No pain, no gain, right?
That contradicts directly with the philosophy of “listen to your body.” When do you know to ease off and when to push through?
I attempted the 12 x 400 piece Tuesday, but my back seized up around piece four. I opted to push to number six before I gave into my body and quit the erg.
In anticipation of re-attempting the piece, I skipped this morning’s weightlifting session. After work, I jumped on the erg and worked through a 15 minute warm up. By the end, the muscles in my lower back and along my spine felt tense after trying to keep my chest high. I stretched out and jumped back on for the pieces.
Again, at number 4, it felt like someone took a wrench and turned it as far as it would go and then some. I thought I might get to six and then run the rest of the pieces so I’d least get the cardio work.
After sacrificing spilt times for lighter pressure, higher rate, I felt okay at six. I hopped off, walked and stretched. I exceeded my two minute rest, but not so far that my heart rate came back down. I’m sure my Amish neighbors appreciated the dripping, cherry spandex-clad woman sprawling out around the back deck in my yard, tush high in the air.
Seven I took a little slower and easier, but jumped right back on at number 8.
At nine, I had this weird sensation. Here’s what I see when I erg:
The view from the machine.
Remember in Hitchcock’s films, or some other horror film, when the camera lens simultaneously zooms in while rearing back? Looking out the door, I saw that. I swear the door frame curved out and the bushes began pulsing in that weird way.
Is that supposed to happen?
By the way, I made it all the way to 12, albeit redder than a firetruck and oozing sweat. Luckily I hadn’t eaten since 2 o’clock, otherwise I may have thrown up. But I finished, which begs the question, “If you row long enough, will the pain go away?”
I may be rowing for a long, long time after this one.
