Back At It

Just like that, it's been almost another month since I have gotten out to run...or really, walk/run. The first phase of my running recovery plan involves not so much running and more just walking, but I was eager to continue the road to recovery. My first walk/run didn't go so well - walking 3 minutes and running for 1 over the course of 30 minutes. My bum tendon was sore, swollen, and generally unhappy.

My physical therapist set a lower bar. 5 minutes of walking, 1 minute of running. Repeated three times. So basically running for three minutes. What a snoozefest...but I'll take what I can get. I was ready to get back out in a few days and try again.

My Bible. I can only advance to the next level when I've done the current level 2-3 times with no adverse reactions (swelling, pain, etc).

Then, I had an allergic reaction to the tape I was using on my ankle. My entire leg was covered in hives and was severely itchy.  couldn't start using different tape until that rash went away. And I couldn't start running without tape to support my tendon. Sigh.

Fast forward two weeks,the rash is finally gone, but it's snowing cats and dogs (that's a thing, right?). This morning, it was only eight degrees, but the sidewalks had melted in yesterday's sun so I couldn't resist the temptation. I walk/ran my heart out, and by that I mean I slowly jogged and power walked most of the way. 

Appreciating the little things, like the nearly constant winter sunshine in Colorado.

The View From The Couch

I've realized it's kind of challenging to blog about fun outdoorsy adventures when I'm currently working with this:

Straight from my couch to you

I've been dealing with tendonitis for four months, but admittedly haven't been a very good patient for most of that time. Since January, I have buckled down, put on a boot, and took a break from any and all potentially cardiovascular exercise. This means no hiking, no running, no horseback riding (the true tragedy), NOTHING.

Staying positive hasn't been easy, but I've kept myself from going crazy thanks to a few things:

1. Working with my physical therapist on a recovery plan. Planning out a regiment for getting back in shape gives me something to look forward to, and my therapist's never-ending optimism that I'll be healthy in no time has been a huge help.
2. Finding out what I can do. Strength training and basic yoga were both on that list, so I've focused on getting stronger and more flexible. This will not only (hopefully) decrease the chance that I will re-injure myself, but also has kept me from going stir-crazy.
3. Staying involved in my normal activities as much as possible. I continued to walk to work in the boot because I would have lost it if I had to go from sitting in my car to sitting in an office all day. I couldn't ride, but I went to the barn anyways and petted some horses and tried to absorb knowledge from others' lessons. I couldn't walk dogs at the shelter, but I could play with the cats and give them some loving.