Thursday, June 4th 2015
KNOWING YOUR LIMITS
As we all continue our journey to better health, it is important to listen to your bodies, know when you are pushing outside of your limits and recognize when you need rest. THEN YOU MUST ACT ON THAT. We all get excited for new PRs, want to crush our times on Murph and Fran, but there are consequences that come with doing that when our bodies tell us “no”.
“RHABDO”
One of the biggest watch outs for competitive athletes (in ANY sport, not just CrossFit) is overtraining that leads to Rhabdomyolysis. It is a serious syndrome due to a direct or indirect muscle injury. It results from the breakdown of muscle tissue and fibers and release of their contents into the bloodstream. This can lead to complications with your kidneys and occurs when they cannot remove waste and concentrated urine. However, prompt treatment often brings a good outcome.
Unfortunately one of our athletes, Spencer, is currently dealing with the effects of Rhabdo. And I’m sure he will tell you — it is NOT something you ever want to have happen to you. Self admittedly he pushed too hard during Murph, started to experience muscle pain and fatigue and saw some swelling in his abdomen in the days following. These symptoms do not always mean Rhabdo, but in his case it was. He will be out for a few weeks and once back, I’m sure would be willing to share his experience and learning with you. Needless to say, we are all thinking of him and hoping for a speedy recovery! Hang in there Spencer!
Here’s what YOU need to know about rhabdomyolysis:
Rhabdomyolysis Signs and Symptoms
There are signs and symptoms of Rhabdo, but the most reliable is a blood test for creatine kinase, a product of muscle breakdown or urine tests for myoglobin (a relative of hemoglobin that is released from damaged muscles). But here are some of the more common physiological symptoms:
- Muscle pain, especially in the shoulders, thighs or lower back
- Symptoms may occur in one area of the body or affect the whole body
- Muscle weakness or trouble moving arms or legs
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fever, rapid heart rate
- Confusion, dehydration fever, or lack of consciousness
- Dark red or brown urine; reduced or no urine output
- A previous history of rhabdomyolysis also increases the risk of having it once again
We pride ourselves on taking precautions with all our athletes based on fitness level (or injuries) by scaling movements, times and even forcing rest. But no one knows your body and how you are feeling like YOU do. Please listen to it. Respect it. And don’t be afraid to scale, modify or even bow out of a WOD if something just doesn’t feel quite right. We cherish each and everyone one of you and your health and well being is what we care about most!
