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Pain Management in Fitness Training
A Biopsychosocial Approach
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At some point, we will all experience pain management challenges in our fitness journey. It's inevitable, and if you expect to never experience it in training, you're in for an unpleasant surprise. I thought it useful to talk about some things to consider around ongoing pain and its incredibly complex nature.
The Complexity of Pain
Collectively, we want a single definitive answer as to what is causing our pain. We want to point to one thing and say "that is the reason," however it is likely just part of the reason. Effective pain management in fitness requires understanding this complexity.
Most people's understanding of pain is based on this idea that pain means damage or injury. That it is purely a result of a "biological issue."
The Biopsychosocial Model of Pain
I have used the term biological, which might seem a little odd, but when we look at pain science, we can see why. Modern pain science is broken down into what is called the "biopsychosocial model." It encompasses your biology, your psychology, and social environments.
It is quite easy to sustain a significant injury, having a huge impact on your biology, and experience no pain at all. Stories of soldiers not realising they have been shot in battle, sportsmen walking off the pitch with tears and breaks.
Personal Experiences with Pain Management
From a purely anecdotal perspective, after ripping my pec tendon off the bone, and after the subsequent surgery to repair it, I had zero pain. Go figure?!
On the flip side, I have coached two people in the past whose ongoing lower back pain only resolved itself after the first one left a job which had been the source of extreme stress and occasional misery, and in the second case, when we addressed their fear and belief about the risk to their lower back from not having a completely neutral spine when picking up literally anything from the floor.
The Importance of Psychology and Social Environment
What I am saying is that pain is complicated and multifaceted, it is there as a protective mechanism that may come into play even when it isn't needed. It would also seem that your psychology and social environment are far more important than your biology in your experience of ongoing pain.
Psychologically, stress and expectation play a huge role in pain. Pain experiences may lead to catastrophic thoughts and with that a heightened pain experience. Many people hurt themselves on a movement and a seed of fear, and an expectation of pain will be planted for that movement in the future.
Social Narratives and Pain
If we then look at the social element and we think about the prevailing narratives that exist around lifting weights and training, it is easy to see these activities as risky and dangerous.
As a result, there is a lot of fear and foreboding around certain movements, unsolicited comments and advice about lifting being dangerous and "you'll hurt your back doing that" abound everywhere and constantly reinforce this narrative.
Understanding Pain as a Signal
When we go back to looking at pain through the biology lens, it is important to consider that pain, instead of being a signal about injury or damage, may well be a signal about tolerance or capacity of certain tissues.
In order to address tolerance, simple things like reducing the load, adding in a tempo, or opting for a variation of a movement for a few weeks may be all that is needed to resolve that pain before returning to training as normal.
Final Thoughts on Pain Management
It is important to consider that at present you may be suffering, but it will get better. Having a better understanding of all the factors that contribute to your pain experience, and having knowledge about where certain beliefs and expectations come from, I think is empowering.
Combining this with an appreciation that your body will heal and adapt, and that things like lower back pain usually resolve themselves within 6 weeks are useful messages to keep in mind.
Hopefully, you found this whistle-stop tour around some of the factors that contribute to pain useful, and you now have some other avenues to explore when it comes to pain management in your fitness journey.
Fun - Honesty - Simplicity - Smash Life- MENTAL TOUGHNESS - Hard Work
ENGINE
Mikkos Over / Unders, but Every 2:00, double your calories from 3 weeks ago.
GYMNASTICS
This week, we start with ring dip progressions, an all-around amazing pressing movement that facilitates the strength and skill required for movements such as muscle-ups and handstands. We will then dive into double unders before finishing with some strength work. All abilities are welcome!
HYROX
Working on lunge volume and strength into 2 min intervals of Ski, Wall Balls, Row and Burpees.
MOBILITY
With the overhead movements in the mainline, it’s time to build on what it takes to hold & gain those positions. Ankle & thoracic mobility will be the main priority this week.
