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Less than Dan
May-09-07, 02:09 PM
So, I have finally hit a point of realization after my last session, that I really need to get off of my chest. Big time. This is the best place for me to do it, so lend me your ears, please.

It seems I've hit a roadblock in my tricking experience. Not the greatest of my roadblocks (I'm still overcoming my vision issues), but this one is major enough that I've decided I need to take a *huge* break from tricking.

Firstly, my ankles are not what they used to be. Every session that I've had this year, in fact, has resulted in some sort of horrible pain for both of my ankles, to the point where I can barely stand and walk, if any of those at all. After reading Dogen's expereince with the same issue, I can safely say I am in the same boat he was in (well, without the ankle impingement), and it's making any sort of progress impossible for me. Landing flashes, hypering any kick or twist, it's gotten to the point where my body tries to stop me from landing to avoid the pain, and when I force myself to land anyways, the pain is massive. Therefore, I need to condition my ankles to avoid the same painful fate that Dogen urges all of us to avoid.

Secondly, I know I am in great shape. I know it. I've never been in better shape in my life. However, I know I can be in even better shape for tricking, and in all honesty, I could really use it. Tricking is very anaerobic, but, ladies and gentlemen, it's tough on one lung. I get dizzy and weak easier than most people, because it's hard for my breathing to keep up. My lung capacity is great, sure (I can hold my breath for a full two minutes, haha), but it's hard for my insides to keep up sometimes. If I can no only improve my breathing, but my already great vertical leap, my already strong core, my already strong body, then I can return to tricking as the monster that I was meant and destined to be. I am destined to be great at tricking, and I refuse to beielve otherwise. However, I know it is time to focus on conditioning instead of tricking...

Thirdly, I am too stressed out to trick. I cannot relax during a session anymore. I cannot smile or laugh at myself during a session anymore when I crash. My mind is somewhere else all of the time. I am getting white hairs, I am not getting NEARLY enough sleep (averaging about four hours a night), and I need a break in order to reset and deep clean my mind and soul before I can return.

It was a hard choice, but I know it is for my best. Therefore, I am punching out for break, guys. I'm going to stick around and still offer advice and provide as much information/nonsense as I can, but for about the next four months, I will be fore-going tricking in order to train, so I can become the monster I was meant to be.

Thanks for hearing me out.

Grenkutzu
May-09-07, 02:14 PM
That sucks to hear man. I'm sure most of it is due to the amount of stress you're under, and the little sleep you're getting. Keep training as much as you can, but don't let your body fall behind on the recovery time. I'm sure that during the summer, when you have lots of time for rest, no worries, and all the pressure of school is off you, then you'll be back into the game within fucking no time. Good luck!

shengoikee
May-09-07, 04:12 PM
good choice dan but i urge you to make the most of it dude :good:

im sure you will but a diary or something will allow you to keep track of what you're spending your time doing. i started this around the time i had to take a 3 month break end of last year. major suckage haha....

you'll come back better than ever. :good:

Matt R
May-09-07, 04:15 PM
i still want to see your snapu baby

kinetic
May-09-07, 04:17 PM
Damn. I really hope you get better. I know you won't, but dont let it get the best of you. It's really hard to take a break, but i know youll bounce back full force. Good luck man. :eh:

Skilzat85X
May-09-07, 04:23 PM
This is why spraining an ankle or something is good. It forces you to take a necessary break haha.

Don't worry about it. Just practice some ground work or strength positions or breakdance power moves or something. That's always fun.

Chris_K
May-09-07, 04:33 PM
Wow that sounds like it really sucks Dan, you have my best wishes in recovering and returning as a tricking monster.

WilliamT
May-09-07, 04:55 PM
4 months?! I don't even have the willpower to stop tricking for 2 days. good luck with that dan.

Hapkidoka
May-09-07, 05:48 PM
I totally feel you on this Dan. I've had the same conversation with myself dozens of times...

I'm in better shape and more active than just about every one of my (non-tricking) friends.
Yet, I'm still a skinny little bitch compared to the manly beast that I know I could be if I dedicated myself to training, knuckled down and built up a strong base for tricks... diligently working on increasing my vert, cardio, flex and upper body strength (not to mention my kicks).

But these past 3 years or so of me tricking has been a non-stop "instant gratification, trick for the fun of it and throw whatever I can to get the rush of landing something new" fest.
If I put half of that energy into drilling basics and working out, I know full well that I'd be a much better trickster BUT, I've just been living for the moment (and tricking while injured, throwing shit that is out of my range of plausibility, etc.).

Hence, the reason I'm sitting on my ass right now and cannot trick at all...

I tore the ever living fuck out of my ACL and I've been forced onto the sidelines (with a major surgery coming up on the 23rd). :ogre:

This is why spraining an ankle or something is good. It forces you to take a necessary break haha.

But, like Skilzat so optimistically stated, it will give me a chance to start over and do things correctly.

I've got it all hooked up to do my rehab with a badass physical trainer buddy of mine who understands the level of activity I'm aiming to re-gain and isn't just going to have me do the pansy-ass regimen that they prescribe for the average couch potato. He's going to have me doing all kinds of crazy functional strength training (in conjunction with my regular routine and then stepping up the intensity as I get stronger) as well as working on total body fitness.

I'm hoping to turn this catastrophe of an ACL tear into the catalyst for me taking my shit to the next level.

I intend to do behavior mod like a mofo and replace the time I currently spend resting up and feeling like a bum (drinking beer and not eating correctly) with time spent working out, eating correctly (which for me = eating more, quality food) and focusing on my goal of coming back strong in '08.


I hope that you stick with this decision and take a break.

Do it! Get stronger and become the beast you know you can be, without having to be FORCED to do so by a debilitating injury.

Stay strong brother! It will be worth it in the long run.


P.S. I think there should be some sort of a group, like "Tricksters Anonymous" for people on the "Team Injured" roster who just can't make themselves lay off tricks long enough to heal completely.

That way when it's a beautiful summer day, the grass is green and calling out to them "Trick on me... TRIIIIICK ON ME! One little b-twist won't hurt..."

They could call a tricking "sponsor" and let them know that their resolve is weakening and the sponsor can remind them that they are not quite healed yet and they could fuck themselves up.

Tatsumaru
May-10-07, 12:18 AM
Hm, I can relate to your pains Dan. My left ankle is a mess, I wrecked it somewhere early this year, and every tricking session I have, I manage to aggrevate it to the point where it fucking hurts to walk. I want to take a break, but I took February off and it didn't help... after I get some trick-related things done this month, I'll probably take a break as well, and do my best to heal it up.

You made the right choice I think. You'll probably come back better and fresher than ever afterwards :good:

pete_man_man
May-10-07, 11:48 AM
i hate you all

Kyukodo Gaz
May-10-07, 03:59 PM
Thirdly, I am too stressed out to trick. I cannot relax during a session anymore. I cannot smile or laugh at myself during a session anymore when I crash. My mind is somewhere else all of the time. I am getting white hairs, I am not getting NEARLY enough sleep (averaging about four hours a night), and I need a break in order to reset and deep clean my mind and soul before I can return.


This is really the best reason of all dan, if your brain isn't in it, your body certainly won't be. If your heart isn't in it, you may as well just pack up and go home.

I would also not forget to study. Pick your fave tricksters and moves, work and break down their technique, and make goal lists of thing that you want. I don't knwo why, but anything I have defined as a goal, written down and worked towards, has always happened. For some reason writing it down makes you 'know' you can do it.

It's time Dan, the break before the storm. Go and stock up on ammo and then let rip. :smile: