Well, after the failed attempt at working out on my bike on Sunday, I gave it a few more days and made another attempt at working up a sweat, and getting my HR above 60.
Success!! After talking with the physical therapist I've used before, and his suggestion to try either the eliptical or the stair master, I gave the eliptical a try (the one where you DO NOT use your arms...just hold on tight and pedal basically). Success!! Initially the breathing was a little tough once my HR got up above 100, but I finally got to a place where I could do intervals and get my HR up around 140, hold it for a few minutes, recover around 120, then back up to 140 -- not very different than when I run, though I'm sure really only using a few muscles in my legs in this case. But, I did 40 minutes, with an average HR of 125, my shirt was wet, and I had a big ol' grin on my face at the end.
It's not 10K at a 7:15 pace. But, it IS progress!!
Unfortunately, I got back to the office, and within ten minutes, I had to sneeze, reminding me (as if I needed it) that my ribs are STILL not fully healed. At least it happened after my workout!
But, it did feel GREAT to workout, sweat a little, get the HR beating again, and put smelly, stinky, wet gym clothes back in to my workout bag!! Hopefully it won't be long and I'll be able to do more. For now, anything with the upper body is still a little scary. I'm even afraid of someone bumping in to me in the mall or something. I don't know how football players come back after broken ribs and play after two or three weeks?? I guess maybe if I were getting a million dollars a game, maybe I could too ... but honestly the thought of getting slammed right now with the ribs feeling the way they do makes my skin crawl.
I know I sound totally fixated on my ribs and getting back to my regular routine. I must say that I am feeling a little bit better every day. However, the nights, and sleeping, are still very difficult. It is still painful to lay on my side (either side, though the "good" side is ironically more painful than the "bad" side, my theory being that when my "bad" side is down, there is less "bend" and pressure on the back, muscles and ribs on that side). And, I'm not, by nature, a "back" sleeper -- so after a few hours on my back, my entire backside is sore and ready for a change. Unfortunately, I have nothing comfortable to "change to" ... I can't sleep on my stomach, and it's still too painful to sleep on the side. So I get up, walk around, rub my butt some, and climb back in to bed, sometimes propping myself up on an extra pillow or two so as to at least change the position and put pressure on different spots on my butt and back.
But, I can tell climbing in and out of bed that I am making progress. Slowly. But, progress is progress. I keep telling myself it has only been a little more than two weeks. They said one to two months. I'm probably on track for something around one month, I hope. And, if I can start mixing in a little eliptical trainer, and maybe stairmaster, and soon my bike, then I'll eventually be ok.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Hey Chip! THIS IS great news = I am so glad...I thought something that you don't have to put any pressure on your upper body would be a good idea, so glad you did the elliptical!
ReplyDeleteLOVE the pics!
Well I am glad that things are looking better for you. By the way, I am loving your personal mission :))
ReplyDeleteHi Chip! I'm Mary. I'm coached by Jen too and live out in Westwood.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry about the ribs. Like you I am a little um, intense and obsessed with my training, and to be sidelined for eight weeks with a stress fracture, to miss so many races (Timberman esp.--love that race), and then to break ribs and miss running with your son in Berlin.... Man, I would have entered an asylum by now if I were you! Good luck healing... Keep up the good attitude. I commend you on that!
Yes! Sounds like you are taking steps in the right direction!
ReplyDeleteMakes you appreciate being well all that much more, I am sure!
Keep at it! :)
Hi Chip - I'm one of Jen's athletes...and heard about your injury from her. I'm so sorry about the ribs - from everything I've heard that is a very painful injury... But you're doing great! AND seeing progress!!
ReplyDeleteDon't let being sidelined get you down too much. Last year I was in a horrible bike crash and broke my back....I basically didn't race triathlons for nearly a year - but had fun swimming and taking my time to recover. Yes, it was a long process - but I learned a lot along the way.
Have you thought about water running? That might be another workout you could try - no impact and you could probably get your heart rate up pretty high. Don't know about the arm part...you could try modifying it...
Hang in there - before you know it, you'll be better! Congrats to your son on a very solid race under some tough conditions!!
Just found your blog through Jen. She's my coach as well....hope you heal up quickly! Those ribs sound painful.
ReplyDeleteI hear you on the loving the smelly, stinky clothes....I am always proud of my sweaty laundry. We work hard for it. :)
Wow, stress fracture in your foot, and now broken ribs. I have to agree with your son that the broken ribs probably saved you from getting back on the stress fractured foot too soon. Here's hoping you heal up quickly from them now and can get back to the training you want to be doing! good luck!
ReplyDeleteOh my. I have had fx ribs and if you can tolerate it try sidelying over a pillow ( good side down) and so some LIGHT intercostal massage with your fingers. If the touch is painful and you recoil then dont do it yet. but once you can get those muscles btwn your ribs calmed down it helps alot with the breathing. I Am a huge fan of ice and heat so use what feels best for you.
ReplyDeleteJust think, your winter training is going to be with a vengeance. Watch out New England come spring!
Chip,
ReplyDeleteI'm another of Jen's athlete's. So sorry to hear about the time off due to injuries--that is always so hard! Here's to a speedy recovery and a better training year in '10!!!