A bit of a catch up...

I've not been posting much recently as I've been rather out of sorts with my exercise. This spring I was to focus on swimming in preparation for a 10k marathon swim. So I cut back on running only to develop tennis elbow at Easter just as I thought that I was improving my technique.

I've seen the physic, tried exercises, cut down on distance, tried short swims, spaced them more, done them daily and all to no avail. I still have an irritated elbow and currently I think it might be spreading. Actually I fear that it may be spreading, apparently this concern about worsening an injury is major factor in people reducing activity when they have a pain.  But might that not be a valid concern, doesn't chronic overload damage soft tissues irreversibly? There is some recurrent tightness around my shoulders, especially the left, but I'm assured that there are no signs of rotator cuff damage.
Currently I have moved onto a swim every 5 days or so, alternating between intervals and a steady swim; none of them long. Today I managed 2 sets of 67m at 2:01min/100m pace although generally I couldn't maintain that pace for the intervals. Nonetheless there is modest progress in pace and gradually I feel I do have more than one swimming speed that I can draw on. It's a pity I don't believe it's possible to train longer and achieve the 10km goal.

On the bright side I have picked up on the trail running although I have lost pace on my legs and the hot (how can we complain?!) weather is a bit too much of a good thing in the afternoon.

DOMS, impingement, spasms or just tired?

Last week's long swim within a long week seems to have taken its toll. I have a dull ache around my scapula and occasional twinges from an area I imagine the brachialis to be. I don't believe either of these symptoms indicate even referred pain from an impingement, which is a good thing.

This week I have a stack of tasks after work making it unlikely I'd find time for a swim, so that is a useful opportunity to try to rest it and hope for recovery. I've a massage booked for Thursday which will be helpful if the pain merely indicates tightness in the back and shoulders.

Here's a useful introductory article on swimmers' shoulders.