PURE STRENGTH
On Monday in Pure Strength, we are hitting our final week of banded deadlifts and progressing on the Bulgarian split squats and hip thrusts. Wednesday will be our final week of Banded bench presses and banded rows.
WEIGHTLIFTING
Weightlifting this week, we will be working on the squat snatch with a spicy complex. Perfect session to complement mainline’s OHS work.
.jpg)
Monday Ride
A skills and fitness based ride at the BikeDXB track in Dubai. Some simply structured intervals to enhance cycling ability.
Start time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: The Loop Cafe, Bike DXB
Track Tuesday
Our weekly on track speed session! For any level of runner looking to build their run speed, threshold and Vo2max fitness and run with the best running community in Dubai.
Start time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Entrance fee: https://isddubai.com/athletics-venuehire/
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/oomJAa31vKy3hQNG6
Wednesday - Brick Session
A brick session consisting of 60mins of cycling with 20 - 30mins of running. Great for all levels of triathlete.
Start time: 05:59 am
Location : BOTS - https://goo.gl/maps/6AwtJXW8nA45Cy9H8
Friday - Coffee Run
Our weekly tempo run. This run is currently gearing run fitness towards the incoming half marathons. Sessions are built on an RPE scale and accessible to all levels of runner.
Brief time: 05:54 am
Start time: 05:59 am
Start Location: Common Grounds
Saturday - RAK HM
https://rakcalendar.ae/events/ras-al-khaimah-half-marathon/
Sunday - DCS Half Marathon
Group Long Run (Burj2Burj focus).
Couple of route options below with B2B in mind; based on the HM route going over the canal bridge).
15km (out and back: 300m to canal bridge and back):
https://onthegomap.com/s/0g4t9vdq
18km (out and back: 300m to canal/tolerance bridge and back):
https://onthegomap.com/s/otrvk7bm
Start time: 05:59 am
Location: 300m on the beach track.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/pwRmMPQJf775m3b99
.jpg)
Monday
Time: 5:59am and 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Mobility and Tempo
AM Session:
This morning we will focus on mobility to help you recover from your weekend of racing, running, or general training load.
PM Session:
This evening we will have our Tempo Run. We will hav 2x blocks of 10 mins at 7/10, followed by 1x 5 mins block.
Recovery: 5 mins after each tempo hold.
Tuesday
Time: 5:59am
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/oomJAa31vKy3hQNG6
Entrance fee: https://isddubai.com/athletics-venuehire/
Session: Track Tuesday
This is your chance to run fast with the wider IFE community and coaches. The session today will be 200s, 400s, and 600s, which will vary in pace and be repeated.
Wednesday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Intervals
If you didn't run track, today we have some speed work for you. Today we will run 400s at a 8/10 effort, each with a 60 second rest.
Friday
Brief time: 5:54am
Start Time: 5:59am
Location: Common Grounds
Session: The Coffee Run
This week we will be holding longer blocks of tempo (20 mins, 15mins and 5 mins. Each with a 2 min recovery to bring HR back down before dialing back into some pace.
Saturday
Time: 6:29am
Location: TBC
Session: RAK Half Marathon
Today we will be in RAK for the Half Marathon. Race startst at 7am, and we will host a warm-up beforehand. Keep an eye on the WhatsApp groups for pin location etc.
Sunday
Time: 05:59am
Session: Long Run
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/pwRmMPQJf775m3b99
There will be a long run from the 300m mark on the beach track. The route is out and back so that you can clock up whatever distance or time you wish.
.jpg)
Monday:
Strength:
A) DB Bench Press
B) Standing DB Bent Over Row
Conditioning:
18 Min AMRAP
8 thrusters
Half Park Run
8 thrusters
Rest 1 min
Tuesday:
Strength:
A) Romanian Deadlift
B) AMRAP Romanian Deadlift 20% of Top Set
Conditioning:
Every 5 mins x 6 alternate between:
A: 400/325m Row
12 Alt KB Hang Clean
10 Burpees To Target
B: 400/325m row
20 American KB Swing
10 Burpees To Target
Wednesday:
Strength:
A) Pull Ups
B) Hollow Holds
Conditioning:
12min AMRAP
3 Bar Muscle Ups
6 Alt DB Overhead Reverse Lunge
9 Toes to Bar
Thursday:
Strength:
A) Power Snatch
B) Overhead Squats
Conditioning:
4 rounds for time
30 wall balls
20 deadlift
15-box jump-over
Friday:
Strength:
A) Hand Stand Push Ups
B) Bear Hug Sandbag Holds
Conditioning:
A Ski, a sandbag and a wall, these 3 things combine for an epic workout to end the week! Therapy!
At some point, we will all experience pain management challenges in our fitness journey. It's inevitable, and if you expect to never experience it in training, you're in for an unpleasant surprise. I thought it useful to talk about some things to consider around ongoing pain and its incredibly complex nature.
The Complexity of Pain
Collectively, we want a single definitive answer as to what is causing our pain. We want to point to one thing and say "that is the reason," however it is likely just part of the reason. Effective pain management in fitness requires understanding this complexity.
Most people's understanding of pain is based on this idea that pain means damage or injury. That it is purely a result of a "biological issue."
The Biopsychosocial Model of Pain
I have used the term biological, which might seem a little odd, but when we look at pain science, we can see why. Modern pain science is broken down into what is called the "biopsychosocial model." It encompasses your biology, your psychology, and social environments.
It is quite easy to sustain a significant injury, having a huge impact on your biology, and experience no pain at all. Stories of soldiers not realising they have been shot in battle, sportsmen walking off the pitch with tears and breaks.
Personal Experiences with Pain Management
From a purely anecdotal perspective, after ripping my pec tendon off the bone, and after the subsequent surgery to repair it, I had zero pain. Go figure?!
On the flip side, I have coached two people in the past whose ongoing lower back pain only resolved itself after the first one left a job which had been the source of extreme stress and occasional misery, and in the second case, when we addressed their fear and belief about the risk to their lower back from not having a completely neutral spine when picking up literally anything from the floor.
The Importance of Psychology and Social Environment
What I am saying is that pain is complicated and multifaceted, it is there as a protective mechanism that may come into play even when it isn't needed. It would also seem that your psychology and social environment are far more important than your biology in your experience of ongoing pain.
Psychologically, stress and expectation play a huge role in pain. Pain experiences may lead to catastrophic thoughts and with that a heightened pain experience. Many people hurt themselves on a movement and a seed of fear, and an expectation of pain will be planted for that movement in the future.
Social Narratives and Pain
If we then look at the social element and we think about the prevailing narratives that exist around lifting weights and training, it is easy to see these activities as risky and dangerous.
As a result, there is a lot of fear and foreboding around certain movements, unsolicited comments and advice about lifting being dangerous and "you'll hurt your back doing that" abound everywhere and constantly reinforce this narrative.
Understanding Pain as a Signal
When we go back to looking at pain through the biology lens, it is important to consider that pain, instead of being a signal about injury or damage, may well be a signal about tolerance or capacity of certain tissues.
In order to address tolerance, simple things like reducing the load, adding in a tempo, or opting for a variation of a movement for a few weeks may be all that is needed to resolve that pain before returning to training as normal.
Final Thoughts on Pain Management
It is important to consider that at present you may be suffering, but it will get better. Having a better understanding of all the factors that contribute to your pain experience, and having knowledge about where certain beliefs and expectations come from, I think is empowering.
Combining this with an appreciation that your body will heal and adapt, and that things like lower back pain usually resolve themselves within 6 weeks are useful messages to keep in mind.
Hopefully, you found this whistle-stop tour around some of the factors that contribute to pain useful, and you now have some other avenues to explore when it comes to pain management in your fitness journey.
Fun - Honesty - Simplicity - Smash Life- MENTAL TOUGHNESS - Hard Work
Monday Ride
A skills and fitness based ride at the BikeDXB track in Dubai. Some simply structured intervals to enhance cycling ability.
