The Modern Life, Through Blue Eyes

At glimpse at my boy’s newest piece: The Predators by Jason Beasley

almostsleeping:

I just posted “The Predators”

Jason Beasley (United States) via Curioos

Battling the Injury Bug

There are very few things in the world that can bug an athlete more than having to deal with the day-to-day injuries that occur from training at an intense level. It’s one of those things that you hate to talk about because it’s such a depressing and hated concept. Athletes and fitness gurus hate missing workouts, especially due to injuries or sore muscles. It often times makes us feel as if we don’t have the normal control we usually have in physically and mentally progressing on a daily basis. Some athletes also feel that they start to lose the gains they worked so hard to get by taking days off. But the reality is that the body sometimes needs rest and recovery more than it needs another workout. The topic of injury and recovery is one that everyone needs to discuss and be aware of. Missing time at the gym or breaking a workout routine is sometimes necessary and doesn’t always have to be a bad thing. It’s important to remember that sometimes rest is the only real thing our bodies need.

I’m feeling inclined to talk about this because I am currently battling a nasty leg injury that I suffered over a week ago while doing an intense plyometric workout. The injury (which is pictured above) has taken me out of my normal workout routine. But I didn’t let it at first, which backfired on me fiercely. I took the day after I obtained the injury off, assuming that a day away from the gym would allow my leg to heal and I wouldn’t lose any gains that I had already made. I hit the gym the following day (2 days after the injury) and the injury harshly worsened that night. My leg continued to swell and the pain was not subsiding. A week after I decided to see a doctor as the swelling was still not going down. I had a feeling that the injury was just a deep shin bruise with extreme bleeding under the skin, but to make sure I wasn’t going to further keep myself away from my training I wanted to let a physician look at it to confirm that nothing else was wrong. My assumptions were correct and the injury was nothing that needed surgery or medication but I needed a lot more time off of it than I thought. I’ve had the injury for eight days now and the swelling is finally starting to lessen. I was ordered by my doctor to take some time off of work and continue to ice and elevate my leg. My leg will heal, especially now that I have the peace of mind that nothing is seriously wrong with my leg, and I will be back to my normal workout routine as soon as I can…but not before.

This is why I wanted to talk about this today. There are countless ways that our body responds to overtraining or injuries that occur during a workout. It is important to realize how severe the injury is and not to overlook it with stubbornness or ignorance. Know what is wrong with your body and answer its calls for rest. Your current body is the only one you’ll ever have; treat it right. I went to see a professional just to assure myself of a healthy future and a correctly healing leg because I plan on putting in a lot more miles in the future. It’s also extremely important not to rush back from an injury. Take the time to let the injury heal correctly and fully. Rushing back will undoubtedly lead to a relapse of the injury, more than likely in a worsened state. Don’t be afraid to take time off to let the injury FULLY heal.

On another note, there are indeed ways that can speed up the body’s healing process. Be aware of the things you can do to either ease pain or speed up recovery. In my case I only need rest, an elevated leg whenever possible, constant ice (30on/ 30off), and anti-inflammatory medication (ibuprofen). It’s usually always good to drink lots of water. Flushing the system of impurities and toxins can help the body run a little smoother during the recovery process. With all of the medical knowledge and sources available in the modern world it’s easy to find ways to remedy small to moderate injuries. Do the research, take the advice and be smart about taking care of your body.

And to assure that you don’t lose your mind during this “layoff” from your workouts be sure to fill your mind with other things, such as adjusting your diet to better suit you while you heal and then also after you return to the gym. There are always ways to adjust your diet to not only make it healthier but also to broaden and spice it up a bit. Let’s not fool ourselves…sometimes eating healthy can seem “boring”. Well, believe it or not, eating healthy can be anything but “boring”. There are several ways to keep your diet exciting and tasty! You just have to choose the right things (again, through doing research with the various sources at our fingertips) and adjust it to suite your daily lifestyle. For example, tonight, because I haven’t been able to put in the cardio and muscle building workouts I usually would due to my injury, I have decided to eat more fruits/ vegetables and cut back on my intake of carbohydrates and proteins. I’m still getting my healthy intake of all of them but I’ve lowered my intake because of my lack of working it off.

To keep my mind balanced without working out I’ve also started a new book entitled, The Good Life, by Jay McInerney and I’ve taken a heavier interest in cooking. So although my meals have been smaller, I’m making things I’ve never tried before. Not only is my mind still growing but my balance in life seems just right. So, as much as I can’t wait for my leg to heal and to get back to the gym, I feel just fine taking some time off, relaxing, and finding balance in other parts of my life. My battle with the injury bug is being dominated…by me. I’m healing, I’ll be back, and now balance has finally been found.

-Jake Chastain

A small sample from an art collaboration I’m currently working on with the amazing Jason Beasley. His Art, my Words. #VisualArtMeetsPoetry 

“Beauty is brilliant;

One is blessed to catch her diamonds;

The glow of a million glorious jewels,

Gracefully traced by sanctified ghosts

So lavishly covered in coal.”

The modern way to keep the world peaceful, caring, smart, and interested in life! More art, less wars! 

Early morning workout (3-5am) to accompany wrestling/grappling practice tonight in Santa Monica. Days that start this way always kick more ass! Life doesn’t rest…so why should we? Hard work baby!

Post-workout shake: 4 strawberries, 6 blackberries, half of a banana, 2 scoops of amplified wheybolic protein. Perfect for recovery, perfect for the start of a great day!

After a great run and a mind calming outdoor workout I made a clean delicious dinner consisting or grilled asparagus, corn, rice, grilled chicken and salmon, and a cold glass of OJ. Replenish the body correctly and the body will thank you tomorrow.

After a 5 mile uphill run through the hollywood hills this is what I’m rewarded with! A beautiful view after a nice night of rain. It’s important to stop and enjoy the little things that make this life so great. Don’t ever cheat yourself of the amazing things that are right in front of us on a daily basis. Motivation is something you don’t really need to look far to find. Open your eyes and enjoy life. #BackToTheBasics