I have just arrived in Neustift in the Stubai Valley for the
final training and races of the season. I am currently waiting for the rest of
the team to join me as they have been out for a week training and racing in the
Austrian National Championships. Before
I tell you about what is in store for the next two weeks, I thought I would
update you on everything that has happened since January.
At the beginning of January I started an intensive
Chiropractic programme to help my body position. This was following on from an assessment that
was carried out in early December. I received the results a couple of days
after getting back from Rinn. The
results found, I have a compression around the L5 (Lumber Spine/Lower back)
Vertebrae, which to you, and me means there is pressure restricting the flow of
messages on the nerve located at this part of my back. This provides messages
to the lower legs and feet. One of the other findings (to name but a few) was a
restriction around my SI joint which means that my pelvis would only move in
one direction. I started my rehab
undertaking 3 adjustments (treatment) a week, slowly reducing over the course
of the programme.
After the first adjustment, I was exhausted. I spent the
whole day in bed and my balance was awful. The Chiropractor said that when he
releases the compressions on the nerves, the body has to repair and this can
take a lot out of you. He said I was his
first patient with Cerebral Palsy but my imbalances were not uncommon amongst
any able bodied person. The adjustments
were having a big impact on my fatigue levels and my ability to train (not that
it stopped me). There was many a grumpy man moods because I had gone and done
too much, tiring myself out, but it paid off.
Around the 3 week mark, my balance improved dramatically, my energy
levels were higher and I actually felt taller!!! (Always a bonus when you are
only 5 ft 6.) The adjustments had worked, my body was slowly moving into a better position,
releasing the pressure on the nerves, providing more feeling to my lower legs
and allowing my body to move easier. MEGA !!
So what else has happened ?
I am moving out of my house in Basildon, Essex and moving
back in with my parents (near Sheffield).
My intention is to commute to London on the train every day. The main
reason for this is, I want to cut down on the amount of driving I am doing on a
weekly basis. I have, at times, being doing upwards of 800 – 900 mile a week to
train whilst still working a full time job.
This isn’t good for my back and it seemed a bit pointless renting a
house that I was only in a few days a week.
Right, onto the next two weeks. We are out for the last
training/races of the season. We are
currently training in Stubai, Austria for a few days. On Thursday we move to
Obersaxen in Switzerland for the Swiss National Champs. We then move onto
Tignes for the British National Champs. Tignes will be an amazing event, the
races fall at the same time as the able bodied British National races and
Freestyle, I am every excited to be a part of this.
There are four races, two Slalom events and two Giant
Slalom. I am really excited to get out on the snow and start putting all the
benefits I have gained from the Chiropractor into practice.
I shall leave it there for now, I will provide a full update
when I get back. Wish me luck.
Love
Alex
x
If anyone would like to sponsor my cause please click here
Or email me on alexclarke1992@outlook.com
