Re: Steve's "I'm not aging quietly" log
 

[quote=Laurie Smith;807624]It took me a year before I got my double unders. I'm still working on overhead squats and I come to this forum to ***** and share my pain as well as improvements because I know you guys know EXACTLY where I'm coming from. We are all in this together. That is the beauty of our CrossFit community!! Glad you've snapped out of it!! :highfive:[/quote]Thanks, Laurie! And of course, you're right on! Looks like I'm not the only one who has to fight to master a skill (though it takes me longer with some). Anyway, no more complaints. Work on the weaknesses, develop the strengths.....my new mantra, I guess!

Re: Steve's "I'm not aging quietly" log
 

[QUOTE=Stephen R. Lampl;807711]Thanks, Laurie! And of course, you're right on! Looks like I'm not the only one who has to fight to master a skill (though it takes me longer with some). Anyway, no more complaints. Work on the weaknesses, develop the strengths.....my new mantra, I guess![/QUOTE]

Ah, it's okay to complain and voice your frustrations....that way people can help with suggestions.

Re: Steve's "I'm not aging quietly" log
 

Well.....yeah, there's complaining and then there's whining. I crossed the line, me thinks.......:shrug:

Re: Steve's "I'm not aging quietly" log
 

Gees Steve, I take a few days off for injury and your falling apart on me. Just kidding. I know exactly how you are/were feeling. I always go and look at the WODs times and it saddens me at times when I look at how much better everyone else is doing. It's just the competitiveness in us that makes us that way. We like being winners and is frustrating when we are always average or below average with anything we do. Your a Type A personality based on your career choice. Nuff said, ay. I do agree with everyone else as well. Well, your back, without actually being gone - hey hey. You were right about my back. It has to be a muscle, and I can tell now that it is the muscle to the left of my spine. Once I grimice for about 45 minutes in the morning while stretching slowly, I'm fairly normal until I sit for too long and it get's stiff. Won't be doing any back exercises for awhile, which will probably have me back at square one by the time I'm healed to begin working it again. I started working out on my own yesterday, doing non-back stress exercises. Thanks for your prayer, I know it helped me to recover as quickly as I have to this point. I'll return the favor as well. God bless.
Tony

Re: Steve's "I'm not aging quietly" log
 

[quote=Anthony Mattox;808298]Gees Steve, I take a few days off for injury and your falling apart on me. Just kidding. I know exactly how you are/were feeling. I always go and look at the WODs times and it saddens me at times when I look at how much better everyone else is doing. It's just the competitiveness in us that makes us that way. We like being winners and is frustrating when we are always average or below average with anything we do. Your a Type A personality based on your career choice. Nuff said, ay. I do agree with everyone else as well. Well, your back, without actually being gone - hey hey. You were right about my back. It has to be a muscle, and I can tell now that it is the muscle to the left of my spine. Once I grimice for about 45 minutes in the morning while stretching slowly, I'm fairly normal until I sit for too long and it get's stiff. Won't be doing any back exercises for awhile, which will probably have me back at square one by the time I'm healed to begin working it again. I started working out on my own yesterday, doing non-back stress exercises. Thanks for your prayer, I know it helped me to recover as quickly as I have to this point. I'll return the favor as well. God bless.
Tony[/quote]
Tony,

I can't thank you enough for holding me up in prayer. I have become a very competitive person in my "advancing" years and probably push myself harder than I should. Unfortunately, I temporarily lost sight of what is important and allowed myself to focus comparatively on the performance and abilities of others, rather than concentrating on my achievements and goals. Thank heavens for friends (you included!) and acquaintances who care enough and are not afraid to apply a good, swift kick in the hind end when necessary.

I am glad that your back is not so painful now and you are able to work on getting the knots out. Perhaps you are doing this, but if not, have you considered the application of moist heat before stretching? The heat increases blood flow through the affected area, nourishing the tissue and making it more susceptible to stretching with a lessened possibility of spasms. I also think you are wise to have temporarily suspended any workouts or exercises which could involve the affected muscle(s) or exacerbate the inflammation.

Blessings.....

Steve

Re: Steve's "I'm not aging quietly" log
 

Okay....so final reflection on last Saturday's meltdown......

I feel good........really good, and believe I have found direction and grounding again in my training. As trainers we tend to think about our clients - - what's necessary to help them succeed and better yet, excel at their pursuits in CrossFit and also avoid injuries. But we sometimes forget and lose focus of what's important for us as [U]clients[/U] [U]ourselves[/U].

Well, I soooooo get it now! I know I'll get discouraged again - - everybody does, but this is where I just have to think of my situation like I'm taking on "Fran" or something to that effect. She's out to kick my butt.......I can choose to kick back hard, or I can just go at if half-a**ed or worse, give up. I prefer the former! Like Vince Lombardi said, "It's not whether you get knocked down; it's whether you get back up...."

