Life throws curveballs at us, and as much as we might love to pretend we can handle everything, sometimes our bodies just can’t keep up with our minds. I’m currently in the thick of this battle, juggling multiple injuries, a dash of reproductive issues, and the relentless process of figuring out how to keep moving forward. And let me tell you, it’s been a mental and physical rollercoaster.
Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve had to take some time off to let my body recover, giving it the rest it desperately needed. Ice, heat, and a lot of patience were the name of the game. But here I am, back on track with my training, even though the road ahead is still filled with uncertainty.
The Long Road of Injury and Recovery
Right now, I’m dealing with tendonitis, bursitis, and the added complexity of reproductive issues. Sounds like a lot, doesn’t it? I’ve been through the usual rounds of ultrasounds, MRIs, and X-rays, and now I’m awaiting another MRI to rule out anything more severe, like a pinched nerve or bulging discs. It’s a never ending mental process, trying to make sense of it all while learning how to move my body through this discomfort.
But one thing I’ve learned? You don’t give up just because you don’t have all the answers. It’s a lot of trial and error, figuring out what works, what doesn’t, and how to keep striving for your goals despite it all.
The Routine That Keeps Me Consistent
One of the key ways I’m able to push through is by sticking to a daily routine that supports my recovery while also keeping me moving forward. I’ve learned the hard way that consistency is key, even when your body wants to throw in the towel.
Here’s what a typical day looks like for me:
- Wake Up and Hydrate Right: I start my morning by placing a pinch of Celtic salt under my tongue and drinking 8 ounces of water. This simple ritual helps me properly hydrate and wake up my body in the right way. A lot of people make the mistake of waking up and diving straight into coffee, but here’s the thing, coffee is a dehydrator, not a hydrator. If you want your body to feel awake and energized, you need to start with water.
- Collagen, Glutamine, and Vitamin C: After my initial hydration, I go for a glass of water with collagen, glutamine, and a dose of vitamin C to help my body absorb the collagen better. Collagen supports joint health, which is essential when you’re battling injuries, and glutamine plays a role in muscle recovery, which is exactly what I need right now.
- Pre-Workout Ritual: Before I head into my training, I take a scoop of pre-workout with beta-alanine to fuel my muscles for the workout ahead. Beta-alanine is fantastic for improving performance, especially during longer workouts, because it helps reduce muscle fatigue and boosts endurance. If you’ve ever felt that burning sensation in your muscles during a tough workout, that’s lactic acid buildup, and beta-alanine helps delay that, letting you push through your workout longer.
- Post-Workout Recovery: After my ride, I focus on proper recovery by hydrating with more water and taking creatine to support muscle repair. The goal here is to give my body everything it needs to rebuild stronger while avoiding further injury.
- Mobility and Active Recovery: This is non-negotiable. I always end my workouts with some mobility exercises to help keep my joints and muscles flexible and prevent stiffness. Active recovery keeps my body moving without overexerting it, allowing me to continue training despite my injuries.
Navigating Injuries with a Growth Mindset
Dealing with multiple injuries can feel incredibly frustrating, especially when you’re used to pushing yourself to the limit. But movement is key. It’s essential to listen to your body and find ways to work around your injuries rather than just stopping altogether. It’s a delicate balance, learning what exercises you can do to support your body’s recovery while still pushing your limits in a safe way.
And let me tell you, I’ve had to get really creative. Whether it’s adjusting my training intensity or experimenting with different recovery techniques, I’m constantly fine tuning my approach. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it.
In Conclusion
At the end of the day, I’m learning how to embrace the challenges that come with this process. It’s not about perfection; it’s about persistence. Every day is a small victory in itself, and the key to pushing through all of it is consistency, patience, and a willingness to listen to my body.
If you’re struggling with injuries or setbacks, don’t give up. Find your routine, make adjustments as you go, and most importantly, keep moving forward, even if it’s just one step at a time.
So here’s to progress, no matter how slow, and to the strength that comes from working through adversity. You’ve got this. Keep smiling and keep laughing. Onward and upward.
