So, with apologies to those who have to put up with me when I am injured, my achilles - both - have become an absolute pain in my ass (actually, mainly the achilles region, but you get my point).
They have precluded me from any real running or racing for over a month now - I raced a 5km a couple of weekends ago, and while I took first overall in a pretty respectable time, I paid for it the next few days. I am doing it all - weekly, I have been in physio, chiro and massage (and god damn the deep tissue on the achilles, gastrox and soleus HURTS); ART, laser, and Advils (eat 'em like like smarties) - thank god I have a flexible schedule these days. And ICE - lots and LOTS of ice on each achilles - a good thing, right?
Not so fast, Grasshopper - Pete Magill wrote a recent article in Running Times (click next) - to ice or not?- relying upon extensive research by 2 very well respected Ph. D.'s in exercise physiology (who also have an amazing website, Sports Scientists) - that concludes that ice may not be the answer we have all thought. They write: "...inflammation, far from being a form of possession exerted by sadistic demons, triggers specialized cells (neutrophils, macrophages and monocytes) to clear away damaged muscle tissue. This paves the way for the creation of stronger, more durable muscle fibers. Interrupting the process derails our body’s ability to recover and adapt".
And then (click the next phrase), just when I read that icing is not necessary (see above) Nike comes along with Cryotherapy.
I am so confused...
so, screw it; I am heading off to ice both achilles - damn the torpedoes. What can be the worst that happens?
if the video doesn't make you hurl, the absolutely crappy music will!
see ya on the roads
Johnny Boy
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