Re: Steve's "I'm not aging quietly" log
 

AMEN Steve! I have forgotten that quote over the years, but it is a great one. You're a winner in my book. I may be the oldest one posting on yours(after Nik) maybe, but I can't say enough for those that are younger what a challenge it is for those of us middle age, 40+. I've worked out with weights and running consistently for the last 20 years and personally noticed a physical difference at 35 or 36 YOA (slower recovery and just slower overall) and it's not getting any easier overall. CF is a great thing, but the body is still getting older. Like you say-slow the aging process down, which I am definitely for. I want to be one of the 80 year olds that still gets around well, not the 62 year old that can barely walk. We're all different and I commend you for sticking with it. We are both at the age where we can look around at people we know or meet and find out they are your age and think to yourself I thought they were older. When this happens, I think I should look in the mirror more closely, but it's not just about looks, although looks do show some reflection of your physical condition. Yours is good Steve and I commend you for hanging in there because you still have 12 years on me and I can REALLY appreciate that. I know every year I am getting older and not younger because my body reminds me of it. I remember when I was young I seldom had sore muscles, then as I got older I would be a little sore the next day, and as the years continued to go by I was getting sore before the job was done that day. We just try to slow it down ay mate. Oh yeah, I had my personal experience with a Tempurpedic mattress this year and WOW!!! I don't wake up with near as many aches and pains as before - Glory to God!
God Bless,
Tony :D

Re: Steve's "I'm not aging quietly" log
 

Tony,

Definitely kind words and sage advice in your post - - very well-said.

My recent experience is a result of equating my capabilities or what I [U]believe I should be able to accomplish[/U] through my observations of other, no based on my own struggles and accomplishments. I also didn't work hard to keep my faith where it belongs.

I really appreciate your encouragement and complements! One thing I love about the CF Community in general is the "iron sharpens iron" relationship (though you and I are used to it in another manner also) between people.

I also am very appreciative of your remarks about us as older CrossFitters. It is true, we can never reverse the aging process and the fact that we heal a little less quickly, we hurt a little longer, and perhaps we cannot breathe the same amount of fire as the younger whipper-snappers and ladies out there. But, we can sure slow things down. At our present rate (especially if I can keep from breaking things....) I see both of us WODding in our 80s....Thanks again, Tony! You are AWESOME! Steve

Jeremiah 29:11

Re: Steve's "I'm not aging quietly" log
 

Steven,

I haven't been hitting the WOD logs, outside of my own, for a few weeks now. Imagine how I felt seeing your log dating back to last Saturday aka Meltie McMelterson Day! So I'd thought I would chime in, albeit a week late:shrug:

Ever since I saw your posts a couple YEARS ago on Chuck B, Christin S, and Vanessa S' log, I couldn't help but notice how awesome and encouraging you were to folks; not to mention how hungry for infomation you were. Your type of behavior rubbed off on me even before I posted on your log. That way you provide feedback on the forum is exactly why I'm so stoked you've finally got in correspondence with Matt B-who was the first person to chime in on my own log, and has been just an outstanding influence on me since we started posting on each other's log.

Just remember, just by coming out to an Affiliate you are better off than 99% of other guys your age, and CF will really keep you in a position to do these things (among other things):
-ENJOY YOUR RETIREMENT
-Learn new weaknesses, and eliminate them
-Inspire younglings (myself included even though Im 35)
-Be an athlete!

Interesting you speak of your weaknesses possibly hindering you entering the Masters CF Qualifier, because I have been speaking with a FF about that very thing. He is in incredible shape, has a pretty good knowledge of CF, and has come to me several times saying he wants to compete next year; however, he is worried about OHS/PCs/deep squats on his bad knees. I told him about the scalability of WODs, and how if he was worried about his knees the judges would let him do something else (and get a DNF/DQ). I also told him about how awesome the enviroment will be, and how people will be going crazy just to see an "old man" out in the FLA heat killing WODs. Get what I'm sayin':stir:

Thank you for continuing to visit/post on my log, even if I go weeks without posting on yours...I hope this keeps me on your good side;)

Re: Steve's "I'm not aging quietly" log
 

[B]Dave,

[/B]You'll always be on my good side, Bro......I wouldn't care if you go a year without posting, but I'd prefer you don't.......I'll suspect somethings up and come lookin' for ya!

This past week has given me much time to reflect on last Saturday (a little over a week ago). Sending you a PM if you don't mind.

