8 months, breakthrough
Skater jumps and lateral box shuffles. These pushed me through my latest plateau. If you’re not familiar, just YouTube them. They’re amazing recovery exercises.
I haven’t gone very far in terms of gains in the last month. Most of month 7 was spent backing off of running/jogging and focusing on lifting and strength. And despite my best efforts, I wasn’t really making any noticeable gains. I was very frustrated. Even contemplating whether I would ever regain normal function.
Well, this morning I awoke feeling energized. Like I had a lot of extra pep in my step. I went for an SL raise and just crushed it. Did a few more. Even sprang off of my toes a few times. Way more power, way more range than a few days prior. The last day I exercised was three days ago, doing 15+ sets of both skater jumps and lateral box shuffles along with a bunch of other plyos.
This marks yet another instance of really busting tail to propel myself out of a plateau. Interesting to note that it was not weight training that put me over the hump, but simply new movements that target the muscles in different ways. That is not to say one should avoid weights, but that it is absolutely imperative that you mix things up constantly.
I have been an advocate of that here time and time again, but I have this epiphany more times than I should, and it is easier than you think to stick to one set of lifts or exercises for 3-4 weeks at a time. Face it, Achilles rehab is boring.
I feel like I have a lot to work with and build from given my new range and power in single leg raises.
I have learned a lot over this journey.
Rest is imperative. At LEAST a day between any Achilles/leg days. I have powered through many rest days, and have seen mixed results, as calves ARE different than other muscle groups. I have broken through plateaus after a few days rest, but also just a day after a really intense session. Leading me to….
Mixing it up is a must. More often than you think might be necessary.
Calves are tough to grow. I’ve always had decent/nice calves for never really focusing on them that much in the gym. This rehab has been eye opening.
You’ll have ups and downs, big time, throughout your recovery.
This really does take about a year. I’m sure I’ll have more setbacks over the next four months. Despite feeling great today, I anticipate seeing more hang ups and plateaus. I feel good, can jog and run, but I am not back to normal.
Goals are very helpful.
Keep up the good work, sounds like your moving along like myself maybe even a lil faster. I am 10 months post surgery and still have a long way to go as well. When I run I feel like I’m not able to tap in my highest gears and hit that turbo if you know what I mean lol. But I am running at least 70%. I’m very fast and athletic so I’m hoping for a full recovery and judging on based where I was, its going to take a little over year, well that would be my guess. Ill be happy with that. I’m doing a lot of strength training and plyometrics as well. keep me updated with your progress and ill do the same. Thanks and best wishes!!