It’s just an anti-inflammatory

Medications are for the sick and/or injured, not as an enhancement to perform better.

I found that out the hard way when I wanted to ride STP really fast in one day, but my knee was holding me back. I asked a pal of mine about it, and he suggested I take an anti-inflammatory every 50 miles. The good news is I did get through the day in an amazing record time. The bad news is I screwed up my knee even worse not knowing it until the next day when it looked like an elephant moved into my leg.

It took about 5 years for that injury to go away. Given the same choice today, I would have sacrificed my great time, rode to a level of tolerable pain (or maybe not at all) and lived to set the record another day.

Pain is your bodies way to telling you there is a problem. To cover up symptoms is as smart as putting electrical tape over the red warning lights on your dashboard. You may not notice the problem, but the problem is still there. Sooner or later you will have to deal with it.

Furthermore, 2 of my pals in the last year have had thyroid complications from the over use of anti- inflammatories. Their reasoning is “without it I would not be able to do what I do”. I hear from others things like I hurt every day. It keeps me going. My Doctor said it was OK. It’s only ibuprophen. I purchased it over the counter, how bad can it be? If it were harmful, they would not be able to sell it in this country.

That is right up there with a guy I know who was sucking on an inhaler before a run. I asked him if he had asthma, and he said “No, but if I didn’t take it I would run like you”. I wonder what the effects of that is over 30 years.

I get asked questions about taking medications frequently. Not having a license to practice medicine, I am on no position to comment. However, I can refer people to a Physician’s Desk Reference” (pdr.net) and search whatever you are wondering about. There you can read all about the effects, good and bad, and the safety of the medication. Often it changes people’s mind.

It is OK to work out being uncomfortable. In fact, the older I get the more I expect it and am surprised when I don’t hurt! Pain (greater than a 7/10) is unacceptable and should be discontinued. Below that threshold is training. Above that is damage.

So, take medications only when you need it, and as little as possible, and for the shortest time. Be smart, and let your body have the time it needs to heal and strengthen itself. That can also stop your body from dependency and nasty withdraw symptoms.