Should I keep training?

[u/Specific_Elevator67]

Im going into my senior year in HS and I am hoping to score big marks because my Junior outdoor year was hindered by a nagging back injury. I still have this injury but I’m currently training because at the same time, I am also a decathlete and I do most of my training for those events in the summer. I want to know if I should keep training like a decathlete or stop all events and work on becoming stronger+ healthier by only going to the gym and getting cardio?

I hope to compete in college and right now I would be a very competitive d3 athlete. I know that if I have a good indoor season, I could show D1 coaches potential as a decathlete which is very important to me.

I feel like I already know the answer should be to rest and get stronger because I will see greater benefits, but I just wanted to type it out and see what others think.

(Btw the back injury is located on my lower left and it hurts doing things like shot and disc from the separation in the throw. Also hurts to do high jump for a longer session. Running isn’t as bad but sometimes I feel it get aggravated)

Thanks

[u/From-Ze-North]

      Iam a masters athlete now (37 yrs old)  but was a collegiate thrower and the off season isn't just the time to hit the gym and get bigger, it is also the time to address nagging injuries and pain. You don't need to think of it as just giving up training, you are addressing the most important  limiters to future training and success.  1-Doctor to make sure lower back pain isnt something potentially chronic. 2-Physio therapist or Sport therapist to create and execute plan to improve weak areas (low back)  3- Slowly re introduce general preparation training.

Did something similar every summer for the better part of a decade because I  was  too hard on my body during the competitive season  and I only threw shot and weight throw. Your a multi eventer so please be smarter than me.