Perhaps I am just getting old. Or, perhaps, it is related to diabetes. I am getting far too many sports related injuries lately. Mostly, they are related to my body being less forgiving due to muscle stiffness.
Does diabetes cause muscle stiffness?
I can not address muscle stiffness in diabetes, but I can tell you that at age 55 my recovery time is much longer than it was in my 30’s or 40’s. I do best cross training. If you are getting injured, I think you need to slow down. What is the point of exercising if you are injuring yourself? Consider listening to your body.
If diabetes is reasonably well controlled, I doubt seriously whether it is the culprit. I know that my recovery time and symptoms such as stiffness and soreness have been gradually increasing for many years, and unless my memory is playing tricks, that began well before diabetes entered the picture.
Cyclinglady … The point is I really enjoy mountain biking. If you really enjoy what you are doing, you will be more motivated. During the winter, it’s just drudgery getting on that bike trainer to stay in shape for the upcoming cycling season. Since the bike is stationary, it’s totally safe, but not enjoyable. Although, I do watch an enormous amount of television on the bike.
Once the season starts, I just can’t wait to get in a good road ride. I just can’t wait to get out and enjoying a nice sunny day, and the high you get after the ride. It’s a little more dangerous than riding on a stationary trainer. But, early in the spring, while I can ride on the road, I just can’t wait for the trails to dry up enough.
Trails … now that’s where I feel like I’m in heaven. Mountain biking is more dangerous and a higher risk of injury, but it’s what I love to do. I’m in my fifth season now and have experienced four injuries:
- 2013 - Went over the handlebars resulting in a large Haematoma over the entire left side of my face.
- 2014 - Slid out in the rain resulting in road rash from my face down to my toes.
- 2016 - Idiot passed me on the inside of a corner and went to wide. The rider hit my bike and sent me over a retaining wall resulting in a dislocated shoulder and a bruised collar bone.
- 2017 - Trying to learn to corner faster - caught a root and ended up with a fractured rib.
We also ride in groups and look forward to the social aspect. I am about middle of the road in terms of age in my mountain biking group with the youngest being 18 and the oldest being 66. I am almost 47. I just joined a road cycling team and expect that I am on the younger end of that them.
I get it. I gave up mountain biking for several reasons: 1) I sustained more injuries on my mountain bike vs my road, 2) I rode with a bunch of guys (big mistake as guys take more risks), And 3) I had to clean my bike more! Now I ride with older women (road) and we do not take the same crazy risks. We do enjoy the Comradery.
I have osteoporosis and have had fractures, so I really need to focus on not falling!
Have fun!
I don’t blame you !! Osteoporosis is a whole other level of ouch !! If I were at increased risk of major broken bones, I certainly would quit.
It’s interesting and nice to connect with other diabetic cyclists.
Cyclinglady … Doesn’t it look like fun ? Ya gotta fall with style !!
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