I Quit!!!

[Wahine]

RnR - I'm sorry you've got this on top of the patellar issue. It sucks. My best advice is to think about what this is all telling you. The fact that you're body doesn't want to work hard in spite of your efforts to do appropriate activities makes me think that we're not seeing the forest for the trees. You're body is forcing you to rest, whether you like it or not. I would recommend just taking it totally easy for a few days (except for the PT exercises of course ), really take stock of what's going on in your life and I'm not just talking about physically... How much stress are you under, what other obligations are taking up you time, how are you feeling emotionally. All of these things take a toll on use and can maifest as training problems. Coach S (my running coach) likes to say the following:

Life is like a chute. Only so much water can flow through it at once and if you try to make more go through, something is going to burst.

Then I would think about trying some acupuncture in conjunction with your PT. They are not mutually exclusive and can be very beneficial when combined. I was trained in acupuncture in Canada. It really sounds like you have some problems that could be helped with Ac treatment.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Maybe it would be helpful for you to step back from your goals and look at them... like, is your goal to train for some specific sports event or achievement level? Or is it to feel stronger? To lose weight? To have a healthier body overall? To feel good inside and out? Perhaps you are forced to change your goals for now. Maybe some yoga might help? Easy paced fitness walking? Meditation? I'm sorry you are so frustrated and in pain.

[LBTC]

RnRG - Wahine said it very well. Both on the look deeper and on the acupuncture.

I'm sending butterflies to you that will help you understand exactly what you need to be well and strong and fit again. They will help, but it's usually not instant. Unfortunately, even the butterflies want us to be patient.

Hugs,
~T~

[Starfish]

O RnRG, I don't have any wisdom except to 2nd Wahine...but I do care! Thank you for posting.

[rocknrollgirl]

Hi Guys,
Thanks for the encouragement. I appreciate all of your input and thoughts. For those of you that have made suggestions-

I have put aside, for now all race goals for the season. I am not making any plans, or allowing myself to get pulled in to anyone else's plans. I do not want to put any pressure on my recovery.

I have been staying off of all other forums and even threads on this site that might make me feel pressured or anxious about my recovery. It is tough to read fellow team members chatting about training, when I cannot, so I do not go there. I did finally tell the sponsors of my team that I was hurt. They have not replied to that email....

I already decided yesterday not to try to get back in the pool until whatever is going on with my elbow gets sorted out, whatever that entails.

As far as my emotional health and stress levels. Up until Christams, it was through the roof. Between going to Nationals last fall and taking on more responsibility at school, I was a wreck. But all of that settled at Christams time. Same time my body broke down...

Right now things are good. The only thing impacting me emotionally and causing stress is the current state of my injured body.

I will ask the PT girl tomorrow about my arm and ask my chiro too. I looked online yesterday and found exercises to do for the elbow. Not much more I can do but wait it out.

And Lisa...yoga, fitness walking all of that stuff is currently off limits. Spin on the trainer and swim...that is all I am allowed.

So that is where we are...not much more to be done....

[velogirl]

RnR Girl, do whatever you need to do to manage the mental aspect of your hiatus -- remove yourself, get rid of goals, give your bike to someone else to store, vent on TE -- whatever. It's natural and you'd be odd not to feel something at this point.

Now, here's my sage advice -- take it for what it's worth.

Your current situation is temporary. Your health and fitness will return and you will compete again if you choose to.

I can think of half a dozen women on TE who have suffered "setbacks" to their goals -- cancer, DVT, serious injury, changes in family status, etc. You are not alone. We all deal with our situation and frustration in different ways. But if you want to come back, you will.

I can't even tell you the trials and tribulations of my own athletic career. And I'm back, competing, and loving the sport. I hope you'll be able to say that someday as well.

Lorri

[rocknrollgirl]

I hear the theme from the Six Million Dollar Man playing...you guys are probably too young to remember that show...

The music would play and they would say...We can Rebuild Him....Bigger, Stronger, Faster....

So just call me Steve Austin from now on....

She will be back...bigger, stronger, faster...

I will be ok....the longer I am off track, the more ok it becomes. I am thinking about next season already!