Week 40 Post Op - My First Run Outside
6 03 2009I haven’t forgotten to post, I just wanted to wait until I had something to write about.
At this point in the recovery process the gains are very slim. I still go to physio once per week (the same protocol of hydrotherapy, deep massage of the area, ultrasound and laser). I measured my calves and the left one measures 1.5 cm smaller than my right. So still not all there. However, I wonder if they were even to begin with.
In Toronto today, the weather hit 15 degree Celsius, for us that is like a summer day considering we were in the minuses leading up to this day. So, taking advantage of the weather, I headed out on my first run outside since the ATR. It was only for 20 minutes but it felt awesome to be back out there. A refreshing change from the treadmill.
The weather is supposed to be warmish for at least a week so I hope to be out there more. Why didn’t I run outside before today? Purely for wussy reasons, I didn’t want to risk slipping on the snow or hidden ice.
The whole swimming, biking and running is going well, and I cant wait for the triathlon season to begin.
That is all for me.
Happy healing to all!
PS: Check out the documentary War Dance. You wont regret it.
Hi Hoss,
Congrats on your “real” run today. I went back to read some of your earlier posts regarding when you were able to get back on the bike. My question is when did you first get on the bike indoors? I’m asking because I’m at 9 weeks and starting to get antsy. I would be happy for a good sweat on the spin bike for now but I don’t start PT until this Friday so all I’ve been able to do is walk in the boot (not fun). I’ve also been doing a bit of work with the resistance bands.
It looks as if you had the minimally invasive procedure so I would think it should be a quicker recovery than what I had. Mine required a tendon transfer but it seems to be healing well. MY goal is to be outside hammering on the Giant by June. Running sometime after that, too soon to even think about that. It’s great to heaar from someone who is having a strong recovery. Gives me hope. Thanks
I looked back and I started riding at 9 weeks.
Here is a bit of what I wrote at that time:
“I got on the bike Wednesday (indoors) for 15 minutes. I was not riding all that fast or forcefully but I was pleased to be back riding. The Achilles loosened up a lot by the end of the ride. I wore bike shoes but did not clip into the pedals on the left side. Not enough strength or guts for that yet. I’ll try riding again today.” — I made that post on July 31, 2008.
Tendon transfer? Wow! All I know about mine is that it completely tore from near the insertion of the tendon. That little hump still wont go away.
I would think that you should be out and hammering on the bike by June. Running will come but don’t push it. Thanks goodness for the biking cuz you cant get your intense efforts there with too much worry. I owned my fair share of Giant bikes over the years (5) and still have a Giant mountain bike.
Best of luck.
Thanks for the response. It seems as if 9 weeks is the right time. I’ll hold off until Friday when I start PT. I’m glad you mentioned that you didn’t clip in on the repaired side since I was wondering about that myself.
I am primarily a runner first but I totally agree - Thank God for the bike!