Injuries

Hey guys,

Anyone reading these blogs ever been injured? Injured triathletes often have the hardest time recovering, usually because they don't want to lose any training volume to their competitors. I know this feeling so well, and I'll tell you - it's a terrible feeling! I know how much it sucks, but honestly, like you all have heard, you need to take some rest. However, it doesn't always have to be complete rest. Sometimes, you can have an active rest/recovery or work the parts of the body we usually overlook, like your core and balancing muscle groups.

Strength training is a great thing to add to any training plan, even for someone who is completely healthy and on top of their game. If you get injured and go to a physical therapist, ask him or her to measure your different muscle group strengths, and you may be surprised. I had my strengths measured and found out I have very weak hamstrings, which I had previously thought were very well developed. So different strength exercises for different areas of the body can help improve your fitness and prevent future injuries. As for me, I am definitely starting to do strength-work more frequently, now a few times a week. I really hope it will help prevent future injuries for me, and all of you should look into these strengthening exercises as well.

Other methods for recovery can include doctors appointments, special types of foods and drinks, special blood flow treatments, or methods such as KT tape or Chinese cupping. Both of these two methods work very well and help increase circulation to injured areas. Chinese cupping uses the application of pressure points and suction to create a vacuum of air that sucks your skin up into a clear, plastic cup, which sounds weird, but it brings blood rushing to the area. It also helps flush out toxins from deep inside muscle tissue. KT tape accomplishes some of the same thing, and is very easy to apply. Chocolate milk involves a small amount of protein as well as key vitamins and minerals, one of which is calcium, which can be key for healing and preventing shin splints. I have this drink after nearly every one of my runs, and works very well for me. Foods such as vegetables, chicken, shrimp, and other lean meats also all have special properties that can help you recover your strength more quickly.

Finally, specialized gear & apparel can also aid in your road to recovery. I use many different types of compression socks during, and after, runs to help my calves recover. I also ice my legs in a lot of different places to help my muscles cool down. I use "The Stick", a massage roller that you can hold in your hand, as well as a Trigger Point foam roller. These both help muscles relax and release deposits of lactic acid, which helps everyone feel better.

All of these methods are great to use, and I recommend trying your best to work on those weak areas we all suffer with. I don't want anyone who reads this blog to ever have that feeling of being left behind due to injury, so do your best to stay healthy and happy!

Happy training!