So, yesterday was my first real Physical Therapy appointment. Real in the sense that we actually did something instead of looking at me being in pain.
I also had someone different than the first appointment, and this person is a runner, so that’s kinda nice. We talked about goals. I had one. That goal was to be running again as soon as possible. She was very nice about it, but gently suggested maybe a better goal was to get healthy, so I could go running with the most chance of avoiding injury in the future. Whatever.
She also pooh-poohed the idea that the doctor had given me that I would be running again in about a week (two weeks from the steroid shot of death). Her actual words, “I will not tell you that you can’t run. But I will give you two choices. 1) Start running and come and see me two times a week for the next 4 to 6 months. 2) Hold off the running until you’re healed and stronger, and see me two times a week for the next 4 to 6 weeks.”
Stupid choices.
Confession time: Tuesday evening, I went to the gym. To walk on the treadmill. And I did – for 30 minutes. But, I got a little excited and ran for 2. Only two, though, so it hardly counts.
Last night, I went on a walk with my good friend (and occasional commenter) Kim. We did a 3-mile loop, I think. And it was pretty good. Until the last ¼ mile. The PT had told me that due to the nature of my injury, I should never push through the pain, but stop immediately when there is pain. Which, of course, is totally how I roll really hard for me. I will generally push through the pain – and I did let her know that it would be hard for me to not. However, it never occurred to me that maybe I would have to push the pain if I was still ¼ mile away from the end point, where the food (yum!) and beer (double-yum!) and my car were. Kim did offer me a piggy-back, but looked a little less-than-enthusiastic when I accepted. Hee.
So – trying to take it easy. I am so sore today – I feel like I did something crazy last night instead of a 2 ¾ mile power walk followed by a ¼ mile gimpy shuffle. I think between the PT exercises and the walk, it was more than I’ve done in a couple of months – which just makes me sad. However, I got the go ahead to go back to my weights class (yay! see you next Thursday morning at 6 AM) if I’m careful during squats and lunges, and I can elliptical, and walk, and yoga. She also mentioned swimming. And then I killed her.
HA! Just kidding. I said I’d think about it. She wants me to find an aquatic exercise class or a place where I can water jog. One of the local 24-Hours has an aqua class. Of course it’s all in the middle of the day on weekdays, but I might try the 10AM Monday class. Although that might have to wait until 9/15. No classes on Labor Day, and my next Monday is booked solid (8:30 PT; 10:30 new gym tour; 1:30 Dr. appt.; 4:30 yoga; 6:30 board meeting).
And since I mentioned new gym tour, I have to admit it’s true: I am gym shopping. I realize that would mean no more crazy weights with my favorite Portland gym bunnies – but we’ll always have running! And yoga!
Anyhoo – the architect and I are going camping this weekend –so expect an exciting photo essay on Monday! Nothing says fun like someone else’s vacation pics, right?
