An Ironman’s recovery from an Achilles Tendon Rupture

Yesterday was the one year anniversary of my ATR. This coming Monday is the anniversary of my surgery.

It definitely feels awesome to be back in action and close to 100%. Quite possibly, I might be in better shape right now than I was one year ago before the rupture. I weigh about 1 lb less (171lbs) and it is going down each week thanks to all the training (12-17 hrs a week).

I am shying away from intense speedwork (running) and have only gone as fast as 4:30/km pace at any one time. I am running faster each week but I am taking baby steps. No need to do something stupid at this point. I did run a Half Marathon on May 10th but it was as a 2:30 pace bunny — an easy pace for me so not much of a test.

After not visiting physio for close to 2 months, I went back last Friday and my physio said everything looked great.

My first set of duathlon & triathlon races go next weekend. A duathlon on Saturday, and another one on Sunday along with a triathlon right after. Ambitious? Maybe, but this was my regular routine prior to this ATR and after one year off of racing, I am taking full advantage.

My tennis team wants me back and playing regularly but I asked them to only use me as a sub. I have been attending practice once a week and that has worked nicely. My priority is triathlon/duathlon but I can’t give up tennis just yet. If I return to competition I want to be able to go full out and not hold back. Right now I would be holding back and that is not a good thing to do.

This is likely my 3rd last post (I hope to post next week with some real race results, and maybe again after my return to Ironman racing in July), so I’d like to wish everyone all the best your recoveries.

As you can see, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. You will get better and don’t rush it. It is a long process to get back to where you started. Even now my left calf (14.5 inches) is a little more than 1/2 an inch smaller than my right (15.15 inches).

Best of luck to all.

Hoss