Aches and Pains?

[Crankin]

It seems as if my body is rebelling anytime I attempt another sport. It is getting frustrating to hear about everyone else training for tris, running, x country skiing long distances.
Tuesday I went x country skiing with Deb, who was very patient with me going so slowly. While I am getting over bronchitis, that was not the issue. After about 20 minutes, I started feeling an ache in my left groin area. I have had this before; the area is weak, but doesn't hurt at all when cycling. I don't know how far we skied (maybe 5-6 miles), but by the time I was driving home, it was hurting like h***. I started doing stretches, a few times a day. It's in a really awkward place to ice (right where the leg attaches to the body), so I skipped that. It's down to a dull ache now, but I had to pass on a group ski thing with my cycling buddies today, because I know it's not better.OK, yesterday I went snow shoeing, about 4.5 miles, slightly rolling. My calves started rebelling and I had to slow way down. I didn't really care, since I was alone and it was beautiful out. Now, my right knee hurts. Sort of like when I tried running. I live in a 4 story house, and every time I go up stairs, ouch!
It is frustrating and is making me feel old. I have been stretching regularly this winter as part of a winter training program. I rode outside through the beginning of January, butI would like to be able to enjoy winter outdoor activities without having to worry about this stuff. The cycling season will be starting for us in a couple of weeks and I have 2 rides to lead at the end of March. Help!

[crazycanuck]

Hey Robyn,

I'm popping in just to say you're not old

Also, no matter how frustrating the aches and pains are, you're still out there doing it. I know i'm not much help in providing a solution but I thought i might provide a bit of support...

Do some xc skiing for me too k...

C

[Mr. Bloom]

Have you considered seeing a chiropractor - one specialized in sports injuries?

[SouthernBelle]

Robin, Know exactly how you feel. When I last rode more than a short hop, my left knee hurt. Nothing was different in my setup. I think it was attributable to lack of riding this time of year, plus my bad habit of sitting with my left leg underneath me. Plus I think we are to the age where we are not a bendable as we used to be, and need to account for that. Stretching, etc. Course I was never very flexible as a lot of people are.

[HillSlugger]

Each new sport uses slightly different groups of muscles. New sport=new aches. If you know this going is you should be able to work up slowly to avoid pain and injury. Don't overdo it to start.

[Crankin]

Mr. Silver,

I went to a chiropractor a couple of years ago when I was having back issues. All he did was take my $, so I stopped. The lbs owner solved the problem this year when he quickly realized I had a leg length discrepancy. Putting a shim under my cleat solved that problem, after years of pain.
I know that every sport uses different muscles and I just don't do the other things enough to get the muscle memory. I have always been this way, but it's getting worse as I age. Some days I see all the aches and pains as my "warrior's badge" but other days it really annoys me.
My solution for the moment is to up the stretching, ice the knee, and wear my knee support for a couple of days. I really want to go skiing tomorrow, since it will be nice out, but if I do, I will go very slowly. One of my colleagues used to be a PT, so I will discuss with her on Monday. I'm more of a believer in PT than chiro. and my son had a very successful outcome with a PT after some problems when he was racing.
I'm just jealous of everyone who seem to have no ill effects from all of this activity!

[spokewench]

It seems as if my body is rebelling anytime I attempt another sport. It is getting frustrating to hear about everyone else training for tris, running, x country skiing long distances.
Tuesday I went x country skiing with Deb, who was very patient with me going so slowly. While I am getting over bronchitis, that was not the issue. After about 20 minutes, I started feeling an ache in my left groin area. I have had this before; the area is weak, but doesn't hurt at all when cycling. I don't know how far we skied (maybe 5-6 miles), but by the time I was driving home, it was hurting like h***. I started doing stretches, a few times a day. It's in a really awkward place to ice (right where the leg attaches to the body), so I skipped that. It's down to a dull ache now, but I had to pass on a group ski thing with my cycling buddies today, because I know it's not better.OK, yesterday I went snow shoeing, about 4.5 miles, slightly rolling. My calves started rebelling and I had to slow way down. I didn't really care, since I was alone and it was beautiful out. Now, my right knee hurts. Sort of like when I tried running. I live in a 4 story house, and every time I go up stairs, ouch!
It is frustrating and is making me feel old. I have been stretching regularly this winter as part of a winter training program. I rode outside through the beginning of January, butI would like to be able to enjoy winter outdoor activities without having to worry about this stuff. The cycling season will be starting for us in a couple of weeks and I have 2 rides to lead at the end of March. Help!

I know what you mean - I have decided just to accept that whenever I try or do something new, that I'm going to be pretty sore somewhere! This just seems to get worse as I get older. The groin area is really common with cross country skiing. Because you use that area so much. Mine gets sore every time I go cause I don't ski that much. Every sport has a muscle or area that you use more than you do for other things. It is inevitable. Just hang in there, take advil and be thankful that you can still get out there and do it!

[LBTC]

Robyn, if this is all within a few days, there's a chance these aren't as sports related as you think, but a virus. I've had that where I've had intense pain in one area, like a stiff neck, but that moved after a few days to, say, my knee. It started in areas that often hurt, then moved to areas that usually don't hurt. And I did not feel sick in any other way. It passed after a week, if I remember correctly.

Listen and be gentle with your body. You'll make it through this patch, too!

(and I won't bother with the list of things that are hurting on me this morning, and I didn't even try any new sport!!)

Hugs and butterflies,
~T~

[Crankin]

Thanks, LBTC. It's possible that my muscles are particularly compromised because I am getting over being really sick with bronchitis and a sinus infection. Thank God for the miracle of drugs. I probably shouldn't be outside exercising in the cold, so today i went on my trainer and did a core dvd. My immune system is really twitchy; no particular disease, but I am very sensitive to big jumps in exercise intensity, mostly when it's something other than cycling. So, I am dealing with the aches and trying to baby myself a bit, at least until I am done with my meds. I know the illness is getting better though, since my HR was back to normal when I was on my bike today and it is always higher when I am getting sick or sick; like a radar system!

[cosc]

I can't snowshoe very long before the dreaded groin ache attacks me too. Today were supposed to get 6 to 12 inches of snow so I'll probably be blessed with this problem again. I've been using the treadmill hoping to strengthen those muscles, but realize a specific exercise and stretching would be more beneficial.