Start time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: The Loop Cafe, Bike DXB
Track Tuesday
Our weekly on track speed session! For any level of runner looking to build their run speed, threshold and Vo2max fitness and run with the best running community in Dubai.
Start time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Entrance fee: https://isddubai.com/athletics-venuehire/
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/oomJAa31vKy3hQNG6
Wednesday - Brick Session
A brick session consisting of 60mins of cycling with 20 - 30mins of running. Great for all levels of triathlete.
Start time: 05:59 am
Location : BOTS - https://goo.gl/maps/6AwtJXW8nA45Cy9H8
Friday - Coffee Run
Our weekly tempo run. This run is currently gearing run fitness towards the incoming half marathons. Sessions are built on an RPE scale and accessible to all levels of runner.
Brief time: 05:54 am
Start time: 05:59 am
Start Location: Common Grounds
Saturday - RAK HM
https://rakcalendar.ae/events/ras-al-khaimah-half-marathon/
Sunday - DCS Half Marathon
Group Long Run (Burj2Burj focus).
Couple of route options below with B2B in mind; based on the HM route going over the canal bridge).
15km (out and back: 300m to canal bridge and back):
https://onthegomap.com/s/0g4t9vdq
18km (out and back: 300m to canal/tolerance bridge and back):
https://onthegomap.com/s/otrvk7bm
Start time: 05:59 am
Location: 300m on the beach track.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/pwRmMPQJf775m3b99
Monday
Time: 5:59am and 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Mobility and Tempo
AM Session:
This morning we will focus on mobility to help you recover from your weekend of racing, running, or general training load.
PM Session:
This evening we will have our Tempo Run. We will hav 2x blocks of 10 mins at 7/10, followed by 1x 5 mins block.
Recovery: 5 mins after each tempo hold.
Tuesday
Time: 5:59am
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/oomJAa31vKy3hQNG6
Entrance fee: https://isddubai.com/athletics-venuehire/
Session: Track Tuesday
This is your chance to run fast with the wider IFE community and coaches. The session today will be 200s, 400s, and 600s, which will vary in pace and be repeated.
Wednesday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Intervals
If you didn't run track, today we have some speed work for you. Today we will run 400s at a 8/10 effort, each with a 60 second rest.
Friday
Brief time: 5:54am
Start Time: 5:59am
Location: Common Grounds
Session: The Coffee Run
This week we will be holding longer blocks of tempo (20 mins, 15mins and 5 mins. Each with a 2 min recovery to bring HR back down before dialing back into some pace.
Saturday
Time: 6:29am
Location: TBC
Session: RAK Half Marathon
Today we will be in RAK for the Half Marathon. Race startst at 7am, and we will host a warm-up beforehand. Keep an eye on the WhatsApp groups for pin location etc.
Sunday
Time: 05:59am
Session: Long Run
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/pwRmMPQJf775m3b99
There will be a long run from the 300m mark on the beach track. The route is out and back so that you can clock up whatever distance or time you wish.
Monday:
Strength:
A) DB Bench Press
B) Standing DB Bent Over Row
Conditioning:
18 Min AMRAP
8 thrusters
Half Park Run
8 thrusters
Rest 1 min
Tuesday:
Strength:
A) Romanian Deadlift
B) AMRAP Romanian Deadlift 20% of Top Set
Conditioning:
Every 5 mins x 6 alternate between:
A: 400/325m Row
12 Alt KB Hang Clean
10 Burpees To Target
B: 400/325m row
20 American KB Swing
10 Burpees To Target
Wednesday:
Strength:
A) Pull Ups
B) Hollow Holds
Conditioning:
12min AMRAP
3 Bar Muscle Ups
6 Alt DB Overhead Reverse Lunge
9 Toes to Bar
Thursday:
Strength:
A) Power Snatch
B) Overhead Squats
Conditioning:
4 rounds for time
30 wall balls
20 deadlift
15-box jump-over
Friday:
Strength:
A) Hand Stand Push Ups
B) Bear Hug Sandbag Holds
Conditioning:
A Ski, a sandbag and a wall, these 3 things combine for an epic workout to end the week! Therapy!
