Injury Experience

[mountaingirl sara]

Dang Sara, sorry to hear. I remember you posting that, but was hoping no gnews is good gnews. I had a similar scare when I had my other shoulder repaired about 10 years ago, and it's nerve-wracking to say the least. Fingers crossed that it's just tweaked, and a minor setback.

My post might have been melodramatic. In reality it's a very minor and correctable physical setback causing a more ego-bruising psychological setback. I really thought I WAS taking it easy. Bottom line is, perhaps even more than being patient, my body is just telling me that it wants to be trained in a different way than I've been doing for the last long while. I'm giving serious consideration to hiring a trainer and doing a complete reboot on my approach. Between lack of strength training since surgery, and some intense dietary experimentation trying to battle inflammation metabolically instead of pharmaceutically, I'm down about 12 pounds over the last 4 months, on an already lean frame. I've been doing lots of reading, listening, etc., on a more longevity based vs. immediate performance based approach to training, but my vanity and ego is fighting it tooth and nail. I guess this is a whole other conversation though.

Sounds like you’re making some amazing changes that can benefit you now and long term!!! That’s awesome!
I get the ego thing, that’s a tough one! My identity was wrapped up in being a strong athlete..if I wasn’t a mtn biker and trail runner etc, then who was I? Geez....to dig down and figure out who you are other than an athlete takes some serious soul searching(for me anyways)!
Your trainer idea sounds like a good one, between that and PT you should be set!
You’re inspiring and transparent..thanks for sharing your journey!

 

[mountaingirl sara]

Hey guys, meaning Sar and buggravy, please take it easy. In every way! Keep telling yourself that it’s temporary, because it is.

It’s usually easier said than done, but I have not done anything since Dec 16. In no hurry to jump back in. I’ve been here before multiple times, and so I know how to deal with the epic mind fuk. Going forward, thoughtfully manage activities, listen to feedback and adjust as needed.

Power on!

Thanks Mike! I always love to hear what you have to say, your wise, warm and genuine
How are you healing up??

 

[mtnbikej]

I love that you all “get it” it’s obvious and really means A LOT! These setbacks are so humbling and teach us a lot if we’re willing to learn.

Shall we all give you a "what for?" instead of sympathy?

Setbacks suck.....but your body will tell you when it's ready.

 

[mountaingirl sara]

Shall we all give you a "what for?" instead of sympathy?

Setbacks suck.....but your body will tell you when it's ready.

Sure, I’ll take it all...I can handle it
Thanks J man!

 

[mike]

Thanks Mike! I always love to hear what you have to say, your wise, warm and genuine
How are you healing up??

Thanks for the good words, pal.

Continuing improvement here, thanks! Getting close to sitting on a bike seat again. I may be more held back by icy trails than bad body parts pretty soon, woohoo!?!

 

[mountaingirl sara]

Thanks for the good words, pal.

Continuing improvement here, thanks! Getting close to sitting on a bike seat again. I may be more held back by icy trails than bad body parts pretty soon, woohoo!?!

Great news amigo!!!

 

[knucklebuster]

@buggravy @mountaingirl sara sorry to hear of your setbacks. Hoping you get back to progress quick. Having had a couple forced hiatus' in the past two or three years I know the psychological deflation of a setback can be tough. You'll get there, hang tough and diligent!

@mike glad to hear you're getting close!

 

[herzalot]

I get the ego thing, that’s a tough one! My identity was wrapped up in being a strong athlete..if I wasn’t a mtn biker and trail runner etc, then who was I? Geez....to dig down and figure out who you are other than an athlete takes some serious soul searching(for me anyways)!

This^^^ I too can't figure out my identity without being at least competent at some sports. Those days are coming to a close, and it freaks me out. I am currently hurrying to get my skiing back to where it was, and to become a competent snowboarder. Last summer was a desperate run at getting back some competence on the surfboard. I hate where this is headed... I know I should focus on my profession and my family, and I do, but I cannot let go.

Sara - we are all inspired by your attitude. I am so sorry for your setback. We will send you as much positive energy as we can! You too @buggravy @Danimal and @mike

 

[scan]

Sara interesting you were allowed to run before mtn biking!?!? I would think running is so much harder on the knee than cycling

 

[mountaingirl sara]

@buggravy @mountaingirl sara sorry to hear of your setbacks. Hoping you get back to progress quick. Having had a couple forced hiatus' in the past two or three years I know the psychological deflation of a setback can be tough. You'll get there, hang tough and diligent!

@mike glad to hear you're getting close!

Thanks much Dave!!! It’s just a matter of time

 

[mountaingirl sara]

This^^^ I too can't figure out my identity without being at least competent at some sports. Those days are coming to a close, and it freaks me out. I am currently hurrying to get my skiing back to where it was, and to become a competent snowboarder. Last summer was a desperate run at getting back some competence on the surfboard. I hate where this is headed... I know I should focus on my profession and my family, and I do, but I cannot let go.

Sara - we are all inspired by your attitude. I am so sorry for your setback. We will send you as much positive energy as we can! You too @buggravy @Danimal and @mike

Thanks my friend, it’s nice to be understood. Humans sheesh...were so complex!
I know that between myself and the other mtb hooligans, family, friends we could make a huge list of your amazing qualities...but even that wouldn’t satiate your identity crisis...I get it.... you have to feel it! Sadly this issue is just something many of us will have to work out and struggle through....BUT who’s to say that we won’t be badazz athletes well into our big kid years....hmm??!!
To be totally transparent tho I think injuries make me feel older..and that sucks the worst! I lived for and loved feeling strong, agile, fast, adventurous and up for anything ...take that away and I feel like an old woman

 

[mountaingirl sara]

Sara interesting you were allowed to run before mtn biking!?!? I would think running is so much harder on the knee than cycling

Possibly because this is the same surgeon that repaired my broken collarbone due to a different MTB crash.

