Back to Basics

Although I've been tempted when my sore back isnt so sore to decide Im just being a wuss, its getting better on its own and I dont need to do anything about it, it'll just go away etc etc, I am attempting to be more sensible and take a longer term view. I definitly dont want a recurrence and obviously need it looked at. So on good advice I've signed up with a chiropractor. I have never really thought about what they do before, well you wouldnt really would you unless theres a reason to. But i kind of liked the fact that the one Im going to is looking at it holistically and long term rather than just stop that damn pain for now, so talking and advising on lifestyle, diet, exercise etc (though slightly scary to 'fess up my not too healthy lifestyle to someone in the health profession eg do you drink much water? Maybe a glass or two a day, i mostly drink coffee. How many cups of coffee? probably about 8-10 a day... errr, is that bad?!!).

I think I was also encouraged by the fact that my chiro is young, has big brown eyes, and v soothing antipodean accent as well. It all helps, and is much amusement to my pals who keep making 'jokes' about the fact that i now have to pay a young man to put his hands on me... they'll get bored of it soon! I think I thought it'd be a bit like massage - oh no, no, no, - I have heard things crack and pop very loudly, been pumelled and pushed, and twisted into positions I definitley havent been in for long time. Good news is after an initial bit of ache straight after the sessions, the days following I feel much much better. One of those things that I have no idea how but it seems to work (bit like flying, i have given up trying to work how airplanes stay in the air and just accept it).

I was very disappointed as yesterday I was supposed to do the 10km run for charity, Im trying not to feel too much like a failure and very kindly people who sponsored me are still giving the cash and Im making a donation so at least the charity hasnt lost out. But accept that I do have to learn lessons from this experience and definitley make health and exercise an everyday item and priority so I can look for another one to do in the near future, be well prepared and not need a panic programme to get fit for it.

So its back to basics on the fitness front - 'gentle regular exercise' is advised. I thnk one of the reasons my bad back is making me grumpy, is that I just feel so old. For now jogging, horse riding and doing anything that jars my spine is out according the the chiro (damn shame that sitting at a computer all day or in three hour meetings, doesnt qualify for this, so still have to go to work - but do have to walk around much more and take breaks - which will be novel). Lots of walking and cycling are in (other recommended exercise was gentle workouts at the gym - which i hate - and swimming - which i love doing in the sea or open air pools, but not keen on at the local baths).

So Im taking this to heart and have lengthened the Mutts daily walks, much to his delight, and son who is keen on cycling is also pleased with my new found keenness to get out on our bikes. Usually we stick to lanes and cycle paths but invariably sometimes end up cycling on the road. What a scary experience this can be! When Im in a car and behind or passing a cyclist I always make sure that there is plenty of room and I can go right round them giving a wide berth, and only go past them if theres room to do this (I have a fear and dread that people on bikes will fall off in front of me when Im driving). Hmmm not all drivers seem to think the same way. For this reason Im turning into one of those annoying cyclists that where ever possible uses the footpaths - and tell my son to do this even if I dont - so sorry pedestrians but I have much more sympathy with why people do this now.