ENGINE
Mikkos Over / Unders, but Every 2:00, double your calories from 3 weeks ago.
GYMNASTICS
This week, we start with ring dip progressions, an all-around amazing pressing movement that facilitates the strength and skill required for movements such as muscle-ups and handstands. We will then dive into double unders before finishing with some strength work. All abilities are welcome!
HYROX
Working on lunge volume and strength into 2 min intervals of Ski, Wall Balls, Row and Burpees.
MOBILITY
With the overhead movements in the mainline, it’s time to build on what it takes to hold & gain those positions. Ankle & thoracic mobility will be the main priority this week.
PURE STRENGTH
On Monday in Pure Strength, we are hitting our final week of banded deadlifts and progressing on the Bulgarian split squats and hip thrusts. Wednesday will be our final week of Banded bench presses and banded rows.
WEIGHTLIFTING
Weightlifting this week, we will be working on the squat snatch with a spicy complex. Perfect session to complement mainline’s OHS work.
At some point, we will all experience pain management challenges in our fitness journey. It's inevitable, and if you expect to never experience it in training, you're in for an unpleasant surprise. I thought it useful to talk about some things to consider around ongoing pain and its incredibly complex nature.
The Complexity of Pain
Collectively, we want a single definitive answer as to what is causing our pain. We want to point to one thing and say "that is the reason," however it is likely just part of the reason. Effective pain management in fitness requires understanding this complexity.
Most people's understanding of pain is based on this idea that pain means damage or injury. That it is purely a result of a "biological issue."
The Biopsychosocial Model of Pain
I have used the term biological, which might seem a little odd, but when we look at pain science, we can see why. Modern pain science is broken down into what is called the "biopsychosocial model." It encompasses your biology, your psychology, and social environments.
It is quite easy to sustain a significant injury, having a huge impact on your biology, and experience no pain at all. Stories of soldiers not realising they have been shot in battle, sportsmen walking off the pitch with tears and breaks.
Personal Experiences with Pain Management
From a purely anecdotal perspective, after ripping my pec tendon off the bone, and after the subsequent surgery to repair it, I had zero pain. Go figure?!
On the flip side, I have coached two people in the past whose ongoing lower back pain only resolved itself after the first one left a job which had been the source of extreme stress and occasional misery, and in the second case, when we addressed their fear and belief about the risk to their lower back from not having a completely neutral spine when picking up literally anything from the floor.
The Importance of Psychology and Social Environment
What I am saying is that pain is complicated and multifaceted, it is there as a protective mechanism that may come into play even when it isn't needed. It would also seem that your psychology and social environment are far more important than your biology in your experience of ongoing pain.
Psychologically, stress and expectation play a huge role in pain. Pain experiences may lead to catastrophic thoughts and with that a heightened pain experience. Many people hurt themselves on a movement and a seed of fear, and an expectation of pain will be planted for that movement in the future.
Social Narratives and Pain
If we then look at the social element and we think about the prevailing narratives that exist around lifting weights and training, it is easy to see these activities as risky and dangerous.
As a result, there is a lot of fear and foreboding around certain movements, unsolicited comments and advice about lifting being dangerous and "you'll hurt your back doing that" abound everywhere and constantly reinforce this narrative.
Understanding Pain as a Signal
When we go back to looking at pain through the biology lens, it is important to consider that pain, instead of being a signal about injury or damage, may well be a signal about tolerance or capacity of certain tissues.
In order to address tolerance, simple things like reducing the load, adding in a tempo, or opting for a variation of a movement for a few weeks may be all that is needed to resolve that pain before returning to training as normal.
Final Thoughts on Pain Management
It is important to consider that at present you may be suffering, but it will get better. Having a better understanding of all the factors that contribute to your pain experience, and having knowledge about where certain beliefs and expectations come from, I think is empowering.
Combining this with an appreciation that your body will heal and adapt, and that things like lower back pain usually resolve themselves within 6 weeks are useful messages to keep in mind.
