Katie is getting back to strength after some unplanned time off the bike.. she explains why...
I've never been injured like this
before. Usually the adrenaline gets me
back on the bike, after a quick check nothing's broken. But this time, I just couldn't get up. I gave it a few minutes more, and then 10,
and still couldn't get up. Okay, I
thought, so this fall might be a little different... And so it was. Almost 11 weeks later and I'm just beginning
to turn the pedals again. Just from a
few sore muscles, no broken bones!
I was practising at Round 4 of the British
National Series at Margam Park. Less
than a few minutes in, and the course headed down a very steep section - very
loose, very rocky, very ouchy. While
others were standing at the top figuring out how (or whether) to ride it, I
thought hesitation would only make me whimp out completely. So after one look, off I went over the
edge. Clearly, some hesitation would
have been good on this occasion ;)
Too much speed, not enough traction, no
control... somersaults, THUD. Shoulder
injury, neck injury, whiplash. I was lucky
it wasn't worse (gulp).
So much of what happens in life is a result
of a crazy myriad of factors. Some
within our control, some not (in this case, mostly within my control)! Sunday morning, before caffeine. Brain not warmed up. Legs not warmed up. And the first time off-road after many weeks
road riding in Italy. Not a good combo.
I've had to live life in the slow lane since
July, much needed after hauling too much luggage around Europe while
volunteering for months. So what have I
learnt from my couch while nursing my sore muscles?
1. After weeks of road riding, get
your dirt mojo back first before trying loose, steep drops. Margam Park is not Italy, or Scotland!
2. Don't let your brain try the
'less is more' braking mantra, unless you have said dirt mojo back.
3. Do wonder why everyone else is
standing around the top looking down the drop.
4. No point braking once you're in
the air.
5. The smallest, cheapest rental
car with no suspension is not good when you've just sustained whiplash. Especially when the drive home is 10 hours.
6. Handbag on good shoulder makes
a convenient & classy sling (rest forearm on top of bag in between the
handles). Camouflage rehab.
7. If last week feels like a blur
and you feel strangely indecisive, you probably have mild concussion even
though no-one's mentioned it. If so,
walk to the doctor rather than drive!
8. Stay in the same place so you
can get regular osteopath/physio treatment.
Missing sessions will mean your shoulder tightens up like a plank of
wood, and the words “deep tissue massage” take on a whole new painful meaning.
9. Don't carry your bike bag or
luggage, even though your sore shoulder is “getting better”. You may get your bike bag and luggage all the
way to NZ, but your shoulder will tighten up even harder than a plank of wood,
and the words “deep tissue massage” will have you running (hobbling) for the
hills.
10. Keep cranking up the heat in
the sauna/hotpool, and you have an excellent stationary form of exercise
endorphins and muscle rehabilitation. Feel
refreshed without moving a muscle!
Injury can indeed be a blessing. Crucially, my shoulder injury helped identify
the cause of my long-standing problem with tennis elbow. The effect of the crash on my upper body
helped my osteopath identify existing neck & shoulder weaknesses and their
underlying role in my tennis elbow. What
had initially seemed like too much mouse-clicking was actually a case of
various muscle weaknesses and subsequent over-compensation - a complete domino
effect within my upper body. It may well
have taken much longer to identify the cause of my tennis elbow if it hadn't
been for the shoulder injury.
And best of all, when you finally get back
on the bike again, every pedal stroke is so liberating. Sofa treatment really is great for enhancing one's
gratitude.
Happy pedalling, Katie :)
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