Sometimes I think I could write a book on it. It always seems that just when I start feeling really good and strong, something goes wrong. Sprained ankle, pulled quad, pulled a tendon in my foot a week before my first race, got sick and had to withdraw from my second race..........I know these things are insignficant in the scheme of life, but agree that it's frustrating! Especially when they happen one after the other and it seems like you can't get a break. (I could win the award for the world's biggest klutz). The only thing I can say that helps me get through it is to keep the "big picture" in mind, know that in the years of training that you will do, a few weeks (or months :( ) here and there won't be that significant, and that compared to what could be wrong, these things are minor. Also, if you're fairly fit to begin with, it will come back fairly quickly. Just be patient, ease back into it, and definitely listen to your body. That's probably what the doc meant by you comfort level. Don't beat yourself up for only going 9 miles - it's all relative, and be proud of yourself for getting back on the bike and having the drive to continue!

I also wonder in reading the posts here if anyone else experiences setbacks, and how they deal with it. I feel like training (and racing more) are my passion, and I just don't feel like myself if I can't do it! I always try to focus on the positive though, and concentrate on what I CAN do instead of what I CAN'T do. If nothing else, it makes you mentally tougher!

Good luck, hang in there and I'm sure you'll be back to normal soon! :)

the worst for me is not swimming for a couple of weeks and for the first couple of times i feel like am i am flailing around in the water.

i know about back problems, i have had 2 back surgeries in the last 5 years and i am only 25. hope it is nothing too serious. Remember to be good to it.

Yeah I got it. Thanks Mike. I emailed her and asked her to put me on the mailing list that she sends out with the workouts. I still am waiting for the results from the MRI i had but its been 2 weeks of no working out so hopefully that will be enough time that I can start easing into something. We'll see.

I feel you BP! I have been away 4 weeks and just started back and have had 2 surgeries in the last 6 months. I was running 6minute miles for a 5k and only getting stronger (best shape I have ever been)when I got a an abscess so I feel your pain, and Am living it as well!

I wish you well Hang in there I am cheering for ya!

Ericb

bp, more often than not the key to good lower back strength is strengthening the abdominals, particularly the rectus abdominus, (the six-pack muscles.) Crunches are the answer, done properly so as not to aggravate any back condition like swollen discs.

The abs support the spine from the front of the trunk in the same way the erector spinae muscles support the spinal column from the back, just like guy wires on a TV tower. If any of the wires are weak, the tower is vulnerable.

So tone those abs.

best of luck,

PoC

POC,

Thanks for the advice. Actually I have a pretty solid base with my abs. I have had a lot of lower back "pain" due to some lack of flexibility of the hamstrings which pulled the hip girdle out of alignment causing some undo pain in the back. It has been a chronic struggle for me to fight for flexibility and having an injury further exposed my lack of flexibility since my back was basically one solid knot. I've been going with the physical therapy, some strengthening stuff and trying to work on my flexibility. My next step is to try and find a good, qualified chiropractor around the area to help with some manipulations.

Man, sorry to hear about that, but at least now you have knowledge and can determine what to do to regain functionality. I agree with the other posts, especially to keep up with the strengthening exercises they give you in PT. You may also want to check out if there are any Sports Rehab facilities or doctors in your area. They specialize in rehabbing athletes so this could help you, and they typically will do what is possible to get you back to doing what you love (they seem to understand the "athlete's mentality" better). Make sure you find out not only what to do to get better, but what things may aggravate your condition so you can avoid them.

Best Wishes!