Hopefully, you found this whistle-stop tour around some of the factors that contribute to pain useful, and you now have some other avenues to explore when it comes to pain management in your fitness journey.
Fun - Honesty - Simplicity - Smash Life- MENTAL TOUGHNESS - Hard Work
Monday
Time: 5:59am and 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Mobility and Tempo
AM Session:
This morning we will focus on mobility to help you recover from your weekend of racing, running, or general training load.
PM Session:
This evening we will have our Tempo Run. We will hav 2x blocks of 10 mins at 7/10, followed by 1x 5 mins block.
Recovery: 5 mins after each tempo hold.
Tuesday
Time: 5:59am
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/oomJAa31vKy3hQNG6
Entrance fee: https://isddubai.com/athletics-venuehire/
Session: Track Tuesday
This is your chance to run fast with the wider IFE community and coaches. The session today will be 200s, 400s, and 600s, which will vary in pace and be repeated.
Wednesday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Intervals
If you didn't run track, today we have some speed work for you. Today we will run 400s at a 8/10 effort, each with a 60 second rest.
Friday
Brief time: 5:54am
Start Time: 5:59am
Location: Common Grounds
Session: The Coffee Run
This week we will be holding longer blocks of tempo (20 mins, 15mins and 5 mins. Each with a 2 min recovery to bring HR back down before dialing back into some pace.
Saturday
Time: 6:29am
Location: TBC
Session: RAK Half Marathon
Today we will be in RAK for the Half Marathon. Race startst at 7am, and we will host a warm-up beforehand. Keep an eye on the WhatsApp groups for pin location etc.
Sunday
Time: 05:59am
Session: Long Run
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/pwRmMPQJf775m3b99
There will be a long run from the 300m mark on the beach track. The route is out and back so that you can clock up whatever distance or time you wish.
Monday:
Strength:
A) DB Bench Press
B) Standing DB Bent Over Row
Conditioning:
18 Min AMRAP
8 thrusters
Half Park Run
8 thrusters
Rest 1 min
Tuesday:
Strength:
A) Romanian Deadlift
B) AMRAP Romanian Deadlift 20% of Top Set
Conditioning:
Every 5 mins x 6 alternate between:
A: 400/325m Row
12 Alt KB Hang Clean
10 Burpees To Target
B: 400/325m row
20 American KB Swing
10 Burpees To Target
Wednesday:
Strength:
A) Pull Ups
B) Hollow Holds
Conditioning:
12min AMRAP
3 Bar Muscle Ups
6 Alt DB Overhead Reverse Lunge
9 Toes to Bar
Thursday:
Strength:
A) Power Snatch
B) Overhead Squats
Conditioning:
4 rounds for time
30 wall balls
20 deadlift
15-box jump-over
Friday:
Strength:
A) Hand Stand Push Ups
B) Bear Hug Sandbag Holds
Conditioning:
A Ski, a sandbag and a wall, these 3 things combine for an epic workout to end the week! Therapy!
ENGINE
Mikkos Over / Unders, but Every 2:00, double your calories from 3 weeks ago.
GYMNASTICS
This week, we start with ring dip progressions, an all-around amazing pressing movement that facilitates the strength and skill required for movements such as muscle-ups and handstands. We will then dive into double unders before finishing with some strength work. All abilities are welcome!
HYROX
Working on lunge volume and strength into 2 min intervals of Ski, Wall Balls, Row and Burpees.
MOBILITY
With the overhead movements in the mainline, it’s time to build on what it takes to hold & gain those positions. Ankle & thoracic mobility will be the main priority this week.
PURE STRENGTH
On Monday in Pure Strength, we are hitting our final week of banded deadlifts and progressing on the Bulgarian split squats and hip thrusts. Wednesday will be our final week of Banded bench presses and banded rows.
WEIGHTLIFTING
Weightlifting this week, we will be working on the squat snatch with a spicy complex. Perfect session to complement mainline’s OHS work.
Monday Ride
A skills and fitness based ride at the BikeDXB track in Dubai. Some simply structured intervals to enhance cycling ability.
