Weekly Training Update (Dec 22nd - Dec 28th)

Mon - PT + 1.5 mile run (75% Alter-G...8 min pace) + 40 min elliptical

Tues - 1.85 miles (15 min, 75% on Alter-G...8 min pace) + 40 min elliptical

Wed - 2 miles (75% on Alter-G...8 min pace)

Thurs - Christmas

Fri - 30 min elliptical + PT + 2.5 mile run (20 min, 80% Alter-G...8 min pace)

Sat - off

Sun - 15 miles on Elliptigo

Total Running: 7.5 miles

Alter-G Treadmill

Now that I'm starting to run again, I starting thinking about ways to healthily transition back into running.  I went to the Alter-G website, and I found a place in Valpo that has one to use (Orthopedic & Balance).  After several phone calls and checking with the insurance, I was able to get approved for 6 appointments.  This includes not only the Alter-G and also PT.  The only catch is that they have to be used by Dec 27th.  Therefore, I used the Alter-G 2x this week, and have 4 appointments scheduled for next week.

The Alter-G is pretty cool.  It was set at 75% of my weight.  It felt good being able to run with only partial weight bearing.  The medial side was still sore, but it still felt good feeling lighter.  One frustration that I had with the Alter-G was that when I strap in, the enclosure goes up past my hips, and it upsets my arm carry.  Towards the end of the run, I seemed to get used to it.  I was only going about 8:30 pace, but it felt good because I felt lighter.  I'm excited to lose some weight, and get back into shape.

6 Month Post-Op Appointment with Dr. Porter

I was originally supposed to have my 6th month post-op appointment in January, but with my insurance changing I was able to get it moved to Dec...so, it was more like the 5.5 month post-op appoinment.

The appointment started with a cybex test.  They strapped my foot into a machine that measured the strength and speed that I could move it back and forth.  They varied the resistance 3 different times, and I did it 6 times on each  resistance.  Both feet were measured.  After the test, a printout of the results was analyzed by the physical therapist and Dr. Porter.  I was told that my strength measured at 96% percent.  Basically, I have my full strength back.  Porter also did several other tests, including measuring my dorsiflexion angle (both feet were the same) and calf circumference (right was about 1 cm smaller...which isn't considered significant).  Overall, it seemed like my appointment went well.  I was encouraged to keep up with the PT and to continue to increase my running.

My main concern was my medial pain.  Dr. Porter doesn't seem to be concerned about it, and thinks that is should go away in time.  Hopefully things will continue to progress nicely.

Weekly Training Update (Dec 15th - Dec 21st)

Mon - 50 min elliptical

Tues - 2 mile on Alter-G + PT

Wed - Dr. Porter Visit

Thurs - 1 mile run on track (8:00) + 30 min elliptical

Fri - 2 miles on the Alter-G + PT

Sat - 55 min on the elliptigo (14 miles)

Sun - 12 min (about 1.5 miles) + 30 min on the elliptical

Weekly Training Update (Dec 8th - Dec 14th)

Mon - 1 mile of run/walk (1/2 mile run, rest, 1/2 mile run) about 7:30 pace + 30 min elliptical

Tues - Orthopedic and Balance Visit

Wed - 1/2 mile run (about 5 min) around valpo.  40 min elliptigo (9 miles).

Thurs - 50 min elliptical

Fri - 3/4 mile run (6 min) around valpo.  40 min elliptigo.

Sat -12 miles on elliptigo

Sun -13 miles on elliptigo

Skiing in Vail

Myself, my brother, and 2 friends decided to continue our Colorado tradition.  We flew out Thursday (Dec 4th) and returned Sun (Dec 7th).  We skied for 2 days in Vail.  Leading into the trip, I was a bit nervous about trying to ski.  I decided I would give it a try, but also be careful not to overdue it.  Generally speaking, my Achilles seemed to hold up well.  It was a little sore at the end of the first day, but it never went beyond the normal soreness.  Outside of my Achilles, the rest of my body was pretty sore.  I could tell I was out of shape...my arms, quads, calves, and hammies were feeling it.  This could also be partially because of my run from yesterday.  Overall, it was a great trip, and I'm excited to keep getting healthy and go again.

1st RUN BACK

Dec 1st (Monday) marked my first run back since my July 1st surgery.  I ran 5 x (1 lap jog, 1 lap walk) in the CPHS fieldhouse.  I was able to get in around 1/2 mile.  It was very exciting to run again.  It wasn't very glamorous; I felt flat, not very fluid, and out of shape.  Hopefully things improve from here.

Dec 4th (Thursday) was my second run.  I did about 3/4 mile.  It was a combination of walking and jogging around the CPHS fieldhouse.  I was actually planning on running yesterday, but I was still pretty sore.  It was nice to get in another run.  With two runs under my belt, I'm excited for the future.

5 Month Post-Op Recap

Overall, things seem to be continuing to improve.  I spend at least 45 min just about everyday doing PT.  I can tell it is starting to get stronger, but I still have a long way to go.  I've built by cross training on the elliptical upto the point were I can start to safely transitioning into running.  This next month should be exciting!  I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Weekly Training Update (Dec 1st - Dec 7th)

Mon - 1/2 mile of run/walk + 50 min elliptical

Tues - 50 min elliptical (quads sore from yesterday)

Wed - 35 min elliptigo

Thurs - 3/4 mile of run/walk + 30 min elliptical

Fri - Skied in Colorado

Sat - Skied in Colorado

Sun - off