May

16

Released!

May 16, 2012 | | 760 Comments

My doctor released me on Monday. He said I could do anything I wanted to other than tear anything again. I will try very hard not to tear anything again.

Apr

30

5k

April 30, 2012 | | 2,428 Comments

Over the weekend I managed my first 5k - running and walking.  I had a decent time for me and better than what I expected (43:23).  I was hoping for under 50 minutes and made it.  I also had a short cycling trip in the afternoon to ride in the community ride when Bo Jackson finished his week long fundraising ride in Alabama. I am quite happy to be this far along at 31 weeks.

Apr

23

Post race

April 23, 2012 | | 604 Comments

I finished my first race yesterday - an Aquabike - in 43:45.  It was freezing here compared to the normal April temps.  It was only 49 degrees when we began.  The pool swim was indoors but we had to run a good 1/4 mile back to the transition area and then I biked 6 miles.  It was great to be back out racing though and this was a good one to start with  since it was geared to beginners.  It has been 5 1/2 months since my surgery. I have spent a lot of time in the pool since I got my cast off in December and I think that has helped quite a bit.  The week before last I began running a little bit.  I am only running a quarter mile at a time right now though I have alternated 1/4 mile walks with 1/4 mile runs for a total of 2 miles twice. I still have a ways to go to get back to a 5k or a full sprint triathlon but I will make it.

Apr

11

checking in

April 11, 2012 | | 203 Comments

It’s been a while since I posted. I’m on the road to recovery, but there is still a ways to go. I started trying to run again several weeks ago but it was too soon. Yesterday I ran a quarter mile though and today my coach had me do some sprints in the gym. They were slow sprints, but faster than I had been going.

My first race in next weekend. I am doing an aquabike so just a swim and bike. No run yet. It will come in time.

Mar

13

Back on the road

March 13, 2012 | | 244 Comments

On Saturday I took my first long road bike ride.  We did about 15-18 miles.  I was not going to take the hills the first time out so we went out a ways on the route and just rode flat roads.  It was a beautiful day and a lovely ride.  I really didn’t have any problem with it.  I did have my clip in pedals removed for the time being and that is really a little odd feeling (since I was used to them).  I’m really not sure how long I will stick with the regular pedals but I think for several more months until I feel like I am stronger on my left side.

Mar

2

Released

March 2, 2012 | | 64 Comments

This week I was released from PT and told to continue doing it on my own.  I’m happy about that.  I was going once a week and doing most of it on my own anyway. My calf still needs to be strengthened and I need to be able to do one legged raises.  I work with a trainer twice a week so I still have a very regular program and have someone who has known me far longer watching over my training.  The other night I was on the treadmill and elliptical for the first time and Sam watched my stride pretty carefully to make sure I wasn’t falling into bad habits with my left foot. I have worked up to two miles on the track.  I had planned on trying 3 miles outside this weekend but the weather is not cooperating.

Feb

23

so soon?

February 23, 2012 |  Tagged , , | 102 Comments

Trainer: Burpees
Me: Really?
Trainer: Did you think you weren’t going to do burpees again?
Me: No, but not this soon.

I did my first burpees this morning 3 sets of 8, along with 3 sets of 20 squats, and 3 sets of push-ups on the bar - that was warm up, by the way. The push-ups actually gave me the hardest time and we had to adjust the bar, though I could have done one legged push-ups.

So I am still progressing and feel like I really am going to see the end. I ran a little more this morning as well. My trainer set up three cones and I ran to one and back, touched the wall and then ran to the next one, etc. I also did that three times.

Feb

15

Full spin class

February 15, 2012 | | 87 Comments

This morning I made it through a full spin class.  I did not do everything but I was able to do quite a bit.  I have not been in pain either so that makes me quite happy.  Last week I overdid one day and paid for it the next day.  My trainer is challenging me.  The PT wants me to get up to a 3 mile walk before I try to run.  Tomorrow I am scheduled to walk 2 miles so I am within weeks of possibly trying to run again. I never thought not running would be this frustrating.

Feb

4

PT and spinning

February 4, 2012 | | 70 Comments

I had a really good PT session yesterday.  I had a different PT and he really stretched out my Achilles before we began. It made a huge difference.  I tried calf raises for the first time and did fine with them.  I was also able to balance on my bad foot for 30 sec. (with 60 seconds of very wobbly balance.)  We did a number of other stretches as well.

This morning I finally got on the spin bike for the first time since my boot came off.  I have been hesitant but my trainer said to try.  I rode for 25 min. at varying speeds.  It did not bother my foot or ankle.  I decided to try to walk the track after I was done.  I made it half a mile before I had some heel pain so I stopped. We have been working on stairs this week and I have been in the pool a few days.  Someone asked if the fins bothered me.  The first day I had a cramp in my right calf (good leg) but on Friday I was fine. I may go to the therapy pool tomorrow just to sit in the warm water.

It was hard to be on the track and not run but I didn’t try.

Jan

30

Doctor’s appointment

January 30, 2012 | | 367 Comments

This morning I saw my doctor again.  I was supposed to  wait until today to wear two shoes but I started yesterday. He said my tendon was healed so now I need to work on strength.  He thinks it will be two to six months, leaning towards the six, before I run again.  He did tell me I could ride my road bike now and wear fins in the pool. He seemed a little surprised that I had made this much progress.  I don’t have to go back to see him until May.  In the meantime I will work with the PT and my trainer to regain my strength. I am already looking at triathlons and trying not to be too anxious.  I have not had much pain so far - just a few twinges.