Re: Steve's "I'm not aging quietly" log
 

I feel the need to add one last comment to everything everyone has already said on the topic of us older folks working out: If you ever need inspiration, go look at other people your age and your gender who are doing your profession. Really look at them and assess mentally their body fat, fitness, strength, and attractiveness. Believe me, you will feel much better and be very motivated.

One year, I went to a California State Bar convention. (I am an attorney.) I was flabbergasted at the appearance of the thousands of attorneys who attended. I do not exaggerate when I say by appearance it might have been a convention of the disabled.

A huge number of the attendees were obese, not just overweight. Many of them required walkers or even wheelchairs. And I am not just talking about the elderly. Many lawyers in their sixties, fifties and even forties appeared to be having terrible problems. And even the skinny ones looked horrible, with thin little arms and stooped walks. And I am not even going to mention that they all looked like angry people who drank like fish. (Being a lawyer must be stressful.)

I remember trying to count all the attractive and healthy men and women I saw older than thirty walking around. I didn't get to five, and I counted myself. And this is a very wealthy population of people on average with all the access to medical care and exercise equipment possible.

So the next time you get frustrated over your struggles with overhead squats, remember the vast majority of people out there your age couldn't do an overhead squat just holding the bar, Stephen. Many of them couldn't OHS a PVC pipe. And in ten or twenty years, the gap between your overall fitness and that of other people your age will be even wider.

Keep hope alive.

Re: Steve's "I'm not aging quietly" log
 

Amen and good point Ben! I'm sure it's safe to assume that is your photo Steve and you're doing something right. Nothing weird going on here on this end, just making an observation. Re: the machine shoulder presses, I'm not a big fan of the machine since CF, and I agree with everything you said, I just did them do limit any possible stooping with my back and my workout was at home and I don't have any free weights. I failed to mention a cudo to you for the double-unders. I know you said you were up to 2. That's 50% more than I can do and getting one consistently is not happening as of yet. I watched the one training video and it would seem that after you get really good at it, as the guy was obviously a professional jump roper, it doesn't require any more jumping than a single - it's all about moving the rope really fast with alot of perfect timing/rhythm/coordination. I don't have much of any of this and find them frustrating to practice. So cudos to you for 2 in a row. I was thinking about your 2 in a row when I last practiced them and thought if I could get 2 in a row done like you I might feel like I was getting somewhere. Practice, practice, practice. :)
God bless,
Tony

Re: Steve's "I'm not aging quietly" log
 

Alright, it's official: Pity Party is over.

Time to get to work. :weight_l:

Get'r done Steve & keep us all posted man.

Re: Steve's "I'm not aging quietly" log
 

[quote=Benjamin R. Greene;810190]I feel the need to add one last comment to everything everyone has already said on the topic of us older folks working out: If you ever need inspiration, go look at other people your age and your gender who are doing your profession. Really look at them and assess mentally their body fat, fitness, strength, and attractiveness. Believe me, you will feel much better and be very motivated.

One year, I went to a California State Bar convention. (I am an attorney.) I was flabbergasted at the appearance of the thousands of attorneys who attended. I do not exaggerate when I say by appearance it might have been a convention of the disabled.

A huge number of the attendees were obese, not just overweight. Many of them required walkers or even wheelchairs. And I am not just talking about the elderly. Many lawyers in their sixties, fifties and even forties appeared to be having terrible problems. And even the skinny ones looked horrible, with thin little arms and stooped walks. And I am not even going to mention that they all looked like angry people who drank like fish. (Being a lawyer must be stressful.)

I remember trying to count all the attractive and healthy men and women I saw older than thirty walking around. I didn't get to five, and I counted myself. And this is a very wealthy population of people on average with all the access to medical care and exercise equipment possible.

So the next time you get frustrated over your struggles with overhead squats, remember the vast majority of people out there your age couldn't do an overhead squat just holding the bar, Stephen. Many of them couldn't OHS a PVC pipe. And in ten or twenty years, the gap between your overall fitness and that of other people your age will be even wider.

Keep hope alive.[/quote]
[B]Ben,

[/B]You are so correct. I have a number of friends and acquaintances who are attorneys. I can think of few other professions (other than my past one - - coffee and donuts, you know...) where by and large, so many people lead unhealthy lifestyles and are morbidly obese. I reason that stress plays a major roles in this.

And I have my focus and direction back! No problem with the hope, Ben. It's alive and kickin'!

