I need to vacumn the never-ending supply of dog hair from Josie, the shedding machine - which does not explain why I am updating my blog right now.
Anyway....
My knee continues to heal. I spent some time at physical therapy yesterday after my classes were over. Jim gave me the thumbs-up to clip in and out of my pedals again. I never really thought about the quick, violent move that we have to make to get out of bike pedals (that is, until I had knee surgery). He also suggested that I do the ol' one-legged drills during indoor cycling while everyone else does the insane climbing drills (I'm not quite ready for those).
So - I tried it out this morning.
I was a little leery of clipping out at first. I had visions of popping my knee out of place - a rather scary vision, indeed.
But, it didn't happen (and if it had, I probably wouldn't be blogging right now).
I forgot that one-legged drills are pretty tough. But, I need to do them to build up the strength in my hip flexors and hamstrings again.
I managed my longest ride on my bike since surgery - 70 minutes. I'll add about 10 minutes every Saturday - and attempt to add a little more tension, too.
Following my spin, I headed to the Y for some swimming - or my version of it. PT Jim told me that I should expect to use the pull buoy for another two weeks. After that, I could gradually reduce the pull buoy time and add in light kicking.
I managed to do 5 300s (although I wasn't exactly breaking any speed limits) with a 100 cool down = 1600 meters.
Amazingly, I found the pool to be relaxing and kind of...fun. I let myself just enjoy moving through the water...kind of how I used to let myself just enjoy trotting along Grove Avenue. Hmmm - perhaps this whole surgery thing could help me love the water a little more...
Speaking of running, PT Jim thought that I might be able to re-introduce light running into my regimen in about 6 weeks (3 months post-surgery). He warned me that this is just an estimate. Healing times are hard to predict with specific certainty.
My attitude towards my knees and working out and triathlons is definitely on an upward trajectory. In fact, I can think about IM Lake Placid without wanting to cry now. I'm genuinely excited to be there to cheer on and support my training buddies.
3 comments:
Sounds like you are making great progress. I'm impressed with the strides you've made so far. I'm sad you aren't racing Placid but it will be a joy to see your smiling face cheering us on.
You are doing so well, Susie! I know it's hard not going, but your health/body is more important right now. Jeff is having to face the same issue and it's not easy. But he is enjoying the water, too, and it's not as hard on those knees and ankles!
It's so nice to have you back at cycling on Saturdays!
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