I consulted my doctor about my Osgood Slaughter's, and the outlook was actually great. I have stopped growing, except for the possibility mini-spurt sometime in the future, so the 'disease' in my knees is sure to be on its way out the door, as long as I rest and don't cause the problem to flare up again. This means 6-8 weeks of rest, along with R.I.C.E, stretching, rolling out the thigh muscles, and closer to the end of the rest period, conditioning. However, an issue came across my mind....If I'm inactive in most precisions, jumps, and all flips (not really worried bout those flips though hah), for 6-8 weeks with Rendezvous III coming up, won't I lack greatly both in strength and skill in those areas when the meet takes place?
I took a bit to think about that question and others relating to it, and I've made some decisions. First off, I decided that although a FULL rest of 6-8 weeks may be necessary, I'm not taking it now, but I am still resting! Confusing I know. The Rendezvous is two months away, 8 weeks. If I completely rest, my knees might have little to no pain anymore, but I'm sure they WILL end up in pain again, heading right back into such heavy training right after such a period of inactivity. Rehab and recovery is a slow process.
Instead, I'm going to watch how my body feels each and every day, noting the levels of pain, discomfort, and stiffess. Saturdays will be the one day of the week that I work on precisions, as long as my knees are feeling up to it. Note, these will not be big precisions, just smaller ones working on accuracy and sticking the landing. Sunday, as it is most of the time, will be my full rest day, consisting only of a warm up and some stretching, plus of course RICE-ing.
During the week, I work whatever is feeling ready, excluding flips and anything involving any heavy impacts with my knees. For example, Monday I may decide to work on upper body technique such as traversing in cat position, climb ups, cat walking, and many other variations of those few and others I come up with. Tuesday I may decide to do some light flow, focusing on touch, stealth, and efficiency, all while paying careful attention to how my legs are feeling. Wednesday I may spend the day working on my core and leg strengthening exercises, Thursday could be a different variation of mondays workout, instead working on Laches, or in a rural fashion using the trees to create some incredible workouts and new ways to move. Friday....you get the idea.
Each and everyday I will stretch, ice, and observe my knees, as well as massage and roll out my thighs to loosen any tightness, one of the main causes of Osgood's. Another daily routine is rail balance, something I've become quite avid at, probably resulting from the addiction I have to practicing it, along with the new 12 foot rail I've assembled in my yard =]
Sticking to this plan, I think my knees will not only be in less pain, but I will still see great progress in many other areas, maintaining my preparation for Rendezvous III. The full 6-8 weeks of rest will take place upon my return, as it will be a cold, snowy winter by then. Although this was a description of what my life and training is like at the moment, it is meant to inspire ideas and help others in similar situations. Generally, I think the deeper message of this post is as follows:
Life is decorated with many opportunities, many chances to become great and succeed. However, the journey to the top is never easy. There will always be another wall to climb, another obstacle to overcome, but as long as you're willing to put in the needed effort, as long as you allow yourself to adapt to change, mastery is yours. No matter what the challenge, never give up. Every single goal is attainable for each and every one of us. Respect your body, because it is the only one you have, and make it last to the very end.
Thank you to all my inspirations, and to all that have helped me on my journey as a Traceur.
-Nick
1 comments:
you have no comments so i'm commenting you
hope your kneess feel better!
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