[quote=Anthony Mattox;810365]Amen and good point Ben! I'm sure it's safe to assume that is your photo Steve and you're doing something right. Nothing weird going on here on this end, just making an observation. Re: the machine shoulder presses, I'm not a big fan of the machine since CF, and I agree with everything you said, I just did them do limit any possible stooping with my back and my workout was at home and I don't have any free weights. I failed to mention a cudo to you for the double-unders. I know you said you were up to 2. That's 50% more than I can do and getting one consistently is not happening as of yet. I watched the one training video and it would seem that after you get really good at it, as the guy was obviously a professional jump roper, it doesn't require any more jumping than a single - it's all about moving the rope really fast with alot of perfect timing/rhythm/coordination. I don't have much of any of this and find them frustrating to practice. So cudos to you for 2 in a row. I was thinking about your 2 in a row when I last practiced them and thought if I could get 2 in a row done like you I might feel like I was getting somewhere. Practice, practice, practice. :)
God bless,
Tony[/quote]
[B]Tony,

[/B]Thanks - - that is my photo, but it's about a year old. Hopefully I look even a bit better now.....for an old duffer. BTW, it's great you are being careful with your back -- I apologize if I sounded a bit condescending. I used to be a big fan of the Smith Machine until I started trying sets of heavier weights and lower reps.....did a bunch of reading and listening to others (especially after starting CF) do some "Smith Machine bashing", as well as other "press" machines. They definitely have their place, but I think the reasoning behind their use / non-anatomical movement is for coaches with a lot more body mechanics expertise than I possess. If you can, IMHO, much lighter free weights which will allow you to keep perfect form, will cause you to rely on your core strength and allow you to protect your back. But in all fairness, you know much better with what you are dealing and I don't want to mis-guide you in any way.

As for the double-unders, they are a maddening sort, aren't they? I got 12 in a row once......I've never gotten close since. I think the ropes have minds all their own....they play games with you and try to keep you from "winning." :evilsmile Thanks for the kudos. I will just keep chipping away at them and eventually, I'll get the timing and coordination down, simple as that. Blessings!

[quote=Matt Bahen;810506]Alright, it's official: Pity Party is over.

Time to get to work. :weight_l:

Get'r done Steve & keep us all posted man.[/quote]
[B]Matt,

[/B]Right you are......Already am back at it. First WOD, post hamstring tear, was yesterday - - highly scaled, but nonetheless, nice to do.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
By the way, with all the encouragement I've received from everyone including the good swift kicks in the butt, I can't fail - - not because I'm afraid I won't succeed or because something gets in the way to impede me. I can't fail because I've already won! Maybe it took others to show me when I couldn't see past the end of my "out of joint" nose, but each day is has been an accomplishment, regardless. The setbacks, because they have made me fight to be better. And the successes, have and will continue to reinforce my progress and let me know, "I'm on the right track."

I truly am honored to be here among all of you! And pardon the corny-ness, but [I][B]I [U]am[/U] a CrossFitter!

[/B][/I]Nuff said......Back to work!

Re: Steve's "I'm not aging quietly" log
 

[quote=Stephen R. Lampl;810711]
---------------------------------------------------------------------
By the way, with all the encouragement I've received from everyone including the good swift kicks in the butt, I can't fail - - not because I'm afraid I won't succeed or because something gets in the way to impede me. I can't fail because I've already won! Maybe it took others to show me when I couldn't see past the end of my "out of joint" nose, but each day is has been an accomplishment, regardless. The setbacks, because they have made me fight to be better. And the successes, have and will continue to reinforce my progress and let me know, "I'm on the right track."

I truly am honored to be here among all of you! And pardon the corny-ness, but [I][B]I [U]am[/U] a CrossFitter!

[/B][/I]Nuff said......Back to work![/quote]

Steve:
I am so sorry that I didn't post on this earlier.. I had been away and was following as regularly as possible on my blackberry, but I wanted to chime in as well to let you know that I have read this entire thread since your injury and I am so impressed with the support of this community!! I can "feel the love" out here for you, Steve. As a woman who just hit 50 and in the best shape of my life (thank you, Crossfit), I will say this is an amazing community and crossfit is an outstanding sport. I too get down on myself when I can't get a 500M row under 2min and my runs are as slow as molasses, but at least I am out there "playing the game". Also, with this shoulder that just doesn't want anything heavy on it--forget OHS for me!! I just stay with the bar.. it isn't worth it anymore. Our bodies are NOT the same as they were when we were 30, but you know what?... they are better than 90% of the people our age. Hamstring tears are painful and they take a long time to repair on even a "young'un", so give it the time, but keep moving your body in whatever way you can. forget the DU right now and do something else. I'm not going to sit here and tell you what to do and what not to do--that is for you and your coach to figure out, but I am here to tell you how much I admire you for being here to support all of us and for being "resilient" to the "demons' of our aging bodies. You CAN "do this" and for whatever it is worth..
You ARE doing it, but you just didn't reallize it!! :highfive:
Rock on, Steve.. WE ALL have your back... just like you would have ours...
--Marianne

