Diagnosis

With my back pain getting steadily worse, I finally went to my doctor, who sent me to a chiropractor. He did this and that and told me it wasn' t my back at all, it was my sacrum, that shield-shaped bone at the bottom of the spine. He seemed quite knowledgeable about sports and running in particular, which was helpful. He said I pronate severely and should get shoe inserts - by rolling in at the feet, extra pressure is put on my knees and hips. Also I should run more frequently, for shorter duration - 20 minutes 3 times a week is far better than 40 minutes once a week as it builds the muscles appropriately. He insisted I stick with all my core-building exercises, and I'm to come back for more this and that for a few more weeks - releasing scar tissue and learning yet more exercises, specifically to strengthen the sides of my hips. He also had some suggestions for my elbow tendinitis - gave me a strange device that clamps over my forearm and supposedly takes the pressure off the tendons.

Meanwhile I barely worked out at all this week - swam Monday, but then nothing til today (long walk) due to meetings, deadlines, and confusion (left my towel at home one day that I actually did make it to the gym - couldn't shower so didn't want to work out - lame, I know. And I could have used paper towels if I was really committed!)

But I hope I'll start feeling better and stronger now that I have a new plan! (Let's see - for this week, I'll: Monday - run - Tuesday spin, Wednesday - swim, Thursday: run, Friday: swim (if I don't go to NYC), Saturday Pilates and ....? and Sunday bike or run depending on weather. Back exercises, at least 20 minutes, every night. When rest? This week, none - making up for a slothful week.