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| June 27, 2010 | | 7 1/2 Weeks out from having a Denovo NT Allograft inserted in my left knee | | WOW - this has been a huge week for growth - both physical and emotional. I have seen more growth this week than any week since i underwent surgery in NYC where Dr. Glashow implanted a De Novo NT Allograft in my knee.
I am so excited about the things that I am beginning to see. The swelling in my knee is way down now, my extension is now normal and my flexion is now only eight degrees different than my good knee. I am WALKING AGAIN. And my attitude has now completely returned to its pre-injury status. Let someone tell me something is not possible to do something. Just try it - ONCE.
At times during this process, I certainly have gotten down about my cicrcumstances. To be sure, there were some rather trying times. At times, I even thought that I may be defeated. However my good friends BH and JE threw me lifelines and I held on for dear life. I am forever indebted for their friendship. This is just another example of how true friends can influence a life.
As for friendship Cicero once said "[f]riendship makes prosperity more shining and lessens adversity by dividing and sharing it." Well BH and JE divided and shared my advesity. And I cannot wait to share our mutual success and prosperity. I could not ask for two better friends. I love you guys so much!!!!!
Having been in one hell of a dark hiole, I found some quotes that I have identified with:
Everything can be taken from man except the last of human freedoms, his ability to choose his own attitude in any given set of circumstances , to choose his own way. Remember this choice of attitude when you are feeling overwhelmed by your circumstances. - Victor Frankyl
It may bot be your fault for being down, but its got to be your fault for not getting up. - Steve Davis.
Both of these quotes are spot on. And I will be the first to admit that when dealing with debilitating injuries that sometimes the world can become a very dark place. I know, I met my darkest hour when doctors used the word cripple with me. One even suggested that I take up canoeing. Are you freaking kidding me?
Look, my point in talking about this is to let others who may be similarly situated know that it is ok to have feeling like I just discussed. Virtually across the board almost everyone I have spoken with about these articular injuries has gone to this dark place. The key is to snap out of it and get back on with your life. As soon as you do your world will light up again!!!!! So my advice is very simple:
STOP FEELING SORRY FOR YOURSELF AND GET BACK IN THE DARN GAME!!!!!
I am now 100% back in the game and my pre and post workout snacks have returned. Here is a beauty: Almond butter, blueberries, egg protein, strawberries, and almond milk. Good stuff. A big thanks to my mate JE who is trying to educate me about pre and post workout intake. I am really enjoying our conversations about health, wellness, and nutrition. It seems some fairly common beliefs are wrong!!!! I will start talking more and more about this as I learn more.
My thoughts this weekend are with my best buddy - SWEET E. E is traveling to Buffalo Springs to tear it up with our brother from another mother James Stromberg. JIm qualified for KONA at Eagleman a week or so ago. Below is a shot of me and E.
Here is a shot of E and my boy James Stromberg. Jim and I became super tight on our journey to New Zealand. I love this guy.
E is the grassroots marketing manager for Road Runner Sports. Road Runner sports hosted a happy hour for Tri-Scottsdale Gage Racing this weekend. We had a blast seeing new product from Zoot, Brooks, Nike, and others. The legendary SHOE DOG even came out and did some fitting. ROAD RUNNER has some cool technology available and I am grateful that they took the time to demonstate it for our club.
The legendary Shoe Dog even went for a run. E you really outdid yourself with this effort. You have to be the coolest chick I know. I love you E. I am so glad we are such good friends. By the way, E's blog is way cool. You can check it out here elizabethrich.blogspot.com/
COMPUTRAINER efforts were the theme of the week. I rode everyday last week and my minimum effort was for an hour and ten minutes. My longest effort was forjust over two hours. The computrainer is a phenomenal tool and I am down right blessed to be able to use it to rehab my knee. It is such a blessing to stimulate my muscle memory on my own equipment. Here is a screen shot of my first effort with an average watts that exceeded 150. WOOHOO!!!
This past week, I started riding some more challenging terrain. Below is a shot from the computrainer as I was riding the Ironman UK course.
As the week went on I got stronger and stronger. My average watts increased ride to ride. And my longest ride went from 1:30 to 2:00. On Sunday, I rode one loop of the IMAZ course and this effort was by far my strongest of the week. The ride was my longest yet and my average watts were 11 higher than my previous high water mark. To put things in perspective my average watts are about 90 less than when I was healthy and my average spped is 4 mph slower than I am accustomed. But that being said, I am super happy and so long as I am stronger than yesterday then all my goals are being met.
Speaking of Power Meters, I found a video that I just had to share. Check this out.
This past week, I added some more exercises to my already extensive rehab protocol. On tap now are some Calf Raises. To my dismay, I was shocked to see some muscle actually survived. I thought that was way cool. My first set I could handle - 5 - of these. By weeks end I was doing 5 X 25. Muscle memory is a beautiful thing. Just stick with it folks. it will all come back.
In addition to the calf raises, Nate has added a steady diet of calf stretching on the PRO STRETCH. I have a nasty rope going through my calf that we are trying to get rid of. And I am happy to report that a week of steady work on the Pro Stretch has greatly dimished its size and thickness.
Gait work and a return to walking are by far my priority. Below is a video from last Friday. I am getting there but i am still afraid to push off or put enough weight on the injured leg. But it is getting better and that is all that matters.
Massage is an important part of my training and recovery. I have been blessed to have one of the very best in the country available. Weekly, I work with Sofie Walcker. I consider Sofie to be the very best in town. And guess what, the Cleveland Indians do also as they book her for their entire time down here for spring training. If you are interested, she is at Endurance Rehab. She can be reached at 480 - 221-2223.
Thanks for checking in. Everyweek is getting better. I am so grateful for each and every day. I feel so blessed.
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