 

[scan]

To be totally transparent tho I think injuries make me feel older..and that sucks the worst! I lived for and loved feeling strong, agile, fast, adventurous and up for anything ...take that away and I feel like an old woman

We're talking about our aging bodies and moving through the different stages of ability . I played football and ran track I loved running fast, feeling strong. Running a pass play and beating somebody on a long pass or shutting down receivers trying to catch the ball .
Every year for the last 15 years our church has a turkey bowl football tournament and I'd pride myself in being able to play with the 'kids ' into my early 50's. Then I kept pulling my hamstrings trying to get into that next gear No matter how much stretching and strengthening I did, twang! There would go the back of my leg . 1 of my coworkers once told me football is a young man's game..i kept resisting but your body will have the deciding vote
So I guess it's a gradual letting go of expectations .
Now I ride, run, lift some and push myself knowing my limits ... And loving it
My 2 cents

 

[Obsidian]

Possibly because this is the same surgeon that repaired my broken collarbone due to a different MTB crash.

Is this still the SkyPark Comet injury?

 

[mike]

I too can't figure out my identity without being at least competent at some sports. Those days are coming to a close, and it freaks me out. I am currently hurrying to get my skiing back to where it was, and to become a competent snowboarder. Last summer was a desperate run at getting back some competence on the surfboard. I hate where this is headed... I know I should focus on my profession and my family, and I do, but I cannot let go.

Good post, C. I try to embrace the challenges of aging as every tech challenge. The joys of mountain sports, IMO, don't diminish with ability. There is always a classic line to bag. Super easy ones are still worthy.

 

[mike]

@mountaingirl sara, RE your thought about injuries making one feel old...

The notion of losing capability is a disconcerting one – in isolation. But the big picture, at least for me, is: The source of every injury that resulted in temporary or ongoing disability was...going for it in the outdoors. Which, on its own, has saved people like me from so many other less obvious but more destructive conditions.

Who knows how many viruses and bacteria my immune system has overcome due to the white blood cell surge from exercise. Or how much drug and alcohol use I’ve mitigated by opting for the endorphin buzz. Or jail time I missed by getting off on sports activities rather than crime. How about years of extra life in good heath versus merely hanging on until the end.

Yes, moderation is a nice theory, but some just have a hard time toeing that line. I’ll take the injuries, even the bad ones that leave residual issues, over a so-called safe existence. They’re like the dents in my car and scratches on my bike. They would not be there if I never did anything, so they actually provide a measure of assurance and comfort.

Live fast and hard, take chances, stick it. Or don’t stick it, just put on a smile and move ahead with what ya got.

 

[mountaingirl sara]

We're talking about our aging bodies and moving through the different stages of ability . I played football and ran track I loved running fast, feeling strong. Running a pass play and beating somebody on a long pass or shutting down receivers trying to catch the ball .
Every year for the last 15 years our church has a turkey bowl football tournament and I'd pride myself in being able to play with the 'kids ' into my early 50's. Then I kept pulling my hamstrings trying to get into that next gear No matter how much stretching and strengthening I did, twang! There would go the back of my leg . 1 of my coworkers once told me football is a young man's game..i kept resisting but your body will have the deciding vote
So I guess it's a gradual letting go of expectations .
Now I ride, run, lift some and push myself knowing my limits ... And loving it
My 2 cents

And a very good 2 cents! Thanks for sharing! I guess the bottom line is, as long as we keep moving, playing, adventuring in some capacity it’s all good. The ego will have to adapt and let go.
Here’s to many more years of doing something other than sofa surfing!!!

 

[mountaingirl sara]

Is this still the SkyPark Comet injury?

Yep same one

 

[mike]

Yep same one

Like but no like.

 

[mountaingirl sara]

@mountaingirl sara, RE your thought about injuries making one feel old...

The notion of losing capability is a disconcerting one – in isolation. But the big picture, at least for me, is: The source of every injury that resulted in temporary or ongoing disability was...going for it in the outdoors. Which, on its own, has saved people like me from so many other less obvious but more destructive conditions.

Who knows how many viruses and bacteria my immune system has overcome due to the white blood cell surge from exercise. Or how much drug and alcohol use I’ve mitigated by opting for the endorphin buzz. Or jail time I missed by getting off on sports activities rather than crime. How about years of extra life in good heath versus merely hanging on until the end.

Yes, moderation is a nice theory, but some just have a hard time toeing that line. I’ll take the injuries, even the bad ones that leave residual issues, over a so-called safe existence. They’re like the dents in my car and scratches on my bike. They would not be there if I never did anything, so they actually provide a measure of assurance and comfort.

Live fast and hard, take chances, stick it. Or don’t stick it, just put on a smile and move ahead with what ya got.

Very very good points here Mike! And those endorphins have saved me as well, esp as a young adult and again as a stay at hm mama.
I can’t even count how many times I’ve been up in the mountains where time slows down yet the world around me keeps spinning crazy...that’s something!
Thanks again for your words of wisdom!

 

[mike]

Very very good points here Mike! And those endorphins have saved me as well, esp as a young adult and again as a stay at hm mama.
I can’t even count how many times I’ve been up in the mountains where time slows down yet the world around me keeps spinning crazy...that’s something!
Thanks again for your words of wisdom!

Mountain therapy!...preach it, dirt dweller and survivor of human rearing! I’ll have what she’s having...