Re: Steve's "I'm not aging quietly" log
 

[quote=Marianne Urbanski;810761]Steve:
I am so sorry that I didn't post on this earlier.. I had been away and was following as regularly as possible on my blackberry, but I wanted to chime in as well to let you know that I have read this entire thread since your injury and I am so impressed with the support of this community!! I can "feel the love" out here for you, Steve. As a woman who just hit 50 and in the best shape of my life (thank you, Crossfit), I will say this is an amazing community and crossfit is an outstanding sport. I too get down on myself when I can't get a 500M row under 2min and my runs are as slow as molasses, but at least I am out there "playing the game". Also, with this shoulder that just doesn't want anything heavy on it--forget OHS for me!! I just stay with the bar.. it isn't worth it anymore. Our bodies are NOT the same as they were when we were 30, but you know what?... they are better than 90% of the people our age. Hamstring tears are painful and they take a long time to repair on even a "young'un", so give it the time, but keep moving your body in whatever way you can. forget the DU right now and do something else. I'm not going to sit here and tell you what to do and what not to do--that is for you and your coach to figure out, but I am here to tell you how much I admire you for being here to support all of us and for being "resilient" to the "demons' of our aging bodies. You CAN "do this" and for whatever it is worth..
You ARE doing it, but you just didn't reallize it!! :highfive:
Rock on, Steve.. WE ALL have your back... just like you would have ours...
--Marianne[/quote]
Marianne,

I feel quite ashamed about the "pity party" I had here, but you know; you are so correct when you talk about the "Community Love" present here on this forum. To say that I was not completely overwhelmed with support and encouragement (and good, swift, kicks in the caboose) would be less than true.

I have been a late learner / late bloomer all my life and some of life's lessons come a bit harder for 59 year-old kids. I tend to go at stuff 100%; work, play, exercise.....I have always been that way. Problem is, the common sense I have and used (fairly successfully) in daily interactions and problem solving with others, I don't use on myself. I guess I've also been blessed, even at my age, with a body that heals very quickly and causes me little pain when I injure myself. That aside, I need to learn to push myself, but at a pace which allows me to progress, grow, and if I'm fortunate enough, PR where my body will safely survive the "assaults" I make upon it.

Anyway, without rambling on too much more (and using up space on CF's server...) I have renewed spirit, determination, enthusiasm, and focus. I consider it an honor to have friends such as you and the acquaintances on this forum and know we all have the common goals of being strong, healthy, and fit, and if it suits our lifestyle and bodies, a bit competitive with our selves and other CF members. Blessings, Marianne!

Steve

Re: Steve's "I'm not aging quietly" log
 

Steve and Marianne, the "pity party had a lot of good points for all of us to just sit back and go hmmm. It actually gave me a push just reading them. No, I didn't think your comments about the Smith Machine were bad in any way. I prefer the free weights 100%. I try to take good advice as well. Wish I had a bigger gym. You would bust a stitch if you saw it, but it's all we have in this community of 2,500 without driving to the St. Louis area. 2 or 3 people in there at a time and there's no way you can get a CF workout in. I suppose a large gym could also be a problem with too many as well. I'm not complaining - Praise God that I have that.
Talk soon, Tony

Re: Steve's "I'm not aging quietly" log
 

[quote=Anthony Mattox;812475]Steve and Marianne, the "pity party had a lot of good points for all of us to just sit back and go hmmm. It actually gave me a push just reading them. No, I didn't think your comments about the Smith Machine were bad in any way. I prefer the free weights 100%. I try to take good advice as well. Wish I had a bigger gym. You would bust a stitch if you saw it, but it's all we have in this community of 2,500 without driving to the St. Louis area. 2 or 3 people in there at a time and there's no way you can get a CF workout in. I suppose a large gym could also be a problem with too many as well. I'm not complaining - Praise God that I have that.
Talk soon, Tony[/quote]
Tony,

Always good to hear from you! You make a very valid point - - lots to be thankful for, despite the situation - - space, number of people, attitudes....

I'm thankful for my own "attitude adjustment"....these things come with a price, humility being one, but I'm ready and willing to do what's necessary.

Blessings! Steve

Re: Steve's "I'm not aging quietly" log
 

Hey Steve, I hope you got a chance to see some of the Games video feed this weekend. Saying it was inspirational would be quite an understatement, and I encourage you (all of you) to pick an archived hour and watch it.

Hope you had a great weekend, Steve. More OT for me!

Re: Steve's "I'm not aging quietly" log
 

[quote=Dave Coughlin;812934]Hey Steve, I hope you got a chance to see some of the Games video feed this weekend. Saying it was inspirational would be quite an understatement, and I encourage you (all of you) to pick an archived hour and watch it.

