga…thank this Doc…he is a great one.
Just reading Maffetone and specifically the section on stress, how your bod can only take so much of it before it craps out. He also talks about the OCD-like stress many triathletes put on themselves. His sugestion is to sit down and write a list of all the stresses in your life that you can think of… and to determine which ones you can control, and which ones you can’t. Then, let go of the ones you can’t and do something about the ones you can.
be thankful for that doctor. and BTW, that is advise prescribed to me long ago that i never took.
guess what. i’ve decided to cancel my last tri of the season (which i was hoping to PR…what for I have no idea, as I’m still a mid packer with trying to break 1:29–it’s true, don’t laugh) and get myself into better shape…health wise, emotionally, everything. with that said, i’m starting yoga next week.
Thanks Chip - I was about to say the same (about the physician). Kudos to him - and great post by the way as I do agree that many (if not most) on this board are very similar to you.
One of the best peices of advice I ever received from an “eltite” athlete was “don’t ever take yourself to seriously, this is all for fun”. I ALWAYS remind myself of that.
Thanks Chip - I was about to say the same (about the physician). Kudos to him - and great post by the way as I do agree that many (if not most) on this board are very similar to you.
very true!
Well, I know what you mean by stress. With a family and small naging injuries it is stressfull to get your training in… Check out this website and remember that just crossing the line is a privilage and “our” situtation is much better than many…
I could not agree more. Anything in life will always have something better. This is why I compete against ME. Why I laugh on all the comments about nationals and worlds!
Now, I have completed 14 Tris this season, and have competed in the last 8 straight weeks. I will be doing oly tris evey weekend between now and my first IM on Sept 17 in Davis. I only can train 5 to 8 hours a week since my family, job and hobbies are just as important as my Tri races. Balance. So many have said I can not do an IM with this small amount of training per week. We shall see on Sept 17th at about 9pm!!
When I’ve raced my 2 IM races my max weeks were only about 12 hours. I’d bet I could complete an IM right now, on training with only 3-9 miles running per week, biking 150 and not swimming at all. But, I’ve got 14 years base and experience and I know what I’m feeling and how my body reacts.
Relax…have fun…I’ve never made a single penny in a triathlon : )
I think that you’ll find - if you read my post carefully - that I am well aware of all the loose wires. When I can’t leave the house without locking the front door eight times I’ll take your advice and seek professional help.
I am definately going to take his advice. He also told me to try and swim for a week without looking at the clock!
oh that’s great. and the run and bike too, really. it gets you in tune with your body and mind, and it’s good. hell, you might just love it!!
gosh, my best friend and I are looking at yoga classes next week. they will be at 7am and the deal is that neither one of us can call cell phones beforehand, that way we each have accountability not to ditch the other. lol. hope it works! if i was a dog (and thank god I’m not, I’m a cat instead) I would have hip displaysia (however it’s spelled). my PT and I were theorizing on this the other day…lol.
Saturday morning at 11am for 90 minutes for me. My fiance’s going to a baby shower (not hers!) so I’ve got no excuse not to go. Will go for a surf before hand at Bronte (near Bondi), too. I’ll then be in good shape to pick up my mother from the airport at 2pm - i wonder if there is yoga on Sunday!