My back is getting better. Slowly but surely. I went out of town last Friday-this Tuesday (for my godson's First Communion and to visit family in Chicago) and took 5 days off. I did do some core/hip/glute exercises a couple of times, but that was it. My back felt rough, and over the weekend, I went through a period where I felt like I had piraformis syndrome. What the hell?!?! At any rate, that dissipated. Today was the first day that I woke up feeling NO PAIN. Yay! Of course, as the day has gone on, my pinch-y/twing-y back sensations have been noticeable but not terrible. It hasn't precluded any of my cross-training. Today, I managed to try out a machine called the ARC Trainer in my gym.
Looks like a more horrible version of an elliptical. But it's not!
This thing was awesome. I mean, don't get me wrong. Machines SUCK! But I got a great workout on this beast. I did an hour of the "Pike's Peak" program, so my ass felt like it was going to spontaneously combust by hour's end (one could only hope... no such luck). I also noticed that it was easier on my knees and that my feet didn't fall asleep like they normally do on an elliptical. Sweet!
You Tube has a great video on the ARC Trainer that explains the physics and such behind this machine. I highly recommend it if you are laid up and would like a break from the monotony of other machines (elliptical, bike, etc), as well as pool running (which I've been doing... in my backyard pool! Yikes! BORING!).
Tomorrow is a test 4-miler to see how everything holds up. I'm hoping that with continued core work/weights and chiro trips ( X 3 per week) that this will be cleared up by the end of the month. Fingers crossed!
My SI joint stuff DEFINITELY tweaks my piriformis, so I'm not surprised yours has been bugging you. I travel with a tennis ball in my purse for the piriformis.
ReplyDeleteThat machine looks awesome. I think there might be one of these at my gym. I wonder if I'm better enough that my PT would let me try it out. It sounds great for the glutes, which are my focus right now. And my pain has been (shhh--dare I say it?) the best yet since I started PT. Next appt. is Wednesday.....
Good luck! Stay the course! People HAVE recovered from this!
Ah, I wish I had a gym with cardio options! That arc machine looks nice right now...
ReplyDeleteHope your 4 miler goes well. That's a good test-run distance. Waking up without pain is a good thing too.
I'm glad you're waking up without pain! Hope the test run is a success. I really like the arc trainer, too. I think it's a lot close to the running motion, and definitely a better workout than the elliptical. Missing the race is so disappointing, but I hope you can get to the bottom of all this and come out stronger!
ReplyDeleteYay for the test run tomorrow. Hope you find things functioning without pain!
ReplyDeleteI use the arc trainer! So bummed about Pasadena but I love how you listen to your body. You run for life, not just a race. Great choice. Hope the run test goes well--Ive been thinking of you, sending baby got her back back vibes.
ReplyDeleteFingers crossed for your four miler tomorrow. You are making such smart choices, I know it's hard to let go of a race but it is absolutely for the best.
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