Hope you had a great weekend, Steve. More OT for me![/quote]
Dave,

Worked pretty much the whole weekend. Pretty busy at most SBUX.....100+ degree heat out here. But I did follow the posts for heats/finals in the categories on the Games Site. Inspirational is right!

Our box had a BBQ Sat night and they watch some of the video while I was slinging brew.....

Hope the OT goes (or went) well without too many "you know what" calls.

Blessings!

Steve

Re: Steve's "I'm not aging quietly" log
 

Slinging brews at a CF BBQ watching the games. You just gotta love that stuff man! :D

Re: Steve's "I'm not aging quietly" log
 

[quote=Matt Bahen;814045]Slinging brews at a CF BBQ watching the games. You just gotta love that stuff man! :D[/quote]
Actually Matt, I was slinging brew (coffee, not brewskis) at the SBUX store where I work.....had to miss the BBA/Games. Heard it was a blast, though.

Re: Steve's "I'm not aging quietly" log
 

I miss not seeing your workouts posted here Steve. God Bless, Tony

Re: Steve's "I'm not aging quietly" log
 

[quote=Anthony Mattox;814858]I miss not seeing your workouts posted here Steve. God Bless, Tony[/quote]
Tony, thanks, my friend! Actually, I've been posting daily (almost) on the "Over 50 CrossFitters ..." log lately. Turns out that I was kinda "double posting" using this and the other log, which is a no - no.

I've had my socks blessed off this week planning for and leading worship at our church this Sunday. Such a privilege to help lead others to the throne....

Have a blessed evening, Tony!

Steve

Re: Steve's "I'm not aging quietly" log
 

I had an interesting revelation last night when I was going through this log. I don't know why (can't understand myself sometimes) that I had a meltdown....I forgot all the progress I had made since I started (I have been reminded too!) and what CrossFit has enabled me to do, never mind my age. I've learned a great lesson and I want to share it with others of you who are/get discouraged;

1. Don't ever forget what you have accomplished, no matter how small or
how long it has taken to get there.

2. Don't look at others and judge your performance or abilities based on
their abilities and performance. You are NOT them (and they are not
you either).

3. Embrace your weaknesses and make them yours. Work on them every
chance you get. They will become your strengths!

4. Celebrate your strengths and share your knowledge with others.

5. Enjoy your enthusiasm for CrossFit - - it's contagious.

Well.......I've kinda come full-circle in less than a month----WOW! And what's even more amazing is this; no one likes to hear/read of a whiner/complainer, etc. No one on this forum, [U]no one[/U]has ever chided me or stopped being supportive because I did whine and complain (and without good reason). What I received was compassion, support, friendship, encouragement, and a good kick in the caboose! I love CrossFit and I love this community. Thank you!

Steve

Re: Steve's "I'm not aging quietly" log
 

[quote=Stephen R. Lampl;815485]I had an interesting revelation last night when I was going through this log. I don't know why (can't understand myself sometimes) that I had a meltdown....I forgot all the progress I had made since I started (I have been reminded too!) and what CrossFit has enabled me to do, never mind my age. I've learned a great lesson and I want to share it with others of you who are/get discouraged;

1. Don't ever forget what you have accomplished, no matter how small or
how long it has taken to get there.

2. Don't look at others and judge your performance or abilities based on
their abilities and performance. You are NOT them (and they are not
you either).

3. Embrace your weaknesses and make them yours. Work on them every
chance you get. They will become your strengths!

4. Celebrate your strengths and share your knowledge with others.

5. Enjoy your enthusiasm for CrossFit - - it's contagious.

Well.......I've kinda come full-circle in less than a month----WOW! And what's even more amazing is this; no one likes to hear/read of a whiner/complainer, etc. No one on this forum, [U]no one[/U]has ever chided me or stopped being supportive because I did whine and complain (and without good reason). What I received was compassion, support, friendship, encouragement, and a good kick in the caboose! I love CrossFit and I love this community. Thank you!

Steve[/quote]

wow.. well said, Steve!!! Thank you for sharing!!! :highfive:

Re: Steve's "I'm not aging quietly" log
 

[quote=Marianne Urbanski;815510]wow.. well said, Steve!!! Thank you for sharing!!! :highfive:[/quote]
Thanks, Marianne and you are welcome!

