More Pain for you!

My last post I mentioned trying to avoid an early injury.  Well so much for that.   This morning an incredible pain in my right knee woke me at 4 am.  This was a new pain and in a new location.  It hurt at the top of the medial Tibia.  I get new little pains almost everyday as part of the aging process but this one was a 9 on the pain scale. 

I don't recall doing anything to the knee in the past several days, and there was no swelling of the knee.  Just a very sharp pain with any lateral movement or extension.   I did have a very hard workout on the stationary bike the day before and it is possible that I did strained something.  At first I thought maybe a medial meniscus tear, but with no swelling or pain at the back of the knee I am not confident this is issue.

I spent most of the day hobbling along with a brace and some NSAID treatment.  With hurricane Sandy planning to arrive soon there was a lot preparation that had to get done.  Tonight I added a ultrasound treatment as I sit and watch the World Series, now with an ice pack keeping the pain at bay.

I now suspect either tendonitis, a ligament strain, or arthritis.  Any or all three are painful I assure you.  I plan to continue treat with Ice, elevation and ultrasound for the next day or so.  It is very depressing to be injured and even more so to walk with pain.  I would rather be getting a workout in than icing a sore joint.

I hope to get back on the horse soon. 

See you at the Top!

John

No excuse

Traveling always makes getting a workout in a challenge.  This is also where the excuses are the easiest to come up with.  The workout facilities in hotels are very mixed, from modern equipment to a chair with large rubber bands.  One thing is certain.  The web site photo of the exercise room will never match what is really at the hotel.

This trip was no different.  A new hotel and of course an exercise room the size of a closet.  I was able to find out that I could walk across the parking lot to the Boston Sports Club and by showing my room key and five bucks I had access to 40,000 sq ft and three floors of weights, cardio machines and yoga mats.  Not to mention the lap pool and group spinning (biking room).  So I was able to get two good workouts in the past two days.  No excuses here.

I figure that since I am training for the Fire Fighter Stair Climb that supports the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society I should have no excuse not to train.

I continue to slowly rebuild my fitness base after a summer off and some weight gain.  I am being careful not to overdue things or have an injury early that will set me back.  I am feeling better everyday.  I am stiff and sore every morning but much of that may be me just getting older and my body reminding me how silly I was when I was younger.

See you at the Top!

John

Don't be like me

Two more good workouts Thursday and Friday.  I took Wed off to get my screening Colonoscopy.  Yep, the one I should have had three years ago.  My reasons for putting off the procedure included traveling, work, weather, a little apathy, and just plain apprehension.

It was clear that I could have gone on making up excuses to avoid getting the procedure done.  Probably long enough for me to develop colon cancer and then be really sorry.  The fact is this procedure is truly one of smartest things you can do for yourself.  Honestly the procedure wasn't bad at all.   (I was asleep through the whole thing to be honest)   Knowing that it went well and that I am colon cancer free; priceless,

So Wed was another stationary bike day, 30 min hill climb, level 10.  Today I decided to change things up a bit and got in a free weight workout and then got on the stair step machine.  I had forgotten how much I really disliked the stair machine while I trained for the 2012 FF Stair Climb.   While I felt good it was a very good workout.  I am sure my legs will be a little sore Saturday.

I will close with a request that if you are nearing age 50, or over 50 and have not yet scheduled or had a screening Colonoscopy please make that appointment as soon as you can.   Don't be like me, don't put off taking care of yourself.

See you at the Top!

John 

Not easier the second time around

Many things in life become easier the second time you give it a try.  Riding a bike, making a speech, climbing a tall ladder, and trying a new food for example.  You know what to expect and understand the process.

Training for the Fire Fighter Stair Climb this time is much different than last year.   Last year I was confident of success despite not knowing what the process at the event was or just how high the Columbia Tower stood.  I traveled to Seattle without a thought of not making it to the top.  As history shows I was not able to complete the climb as my always strong legs just gave out.

I remember clearly standing in the stair well when I realized the strength in my legs was gone.  While my heart said keep going my legs could barely move several inches; let alone take a vertical step up.  I remember the fear that enveloped me.

Now every time I begin a training session I feel the fear I felt in the stairwell again.   Some days it is difficult to even start a workout.  Instead of being easier, the second step this time is much, much more difficult.

Another good workout today.   Long bike ride and then some lifting.

See you at the Top!

John

Old friends are the best kind

The registration date for the 2013 Fire Fighter Stair Climb is less than 30 days away.  Once officially registered I will be committed to participating in the event.  (at least in my mind I will be committed)

My workouts for the past few days have been going well.   My plan is to get back on track slowly for the first week or two and then ramp up the workouts each week.   This year I will raise the length and intensity of the workouts as the weeks go by.

Currently I am getting 30 min of stationary bike, hill program at level ten.

Yesterday I called an old friend for no particular reason.  We haven't spoke for sometime.   His first question was to ask how I did in the 2012 Fire Fighter Stair Climb.   I explained what happened and that I did not reach my goal.  (a story I hate to tell as it brings back difficult memories each time)  He immediately told me that I had done more than he could have had he competed.  He suggested I give it another try, adding that he was confident that I would be successful this time.  His comments were pointed and sincere, exactly why he is an old friend.

Old friends, they are the best.

See you at the Top!

John

Day two

Often the toughest part of any adventure is the second step.  Today was day two in a row of getting a workout in for the FF Stair Climb.  There were a lot of reasons this morning to not workout.  Pain, lack of sleep, stiff, and hungry just to name a few.

Nagging pain in my knees and ankles has increased this past year.  Some mornings it is tough to even stand when first getting up and walking nearly impossible.   Other mornings it is dull pain that brings an early wake up call.  I suspect it is just age and the cumulative results of years of being active and previous injuries.  Translation; a bit of arthritis is creeping in.

Today was another stationary bike day.  I am starting slow for this second attempt at what I am calling my "Everest".   Stretched and then got in 20 min at level 10 hill climb.

A good second step.  1,309 to go.

See you at the Top!

John

Getting back on the Horse

It has been months since I last trained for the Fire Fighters stair climb.  I have struggled with nagging injuries in ankles and knees but have decided to give this adventure one more go.

I am already behind the curve as I have gained weight over the past 6 months which will be and additional challenge.  Pressing on is all I can do.

Today a quick stationary bike ride, 15 min, level 10 hill climb.  I just want to get started and hope to avoid an early injury.  Later today I will take a long walk.  Fall is my favorite time of the year and getting out will help clear the mind.

This stair climb will be different than last year.  I will be more focused and prepared.

Stay tuned more to come.

See you at the Top

John