Battle of the Bulge(s) & Pool Running

Today was the official 'reading' of the MRI from Friday...got some good news and some bad news. Bad news is that L4 and L5 discs are both bulging. That's right, two of 'em. Good news...they are not herniated. The goal is to keep them that way!

 

So, what does that mean? It means Jenny needs to get the current swelling down (that is pinching that sciatic nerve, causing my numbness) and keep it down. That involves icing, exercises I have to do 10 times a day, making sure my workouts don't irritate it (anymore than it is), and Dr. Dave's ART treatments (Active Release Technique).

Still ix-nay on the unning-ray (no running). If things don't progress in the next week here...potentially there could be some steroid/cortisone injections that we may try. But...that is not for sure yet.

So, in that tone, I spent an hour and a half in the pool today (I think that's the longest I've been in that pool for a LONG time...just HATE the pool). I ended up swimming a half mile, then running in the pool for 15 min. Repeat this 3 times. Next 'running' session I have in the pool I need to remember my iPod. Boring! On a good note, my half mile splits were sitting pretty stellar...and consistent. Got that going for me, I guess. Lake Menona better watch out!!!

I found some really good Les Brown quotes today, to put things in perspective for the coming weeks here:

"If you put yourself in a position where you have to stretch outside your comfort zone, then you are forced to expand your consciousness." "Just because Fate doesn't deal you the right cards, it doesn't mean you should give up. It just means you have to play the cards you get to their maximum potential." "Wanting something is not enough. You must hunger for it. Your motivation must be absolutely compelling in order to overcome the obstacles that will invariably come your way. Anytime you suffer a setback or disappointment, put your head down and plow ahead." "I advise you to say your dream is possible and then overcome all inconveniences, ignore all the hassles and take a running leap through the hoop, even if it is in flames."