Oh the woes of a Physical Therapist going to physical therapy. There just is something ironic about being in a profession and having to go to someone of that same profession in order to be "fixed". I know, can't I just fix myself? As much as I'd like to say "Aw yeah, I've got this rehabilitation under control", I know that it is simply not possible.
Everyone asks if I question or try and micromanage my own care. Answer: nope-- I am a PT for kiddos and I trust my "sports med genius, ultra marathon rockstar" PT to the fullest. I think that the only difference between me and "non PT patient" is that I know the crazy exercises she is going to have me do, no surprising this girl. I like to pretend that I won't actually have to do them and that they somehow won't be applicable to me...but they are...and I have to suffer through them just like the next guy ::sad trombone:: The best part is that we get to sit and banter in PT lingo during my session like its NBD (ex: "Oh hey, my medial hamstring seems like it's adhering down and I feel like I have fluid in my popliteal fossa, kind of Baker's Cyst-y."). Wait, what?
Going through this therapy has put a new perspective on things and has given me a new appreciation for my patients. I knew that PT could be painful--they teach you that stuff in school but man, this can be rough. It stinks having the script flipped and now I'm the one banging my fist off the table while my PT is elbows deep digging into the scar tissue in my knee. It HURTS. In fact, it hurts so much that I have to literally tell myself to keep breathing.
With each round of quad sets, scar mobility and Russian stimulation (yes, it hurts as bad as it sounds), I know that I am one step further in my recovery. I know what my goals are and I know that these exercises, as "simple" as they may seem, are the building blocks towards my goals. I'm only human and some days I do need an extra shot of self motivation. But even through the highs and lows, I know that in the end, when I'm back PR'ing in 5ks, 10ks, halfs and possibly a full that all those little steps I took so seriously had paid off.
With that being said, I challenge you to take a look at your training, fitness or nutrition. Are you skipping the small steps? Are you solely focused on the big picture? If so, try taking a step back and breaking down your training/nutrition. Find the areas that are lacking (ex: core strength, flexibility, meal planning) and do the baby steps to improve on those. Without the small pieces being in tune, the big picture will be a mess. Challenge yourself to occasionally work on the small details, it may give you that extra umph towards your goals in the end. Best of luck.
Yours in Health,
Nikki
For information about my nutrition/fitness program or any suggestions, contact me at:
gmail: ncmckeone@gmail.com
twitter: @Nik_Lovin
Ahh--I am back, friends! It has been awhile since I have graced the blog world with my presence. With a recent move across country, a new job, a new roommate ;), and essentially a new life, blogging got put on the back burner but no fears, I'm back!
The most recent adventure I am forced to embark on is my newly repaired knee and the long recovery associated with it. Total bummer, I know. I got injured in a super (not) serious softball game, MRI'd and shipped into a date with a surgeon within 4 days. I didn't even have enough time to say "ouch" (that's a lie).
So here I am, non-weight bearing for 4 weeks. I went from training for a half marathon and crushing out speed workouts to training myself to do a one-legged balance act all day and being as fast as a turtle.
If this isn't the biggest "when life gives you lemons..", then I'm not sure what is. But I do know one thing. I am going to take those lemons, make some lemonade, throw some vodka in it and have a freakin party. Yes, you're right, I could use this as an excuse to wallow in self pity and cry about the situation. But as Sweet Brown so eloquently said..."ain't nobody got time fo' that"! Sometimes you have to just put on your big girl panties, focus on something else and find a different outlet.
As for me, I'm focusing on my nutrition since my typical fitness routine has to be put on hold. My motivation to be healthy and fit has not changed. The only thing that has changed is my means to achieving that. I still do some type of physical activity each day--yes, I count crutching the 75 yards from my apartment to the pool (which I can't go in) as a workout--I am sweating and panting by the time I get there. It counts. I still focus on when my next race will be and bug my PT everyday when she thinks I can run again (she thought I was nuts when I asked 1 week post-op). And I still loving sharing my workout knowledge and motivating others. I know that the key to surviving this recovery is going to be staying positive, motivated and focusing on new little successes each day instead of perseverating on my "new" and temporary inabilities.
Life will always have an arsenal of gigantic lemons to throw at us. So here is the question to ask yourself...what are you going to do with your lemons?
Yours in Health,
Nikki
For information about my nutrition program or any suggestions on what you want to see here, contact me at :
gmail: ncmckeone@gmail.com
twitter: @Nik_Lovin
