Ruminations on Pain

When I rolled out of bed this morning and found that I had quite a bit of difficulty moving my shoulders (stiff and sore is an understatement) I reflected upon some comments that I recently wrote for another venture. They detail a point that is hard to identify while watching a contest, since adrenaline can do a pretty good job of hiding ailments. But here goes:

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If there's anything I've learned from being a four-year, two-sport college athlete, it's the simple fact that athletics at an elite level HURT. There's ALWAYS something that's sore, that needs ice, that feels funny, that is pulled, or strained, or is inflamed. Anti-inflammatories are a godsend, but painkillers are worthless; pain is a message, and ignoring the message makes it worse. Sleep is unparalleled in value, as is decent nutrition. I made the comment the other day that I will never again think poorly of an athlete when I hear that they took human growth hormone; to wake up in the morning, and be able to go through the day's workouts without having to grit through the pain, and finally being able to play to your potential instead of to what your creaking joints will allow, is a dream for most of us. And for professionals, whose performance determines their livelihood, and the ability for their kids to eat, well...it's easy for everyone to sit around and whine about "tarnishing the game," but they don't understand. Needless to say, my immediate company when I made these comments was appalled. Oh well.

And lest my intentions be lost in my observations, knowing what I know now, how much it hurt, how hard it was, would I do it again? Absolutely. No doubt. And next time, I'd do it harder.

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And I just remembered that I forgot to take Aleve this morning. Shoot. I'm supposed to hit tonight after running... but we'll see if that's possible.