Going Crazy

So I have mainly stayed away from the gym sine the doctor sidelined me because of the shoulder.  Yesterday I did run and felt great, I have also cycled and felt awesome but these do come at a cost later but not as bad as it was.  I have listened to the doctor and not put any strain on my arm even though it feels a thousand times better. 

I probably could go to the gym and and put in some time not using my shoulder but I know the way I am and would quickly say "Well I don't hurt today so let me swim some laps, or just lift some light weights".  I know that my shoulder isn't healed and that it will take time, I know that the lack of pain for the most part doesn't mean things are back to where I like them.  I know that if I tax my shoulder to much I will pay a bigger price in the long run, which is what keeps me for the most part honest and listening to the docs.

It is difficult to deal with being sidelined.  After a lifetime of dreading exercise and being able to do very little I got to taste just how much fun life is and what a consistent exercise program was doing and how it made me feel.  Now it is just frustrating that I am unable to do and enjoy to the fullest something that I had learned to enjoy so much.

Well monday I see the therapist and hopefully will get a better list of what I can and can't do.  As much as it ****** me off I still plan on sitting out the Tri this weekend.  Out of my frustration I have researched training programs for Half and Full Marathons and will just work on my running until I am fully cleared for the rest.

That sounds like a plan. I know how hard it is to NOT go when you feel like going but I have also learned from experience it doesn't pay. Do what you CAN do until you can do more.

Being sidelined sucks! Try to keep your spirits up, and do what you are able to and try to excel at those things. Last year when I did my first 2 tri's my bike wasn't that good, but my run was because I spent a lot of time running. Early this year I got ITBS and could run for almost a month. I was very pissed off about it for about 2 days, and panicked about "what am I going to do?" since I was already registered for a 70.3 and a 140.6. Well, after the 2 days I realized there was nothing I could do about the ITBS except follow the doctors orders and not run, as hard as that was for me. So I completely focused on my bike, spent a lot of time on my bike, and built up a lot of bike strength. Not only was I about to get a 2nd place overall and a 3rd place overall in my first 2 tri's this year because of my increased bike speed, but when it was time to start my ironman plan, I felt like I had built up a great bike base and I have been able to handle the bike training. I am up to 12 miles running since getting ITBS, I am taking precautions and building up slowly. Not giving advice here, just wanted to share my injury story with you.

If you don't already own one, get a bike trainer, you can do intervals and really build up your bike fitness. That way when you can swim again and finally do that first tri, you will be super ready.

I'm with you Paul , it sucks but it will be better to let it heal than make it worse and drag it out longer.
Stay strong and run,run,run.

I know how you feel Paul.  After spending a lifetime avoiding exercise, I now crave it in my life and love the way my body looks and feels because of it.  My shoulder has been hurting but is getting better, but my knee is starting to bother me, but I'm so reluctant to go to a doctor because I don't want to be sidelined, and the half is in July.  I am having surgery later this year to fix the hernia and while under will do an LBL and my thighs, but my PS said I will be out for 8 weeks.  Only walking on flat for 8 weeks, though he may let me start weights up after 6 weeks.  And I am so dreading taking that time off and losing everything I have built up and worked so hard to get to that I keep delaying the surgery.

Keep doing what you can and at least you'll keep your fitness level up.

good luck.
Jan

I feel your pain, but you are doing the right thing.....hang in there, you will be healed soon and can once again attack everything you want to!!

Kim

yep, one of those times when doing the right thing sux!  But you have made the best decision overall for you health and I applaud you for that.  Hang in there, Paul!

hang in there buddy, you are doing the right thing....