Start time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: The Loop Cafe, Bike DXB
Track Tuesday
Our weekly on track speed session! For any level of runner looking to build their run speed, threshold and Vo2max fitness and run with the best running community in Dubai.
Start time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Entrance fee: https://isddubai.com/athletics-venuehire/
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/oomJAa31vKy3hQNG6
Wednesday - Brick Session
A brick session consisting of 60mins of cycling with 20 - 30mins of running. Great for all levels of triathlete.
Start time: 05:59 am
Location : BOTS - https://goo.gl/maps/6AwtJXW8nA45Cy9H8
Friday - Coffee Run
Our weekly tempo run. This run is currently gearing run fitness towards the incoming half marathons. Sessions are built on an RPE scale and accessible to all levels of runner.
Brief time: 05:54 am
Start time: 05:59 am
Start Location: Common Grounds
Saturday - RAK HM
https://rakcalendar.ae/events/ras-al-khaimah-half-marathon/
Sunday - DCS Half Marathon
Group Long Run (Burj2Burj focus).
Couple of route options below with B2B in mind; based on the HM route going over the canal bridge).
15km (out and back: 300m to canal bridge and back):
https://onthegomap.com/s/0g4t9vdq
18km (out and back: 300m to canal/tolerance bridge and back):
https://onthegomap.com/s/otrvk7bm
Start time: 05:59 am
Location: 300m on the beach track.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/pwRmMPQJf775m3b99
At some point, we will all experience pain management challenges in our fitness journey. It's inevitable, and if you expect to never experience it in training, you're in for an unpleasant surprise. I thought it useful to talk about some things to consider around ongoing pain and its incredibly complex nature.
The Complexity of Pain
Collectively, we want a single definitive answer as to what is causing our pain. We want to point to one thing and say "that is the reason," however it is likely just part of the reason. Effective pain management in fitness requires understanding this complexity.
Most people's understanding of pain is based on this idea that pain means damage or injury. That it is purely a result of a "biological issue."
The Biopsychosocial Model of Pain
I have used the term biological, which might seem a little odd, but when we look at pain science, we can see why. Modern pain science is broken down into what is called the "biopsychosocial model." It encompasses your biology, your psychology, and social environments.
It is quite easy to sustain a significant injury, having a huge impact on your biology, and experience no pain at all. Stories of soldiers not realising they have been shot in battle, sportsmen walking off the pitch with tears and breaks.
Personal Experiences with Pain Management
From a purely anecdotal perspective, after ripping my pec tendon off the bone, and after the subsequent surgery to repair it, I had zero pain. Go figure?!
On the flip side, I have coached two people in the past whose ongoing lower back pain only resolved itself after the first one left a job which had been the source of extreme stress and occasional misery, and in the second case, when we addressed their fear and belief about the risk to their lower back from not having a completely neutral spine when picking up literally anything from the floor.
The Importance of Psychology and Social Environment
What I am saying is that pain is complicated and multifaceted, it is there as a protective mechanism that may come into play even when it isn't needed. It would also seem that your psychology and social environment are far more important than your biology in your experience of ongoing pain.
Psychologically, stress and expectation play a huge role in pain. Pain experiences may lead to catastrophic thoughts and with that a heightened pain experience. Many people hurt themselves on a movement and a seed of fear, and an expectation of pain will be planted for that movement in the future.
Social Narratives and Pain
If we then look at the social element and we think about the prevailing narratives that exist around lifting weights and training, it is easy to see these activities as risky and dangerous.
As a result, there is a lot of fear and foreboding around certain movements, unsolicited comments and advice about lifting being dangerous and "you'll hurt your back doing that" abound everywhere and constantly reinforce this narrative.
Understanding Pain as a Signal
When we go back to looking at pain through the biology lens, it is important to consider that pain, instead of being a signal about injury or damage, may well be a signal about tolerance or capacity of certain tissues.