Re: Steve's "I'm not aging quietly" log
 

[QUOTE=Stephen R. Lampl;815485]I had an interesting revelation last night when I was going through this log. I don't know why (can't understand myself sometimes) that I had a meltdown....I forgot all the progress I had made since I started (I have been reminded too!) and what CrossFit has enabled me to do, never mind my age. I've learned a great lesson and I want to share it with others of you who are/get discouraged;

1. Don't ever forget what you have accomplished, no matter how small or
how long it has taken to get there.

2. Don't look at others and judge your performance or abilities based on
their abilities and performance. You are NOT them (and they are not
you either).

3. Embrace your weaknesses and make them yours. Work on them every
chance you get. They will become your strengths!

4. Celebrate your strengths and share your knowledge with others.

5. Enjoy your enthusiasm for CrossFit - - it's contagious.

Well.......I've kinda come full-circle in less than a month----WOW! And what's even more amazing is this; no one likes to hear/read of a whiner/complainer, etc. No one on this forum, [U]no one[/U]has ever chided me or stopped being supportive because I did whine and complain (and without good reason). What I received was compassion, support, friendship, encouragement, and a good kick in the caboose! I love CrossFit and I love this community. Thank you!

Steve[/QUOTE]

Oh...come on Steve...(sarcasm ahead) stop your whining and got on with it! 3...2...1...Go! :D

Re: Steve's "I'm not aging quietly" log
 

[QUOTE=Stephen R. Lampl;815485]I had an interesting revelation last night when I was going through this log. I don't know why (can't understand myself sometimes) that I had a meltdown....I forgot all the progress I had made since I started (I have been reminded too!) and what CrossFit has enabled me to do, never mind my age. I've learned a great lesson and I want to share it with others of you who are/get discouraged; [/QUOTE]

That why one reason that it is great that you've kept this log. It is so easy to forget how far you've come. Many of us are guilty of the same thing. We see people around us doing more than we are able to do, and it is frustrating that we aren't better. Keep showing up, keep training hard, and enjoy the journey!

Re: Steve's "I'm not aging quietly" log
 

[quote=Helen Lawson;815928]Oh...come on Steve...(sarcasm ahead) stop your whining and got on with it! 3...2...1...Go! :D[/quote]
Helen,

You [B]are [/B]a kick! Blessings!

Steve

Re: Steve's "I'm not aging quietly" log
 

[quote=Justin McGinley;816050]That why one reason that it is great that you've kept this log. It is so easy to forget how far you've come. Many of us are guilty of the same thing. We see people around us doing more than we are able to do, and it is frustrating that we aren't better. Keep showing up, keep training hard, and enjoy the journey![/quote]
Hey, thanks Justin! I am so appreciative of the support and prodding you've given me. I'm not a quitter though....so I will be showing up, training hard (as hard as this old bod will let me) and I do enjoy (and covet) the journey!

Blessings!

Re: Steve's "I'm not aging quietly" log
 

[I][B]100725 - MONDAY: Physical Therapy, Day #1 (No Workout today).
[/B][/I][B]Evaluation, Analysis, Diagnosis, and Proposed Rx .....
[/B][I]The physical therapist was extremely thorough. Finally got some really good advice regarding my aching and noisy/popping SI joints and what was possibly causing my recurrent hamstring tears.
[B]SI Joint:[/B] No real physical abnormalities were found. No additional wear or tear noted from 28+ years of wearing the heavy duty belt of a LEO - - just getting to be of a "vintage" age! Also, no noted anatomical abnormalities (shorter leg, etc.). The pain is not normal, so we looked at causes for it.
[B]Hamstring Rehab: [/B]The PT was able right away to determine why I tend to tear my hamstrings. The causative factors also tie into being a possible part of the source of pain in my SI joints. These are
1. Very tight IT bands (still - - even though I have been working on this).
2. Overly tight (and comparatively too strong) quadriceps/hip flexors.
3. Overly tight (and comparatively weak) hamstrings.
4. Much weaker-than-expected glutes.
5. Incomplete left Achilles tendon/left calf rehabilitation and strengthening.
[B]So what does this all mean?[/B] I will be undertaking a serious and hard-core posterior chain strengthening program, combined with a lot of stretching. The PT was really surprised at how weak my glutes were compared with the rest of the musculature of the legs. This somehow causes/has caused the pelvis to tilt too far forward. No only does this restrict flexibility, he noted that I seem to have lost almost all lordosis (lumbar curve). This is exacerbated when I drop into a squat, and worse, when I lift my arms overhead (consistent with doing OHS, for example), it is hard to maintain balance and weight over my heels. DUH.......

Anyway, the better news yet is that he will show me exercises above and beyond those with which I am familiar, as well as additional stretching work I can do. He told me my athleticism (CrossFit) has really helped prolong the onset/worsening of what I could be experiencing, so I have a LOT for which to be thankful there!

