Advice needed!
Well, 9 weeks out from Jr. Nationals and I"m on overload. My plate is full, tons of stuff with the kids going on for the end of the school year, car problems that are causing me stress and to top it all off….my shoulder (which I just got a cortizone injection a week ago) is STILL bothering me. I’m going in to have an MRI next week. So, I’ve always said if I wasn’t having fun competiting, I would take a break. Well, I’m not having fun right now. I wasn’t sure I was ready to start another diet after the Arnold, but really wanted to compete at JR. Natiionals. So, now with everything going on…..I really don’t know if I can be ready. Mentally and/or Physically. My bodyfat is 11.2%, so its not that i’m worried about. Its my shoulder and the rest of my body as far as being physically ready. I"m also struggling with the fact that I feel like I’m quiting. And I don’t quit at anything that I start. So, I’m asking for some sound advice from those that aren’t dieting and can think clearly…..LOL. The upside to this is………that the MASTER’s NATIONALS is only 4 weeks after Jrs. AND that’s a Huge show. Also a pro-qualifer. AND, when I get thru the next couple of weeks, get my shoulder/bicep issue figured out…..I could possibly do Bodybuilding at the Masters’s which is what I really love. So……..thought anyone??? Just buck up and keep pushing for JR. Nationals, June 19th or hold off until Masters, July 19th??? Thanks guys….again for all the support. It means the world to me. See ya on STAGE! 2008 ROCKSTAR
April 21, 2008 at 9:02 pm
Amy, in regards to your shoulder pain (which I’m struggling with intensely in the last week) I can’t recommend enough utilizing Trigger Point Therapy to help with pain. It’s a similar idea to accupuncture, but you can do it yourself and the results I saw when I started it after a year of trying my luck at physiotherapy were AMAZING! I was peeved at my physiotherapist for not doing it sooner.
You can link to the book I have here and it gives more of an overview of the treatment. By far it’s the best $20 I ever spent.
On the other front, it sounds like you’re burned out, but the next little while could provide tremendous opportunity for your fitness career. It seems you’ve worked extremely hard to where you got to and just need to go a little further to see how well you place. I’d wait until it’s all over to see if you feel it was worth the sacrifice. It’s always tough to be super positive in the heart of dieting, so stay strong, positive and keep your eye on the prize. You’ll be glad you did.
Good luck! You look amazing.
April 21, 2008 at 9:03 pm
Oops, here’s that link:
http://www.triggerpointbook.com/shoulder.htm
April 22, 2008 at 3:04 am
Amy, I agree with Hedley…
…however, only you can make this decision. Me? I would keep going…you’ll know what’s on the other side of the mountain once you get there! Then, you might want to consider taking a "break"!
Good luck, whatever you do! You da bomb!!!
April 22, 2008 at 7:37 am
Hmmm - it’s a tough one, Amy. If it were me, I think I might hold off until the Masters. Things should be calmer then, and you’ll have time to recoup that shoulder and get in even better shape (if that’s possible - since you look amazing!). It’s not quitting, it’s postponing so you can be at 100%!
April 22, 2008 at 7:52 am
As tough as that is, you have more important priorities. Personally I think you should hold off..Get healthy, take care of the kids, get the car fixed..Take your time! If you keep pushing you run the risk of hurting yourself further, and making things worse =/ If its what you love, you won’t give up! Your not quitting, just making sure your duck are in a row! Good luck! I hope everything works out for you!
God Bless
-James
April 22, 2008 at 7:54 am
Amy, this is an easy one. Shoulder pain, no enjoyment, life’s seemingly one new stress after another: You need to take a break! Broken down, look at the big picture: the important picture. Your family, your health and your well being. I wouldn’t propose that competing is worth sacrificing any of the aforementioned items. As for the injury, being that the deltoid complex is such a sensitive yet crucial area, a layoff in my mind is the direction I go. There will always (ALWAYS) be another competition.
April 23, 2008 at 2:13 pm
Amy, you are a strong, vivacious, and an awesome person….you are no quitter by any means. You know me girl, I will tell you like it is…hold off …as already been mentioned. Take a pause, take a breath, finish the year off with the kiddies, junk the car if you have to, but, above all take care of your injury. Bodyauditor put it nicely: "there will always be another competition".
You are gonna be just fine.
April 24, 2008 at 6:56 pm
Amy,
My daughter was in competitive gymnastics where they push and push and push. But when they have a kid like her friend, who could make it to the olympics, and she’s hurting - they take a break from the smaller meets, back off just for a bit, and if things seem better, then full speed ahead to prepare for the big ones.
She’s been off all year with an acl tear and surgery. But, they are hopefull she will be back by end of year and headed for some serious competitions. Its tough to stop or slow down, but mentally - I think the break might refresh you. (And your body may respond even better afterwards.) Take care and best of luck however you decide to proceed. You know your body, listen to it, think about your goals, and talk to people around you who you trust. Will be keeping an eye on you. Best wishes.
BTW - we are all already so proud of you. You are still my inspiration!
~ Louann ~
April 25, 2008 at 1:38 am
I agree with LarryC, listen to your body, not all of us, LOL. It is no fun to sideline yourself with injury, but better off resting a bit IMO, than run the risk of further damage. So you take off a week or two, better than 6 months or more if you really push and tear something. And being 39 in a few months, I have learned to listen to my body pretty good, and usually it serves me well. Two weeks or a month will not take away who you are, it will only give you some work to do when healthy again. Hope all works out for YOU and your kids, and the car too, lol.