arielvit’s AchillesBlog

I did it! I’ve mustered enough courage to play tennis again, after a year from surgery. I felt I not only had a scar on my leg but also in my mind as I walk -run to the tennis courts. My mind was debating: ” why do you have to play tennis again? aren’t you happy that you can run and cycle again?”.  But as I got close enough to the courts, my friends saw me and I knew there was no turning back now. My friends were also aware that that was going to be my return game, so they too were excited (or apprehensive maybe).

After a few minutes of warm up rally, the game started. We played doubles. I had no problem on my strokes. But on the first time I got a return shot that was too wide from me,  I started to chase it but then I froze after  2 steps - my mind was not sure I should be doing that. The other guys noticed and kidded the guy who made the return shot: ” hey! you’re making him run already!” . Well, I know I could run or sprint now. So I told my mind to relax and just play. My mind didn’t really comply immediately and I kep  touching my achilles when there was a lull in the game. But eventually,  before the first set was over, I was chasing the ball and attacking the net. After the game, one of the guys said that he noticed at the start of the first set, I even had a limp which disappeared gradually towards end of the set. I did not know I was doing that  but I guess my subconscious is just really really worried about what I’m trying to do.

When I woke up this morning,  I felt my ATR leg and  it was fine. I did have some soreness at my upper leg but I expected that. After all it’s been a while these legs have seen the sudden start and stop action of tennis. In general, I felt good and I even went out for a run.

Good day Everyone!

I know this is a bit of a late post now but I just want to share that I’ve done my very first Olympic Distance Triathlon last June 23rd!  1.5Km swim, 40km bike, 10Km run!  First time for me to swim that long distance in open waters. This was the 5i50 triathlon.

I did not have any problem with my ATR leg at all. I thought it was weak coming off the bike but then I guess it was just me taking care of it subconsciously; it gradually gained strength just after a few strides on the run. I did cramped up after the first 2kms on the run but it was on the front of my upper leg. I guess I over exerted the bike muscles on the hilly course. But eventually, cramps went away and I finished strong-  to my standards,  at least

Days after the race,  I thought about posting…and I thought about how my ATR leg has recovered so far. I should say that it has not really been 100%. I think it’s still not as springy as before. But I really have not had a chance to try it. So  I remembered something that I have to  do  again - play tennis.  I got ATR playing tennis and its been more than a year. I got so focused on my triathlon goal and tennis has not entered my mind really. So.. next week, Im  setting up to play tennis. Wish me luck  again.

But all in all, my leg is so much improved now. It may still not be as flexible as the other but I have no problem jumping and sprinting. Thoughts of re-rupture still visit me from time to time, yes it does. But so easy to shrug off now.

A lot of things of have been going on in my life now,  not everything good -sad to say. Though, it’s a good thing I have these ATR recovery goals that I have set for my self. Even though lots of things around me are falling or threathening to fall apart - the training and workouts to achieve that goal somehow helped me get through each day and keep my sanity. A lot of times, the ATR leg recovery feels like the only thing happening right in my life.

Now, I’m looking at my 2nd goal - I will  run a 42k marathon.  I’ve only done that once when I was in my 20’s.  I guess this would now be more challenging for my ATR leg compared to the triathlon. I still have to pick a race; I’m thinking about travelling maybe out of the country…