So, 3, 2, 1, Get Some (PT, that is)!
[/I]

Re: Steve's "I'm not aging quietly" log
 

Awesome that you now know what the problem is and that it CAN be fixed!!! :kicking0:

Re: Steve's "I'm not aging quietly" log
 

First Glute bridges, then single leg glute bridges, and eventually weighted and weighted single leg glute bridges.

Get them there glutes stronger. Ya hear?

Find someone to Graston technique your IT band and hammies (find a chiro that does ART and Graston technique, preferably one that works with athletes). It'll hurt, but it'll improve your range of motion.

Re: Steve's "I'm not aging quietly" log
 

Great news Steve. A light at the end of the tunnel. I agree with you. I am really surprised as the PTs comment on the glutes. If you're like me, they are sore at times, which means they are getting a workout - duh. Anyway, surprising to me as well. It's always nice to hear a professional make a positive comment about the results of our workout regimen. Hooah! The answer to you question about the humidity and heat - I also have a difficult time breathing. Seems like it makes it twice the WOD that it should be - to the point of wanting to drop dead. I usually drop to the floor on the broken sets, which are most exercises, but I lay there and pant until I can continue on. God Bless, Tony

Re: Steve's "I'm not aging quietly" log
 

Good to know that you have identified the issue, and now have a PT assisting you in fixing it. Many prayers for a speedy return to 100%:highfive:

Re: Steve's "I'm not aging quietly" log
 

Steve, this is good news, in the sense that you now have a concrete plan for rehab. Now, go do what you're told! :)

Re: Steve's "I'm not aging quietly" log
 

Awesome to have a diagnosis, Steve.. sounds optimistic!! keep the faith.. look at all the people you have "pulling" for you!! namaste!

Re: Steve's "I'm not aging quietly" log
 

[quote=Laurie Smith;817394]Awesome that you now know what the problem is and that it CAN be fixed!!! :kicking0:[/quote]Thanks, Laurie! I am excited to say the least, but wondering if I'll be ready in time to go for the 2011 Masters......

[quote=Justin McGinley;817463]First Glute bridges, then single leg glute bridges, and eventually weighted and weighted single leg glute bridges.

Get them there glutes stronger. Ya hear?

Find someone to Graston technique your IT band and hammies (find a chiro that does ART and Graston technique, preferably one that works with athletes). It'll hurt, but it'll improve your range of motion.[/quote]Surprising diagnosis to say the least (about the glutes). Probably from sitting on them in a patrol car for 28 years....I tried glute bridges before; obviously more work with them is needed. I also am curious about the ART and Graston Technique - - not at all familiar with either.

[quote=Anthony Mattox;817636]Great news Steve. A light at the end of the tunnel. I agree with you. I am really surprised as the PTs comment on the glutes. If you're like me, they are sore at times, which means they are getting a workout - duh. Anyway, surprising to me as well. It's always nice to hear a professional make a positive comment about the results of our workout regimen. Hooah! The answer to you question about the humidity and heat - I also have a difficult time breathing. Seems like it makes it twice the WOD that it should be - to the point of wanting to drop dead. I usually drop to the floor on the broken sets, which are most exercises, but I lay there and pant until I can continue on. God Bless, Tony[/quote]Thanks, Tony. You are so right about the positive comments from the PT. As for painful glutes, I never really have an issue unless it is from DOMS due to things like high-rep air squats, wall balls, or the like.

[quote=Dave Coughlin;817639]Good to know that you have identified the issue, and now have a PT assisting you in fixing it. Many prayers for a speedy return to 100%:highfive:[/quote]Thanks, Dave. I suspect things will work out well - - I'm praying too (thanks for yours!). Lots of hard work ahead.....

[quote=Nancy Cohen;817725]Steve, this is good news, in the sense that you now have a concrete plan for rehab. Now, go do what you're told! :)[/quote]It is absolutely, Nancy! and Yes, Ma'am! :D

[quote=Marianne Urbanski;817790]Awesome to have a diagnosis, Steve.. sounds optimistic!! keep the faith.. look at all the people you have "pulling" for you!! namaste![/quote]Marianne, you are so correct!
--------------------------------------------------------------------
All of you just totally blow me away - - Thanks for continued encouragement! I [U][B]can [/B][/U]do this especially with all this support!

Re: Steve's "I'm not aging quietly" log
 

[I][B]100728 THURSDAY

Physical Therapy Day #2 (1st day of practical work/exercises).

[/B][/I]8:00 warm-up on the elliptical....
32:00 or so of exercises, most targeted to recruitment of glute muscle fibers.

[I]My glutes are SORE! Just from 30 minutes or so. This is going to be interesting and should yield some great results - - I've never done targeted glute exercises like this before; didn't know I ever needed them until I started CrossFit![/I]