In order to address tolerance, simple things like reducing the load, adding in a tempo, or opting for a variation of a movement for a few weeks may be all that is needed to resolve that pain before returning to training as normal.
Final Thoughts on Pain Management
It is important to consider that at present you may be suffering, but it will get better. Having a better understanding of all the factors that contribute to your pain experience, and having knowledge about where certain beliefs and expectations come from, I think is empowering.
Combining this with an appreciation that your body will heal and adapt, and that things like lower back pain usually resolve themselves within 6 weeks are useful messages to keep in mind.
Hopefully, you found this whistle-stop tour around some of the factors that contribute to pain useful, and you now have some other avenues to explore when it comes to pain management in your fitness journey.
Fun - Honesty - Simplicity - Smash Life- MENTAL TOUGHNESS - Hard Work
At some point, we will all experience pain management challenges in our fitness journey. It's inevitable, and if you expect to never experience it in training, you're in for an unpleasant surprise. I thought it useful to talk about some things to consider around ongoing pain and its incredibly complex nature.
The Complexity of Pain
Collectively, we want a single definitive answer as to what is causing our pain. We want to point to one thing and say "that is the reason," however it is likely just part of the reason. Effective pain management in fitness requires understanding this complexity.
Most people's understanding of pain is based on this idea that pain means damage or injury. That it is purely a result of a "biological issue."
The Biopsychosocial Model of Pain
I have used the term biological, which might seem a little odd, but when we look at pain science, we can see why. Modern pain science is broken down into what is called the "biopsychosocial model." It encompasses your biology, your psychology, and social environments.
It is quite easy to sustain a significant injury, having a huge impact on your biology, and experience no pain at all. Stories of soldiers not realising they have been shot in battle, sportsmen walking off the pitch with tears and breaks.
Personal Experiences with Pain Management
From a purely anecdotal perspective, after ripping my pec tendon off the bone, and after the subsequent surgery to repair it, I had zero pain. Go figure?!
On the flip side, I have coached two people in the past whose ongoing lower back pain only resolved itself after the first one left a job which had been the source of extreme stress and occasional misery, and in the second case, when we addressed their fear and belief about the risk to their lower back from not having a completely neutral spine when picking up literally anything from the floor.
The Importance of Psychology and Social Environment
What I am saying is that pain is complicated and multifaceted, it is there as a protective mechanism that may come into play even when it isn't needed. It would also seem that your psychology and social environment are far more important than your biology in your experience of ongoing pain.
Psychologically, stress and expectation play a huge role in pain. Pain experiences may lead to catastrophic thoughts and with that a heightened pain experience. Many people hurt themselves on a movement and a seed of fear, and an expectation of pain will be planted for that movement in the future.
Social Narratives and Pain
If we then look at the social element and we think about the prevailing narratives that exist around lifting weights and training, it is easy to see these activities as risky and dangerous.
As a result, there is a lot of fear and foreboding around certain movements, unsolicited comments and advice about lifting being dangerous and "you'll hurt your back doing that" abound everywhere and constantly reinforce this narrative.
Understanding Pain as a Signal
When we go back to looking at pain through the biology lens, it is important to consider that pain, instead of being a signal about injury or damage, may well be a signal about tolerance or capacity of certain tissues.
In order to address tolerance, simple things like reducing the load, adding in a tempo, or opting for a variation of a movement for a few weeks may be all that is needed to resolve that pain before returning to training as normal.
Final Thoughts on Pain Management
It is important to consider that at present you may be suffering, but it will get better. Having a better understanding of all the factors that contribute to your pain experience, and having knowledge about where certain beliefs and expectations come from, I think is empowering.
Combining this with an appreciation that your body will heal and adapt, and that things like lower back pain usually resolve themselves within 6 weeks are useful messages to keep in mind.
Hopefully, you found this whistle-stop tour around some of the factors that contribute to pain useful, and you now have some other avenues to explore when it comes to pain management in your fitness journey.
Fun - Honesty - Simplicity - Smash Life- MENTAL TOUGHNESS - Hard Work
One-Hour Workout: Revving Your Swim Engine
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