Chapter 2 page 594–Graduation Day

It was 9 weeks ago yesterday that my running plans for 2012 were derailed in a blink of an eye (don’t remember, click HERE).  It was 9 weeks ago today that I began physical therapy to begin the road to recovery.  For a runner (or at least someone like me who LOVES doing races), 9 weeks has felt like FOREVER!

Most people would look at 9 weeks as 2.25 months or 63 days or 1512 hours or 90720 minutes or 5,443,200 seconds

But runners measure time differently.  For this runner, 9 weeks has been:  4 halfs registered that have had to be downgraded to 5K’s or withdrawn from altogether or 1 10K registered for but not comp or 6 5K’s that are annual favorites that I couldn’t compete in this year or 5 revisions of a training plan based on alternating progress and set backs.

All of that is in the rear view mirror because today is graduation day from rehab!  Here are a few of the many pieces of equipment that has helped me on this road to recovery. 

Top:  Single leg stand (balancing on a sprained ankle – ouch!) throwing a 2 lb medicine ball at a rebounder, catching and repeating for 10-15 repetitions WITHOUT falling over.

Top:  Poor form – should be standing straight up, but “touch and go’s” (which in my opinion, can just "GO AWAY”).  I had these for both my right ankle and my left knee and now they’re on my “for the rest of my life” exercise plan – wanna join me for a few?

Top:  Lunges – we all know how much I LOVE LOVE LOVE lunges (not) . . . yeah, well, I’ve done bajillions of them.  Believe it or not, this might have been the most painful exercise and now . . . I’m a pro (just look at that form)!  There’s also a little shot of the Urban Rebounder (mini tramp) – used that a handful of times too. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Top 2 pix:  Heel Raises & Heel cord stretches on a 4-6” step . . . these are my on “for the rest of my life” plan as well.

Top:  These 3 blue torture rehab devices and I have spent HOURS together.  The top left is a foam mat that I got a LOT of practice balancing .  The bottom round blue piece of equipment is like a deflated ball and was used to help me rotate my foot in and out – impossible for nearly 6 weeks, but now – ROCKSTAR!  Top right and the picture below are the same piece of delight – a BAPS  board (Biomechanical Ankle Platform System). You’ll notice the silver weights on the right side which make it even more challenging as if balancing on a board with a ball under it and then rotating my ankle CW & CCW isn’t hard enough . . . of course, we should add weights!

Below:  The treadmill – ahhh, we had some lovely times together . . . even if it was 30-60 seconds at a time.  You’ll notice that acrobatic harness hanging above the ‘mill  – that’s to hang you up and hold some of your weight so you aren’t having to walk with all of your weight . . . .thankfully only had to use the harness once. 

Below:  My “forever and ever and ever and ever” excises – these 6 delights will be with me 3-5 days a week for the rest of my life because as my therapist threatened scared me to death with . . . “Re-spraining that ankle is going to be so easy to do!”  HMMM – fine, sigh, take my toys and go home, stomp, whine, eye roll . . . I guess I’ll do them, but in protest!

Below:  With graduation, you get a t-shirt . . . .this one beats ALL of my race shirts – I worked SO hard to earn this one!!!!!

I’m back baby . . . or probably more accurately . . . I’m on my way back!  This weekend is the Chicago Rock N Roll.  I’ll be doing the “mini marathon” of “about 3 miles” instead of the half, but I’m just thrilled to be able to walk 3 miles, get back into racing, and meet up with MOA!  Stay tuned for, what I’m sure will be, endless photos detailing all of my Chicago antics!