This week I went to my amazing chiropractor, Benita, at Ocean Wellness, and she gave me a little (gentle) talking to…
My left hip and lower back have given me a lot of pain over the last month and a half. I can manage this pain but brace yourself, here comes my excuse for not monitoring it properly…
…I’ve been extremely busy with some projects I am passionate about, and if I’m completely honest with you my regular routine hasn’t been a priority.
Jogging injuries are like life lessons. Initially you get a gentle whisper in the ear, then a small tap on the shoulder and if you really don’t listen, it’s the brick to the head. You get all the warnings, it’s a question of whether you are listening or ignoring the signs.
Right now my injury is at the “tap on the shoulder” stage and Benita helped me realize I better start paying attention or I will end up with the brick to the head sooner than later.
So what do I need to do?
I NEED TO STRETCH.
If I have one fault with running, it’s not spending the time to stretch. I stretch a little before (enough to warm my muscles but not enough to pull them) and I definitely stretch afterwards…what I’m negligent at is stretching in between my run days.
This is my dog…SHE STRETCHES EVERY DAY. In the morning when she wakes up, she stretches. When she’s been sitting on the couch or on the floor for a little while, she’ll get up and stretch. It’s natural for her to stretch every day, as it should be for us.
If you are running, cycling or any other form of exercise, don’t underestimate the value of stretching. Taking a yoga class in between workout days is an excellent choice but if you aren’t able to get to a yoga class, make sure you still spend some time each day to stretch…
S – T – R – E – T – C – H
Your body will thank you for it and it will help you avoid injury. Trust me, I say this to myself when I say it to you.
I hope you get outside this weekend. Summer is the time to enjoy some fresh air, amazing fresh fruits and vegetables and time with family and friends.
See you on Tuesday!
With a smile,
Tina
