Fixing a Broken Back to Run Again

I've been having a rough two years. First it was cancer, a large tumor mass formed in the retroperitoneal space in my back and protruded into my abdomen. Then I was rear ended while waiting at a stop light before turning right. I've been getting regular massage therapy treatments twice a week from Bradley Clarke at Sports Massage Specialist (435) 760-2103.

I have received massage treatments before to help recover from over training at Lifetime Fitness gym. Deep tissue massage is not pleasant, it hurts. The benefits from it though, make it worth it. Bradley started the massage treatments with a simple goal, Let's get things back in balance. Stripping muscles felt like he had applied a hot poker. I was genuinely surprised when he released the pressure that the pain dissipated like a drop of water evaporating off a hot griddle. He worked the muscles along the spine with essential oils. I am also getting adjustments with Dr. Gunther at Hansen Hansen Chiropractor to align the spine. After two months of treatment, my back is feeling better and I notice small indications that the tumor is receding.

I learned first hand the impact that diet has on athletic performance. How food gives different results. It makes a difference in not only maintaining proper weight and muscle mass but in staying healthy and keeping degenerative disease at bay.

Ragnar Allens run and a botony lesson

Wasatch Back Ragnar Relay June 2009 #5
I was sucking down Hammer blueberry flavored gel and took several Spirilina before it was my turn to run. I was runner #5, and my turn had finally arrived. I saw Annie running towards me, her eyes focused on me as she slapped the baton on my wrist.

The sun was at high noon and it was getting warmer as I started running. I had about 8 miles and I was already feeling fatigued. I started running up a dirt road with a increaing incline. It was hot enough that I worried about heat stroke. I was keyed up for the first mile or two but I had to slow to a walk several times. I stopped at a creek and soaked my hat to help me cool down. Several support vehicles from other teams passed and asked if I was okay, if I was going to make it. I reassured them I was fine. After being passed like I was standing still over and over again by other runners, I found my pace and I started passing. I was alone for a few minutes and I wondered if there were any wildlife like big cats or bears around. I suppose having an encounter would certainly motivate me to run faster!

Steve drove by and asked if I needed anything. I gave my iPhone to Rena and she took a few pictures of me. They rushed off and said see you at the exchange point!

While I was running, Karli continued to struggle with an upset stomach. They found a place where she could relieve herself but it wasn't long until Karli was howling in pain. Rena and Annie went to her aid and found she had rubbed against something that irritated the skin. Steve offered to investigate but Karli objected. Soon Rena and Annie were asking other teams for help. A runner pointed out a plant nearby called Elephant Ear and suggested rubbing it on the affected areas to get relief. Karli rubbed the leaf on her skin and the burning subsided. We believe it was Stinging Nettle. The day just wasn't going well for Karli!

I was approaching another hill when I saw Annie and Rena coming out to meet me and run the last mile in with me. I was grateful for their support. Rena asked me how I was and I mentioned my calves were starting to cramp. They talked me through it for a few minutes and kept running until it passed. I felt a surge of energy and I started moving faster. I ran up that hill with a renewed vigor. I started passing runners right and left.

I saw Steve at the exchange point and slapped the baton on his wrist. I ran the hardest segment that I was assigned and came in with a better time than projected.

I finished that run with an endorphin rush. I was high for the next several hours. I talked to Sally as we were walking back to the truck. She congratulated me on a good run time.

I drove the truck over a rough stretch of road testing everyones ability to resist sea sickness. We caught up to Steve bounding down the hill like an antelope. That run cost Steve several of his toenails a few days later...
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Strength Training & Yoga

Okay, I caught the 5:30 am bus and started strength training at LifeTime Fitness. I performed opposite arm leg raise, prone runners, inch worm, reverse fly, hamstring curl (one leg raised), pull ups, box jump, butt kickers, one leg arm curls, lat press. I appreciate how much personal training taught me several new routines.

I found Yoga to be much easier today. I feel more flexible, little by little I feel like I'm improving. There was concern expressed from a few members of the class about posting photos. I immediately removed them and sent a notice of the action with a promise of no more paparrazi during Yoga class.

I dropped below 200 lbs and my waist is getting smaller. I am feeling stronger and successful. I used 2 MonaVie Active gel and 2 Pulse gel as part of my recovery nutrition. I believe Pulse helps build a stronger heart and Active helps keep knees, ankles and joints from clicking and creaking. MonaVie fuels my dream!

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Metabolic Rate Assesement Test

I woke up this morning at 4:10 am and realized I had a very short time to make it to the bus by 4:30 and keep my appointment with Casey. I was excited to finally get my metabolic test or CaloriePoint test to determine how many calories my body burns during rest.

Casey led me to his office, I put on a "New Leaf" respirator mask and laid down in a reclining chair. He set up the machine, turned down the lights and left me to relax and breathe. He was away for about 15 minutes. Casey was surprised that my metabolism was so slow. The results showed that I burn 953 calories while at rest. It indicates that I'm not eating enough calories so my body is burning less fat.

I remember I started worrying about losing weight too quickly. I've always been lean and lank and struggled to gain weight. Now I keep going above and below 200 lbs. Maybe I need to give my body permission to lose additional weight and to eat more frequently to keep my energy levels high?

I never imagined that I would be asked to count calories to make sure that I got enough to keep me fueled for my next workout!