Stronger ankle

Yesterday I walked one mile in 20 minutes. That was my fastest mile yet since I sprained my ankle.

Today I went to the gym and rode the stationary bike for 30 mins and resistance level 9. Then I got on the elliptical machine for 30 mins at resistance level 11. It was actually easier on my ankle to go at a higher resistance because it doesn't like to move fast yet. Then I got on the stationary bike and rode for another 30 mins at resistance level 11. My legs are feeling the workout and am sure they will feel it even more in the morning. However, I was glad that my ankle did so well on the elliptical machine today. I think in another week, with the level of progress I have been showing I will be ready to start running again. Or at least walk/jog... or... what I like to call "wogging". :)

I run for Pizza

No I did not have pizza today. It is not on my training diet. But the Running Zone sponsored a 5k today called "I run for Pizza". And no I did not run in the race. Unfortunately running is also not in my training program at the moment. :( However I did go see the race. My friend Rebecca beat her personal record. And David Kilgore, the son of another dear friend, won the race. It was the first time for me to watch a race... I am always running them. It was fun to see the winners reach the finish line and cheering on the other racers. However, I really wished I could be one of the racers. Running any race is just so much fun. But, soon I will be one of the racers again.

Today, after the race, I hit the gym. I had a really good workout. First I warmed up on the stationary bike for 30 mins at resistance level 9. Then after my muscles were nice and warm, but not too fatigued I decided to try the elliptical machine. I put it at resistance level 4 and took it nice and slow. I could only do about 15 minutes before my ankle started protesting and I decided not to push my luck. Then I hopped (literally) back on the stationary bike. This time I was determined to give it all I had. I pushed it hard for the first 30 mins alternating between resistance levels 9 and 11. Then the last half hour I took it a little easy at resistance levels 7 through 9. So the total workout was about 1 hour and 45 mins. Afterward I was exhausted and went home to a good nap.

I feel good about my progress today. I really put my ankle to the test with my workout and walking around at the race. I feel I should be ready to start running again in a couple weeks.

Physical Therapy

Yesterday I had my first physical therapy. It went really well. The pt put an ultasound heat on my ankle to help increase circulation and promote healing. It felt really good. she also showed me some exercises that I can do to stengthen the stabilzing muscles around my ankle. She told me to continue using thestationary bike and that I can also use the elliptical machine. I was excited to hear that. I hope to be able to run/walk by theend of the month... in time for my training classes with the Running Zone.

This morning I walked one mile. It took me over 20 minutes, but just walking a mile is ... well.. a milestone in my recovery. Tonight I stopped by the gym and put an hour on thestationary bike. After that I got on the elliptical machine for about 5 mins. I was ok on it, but it was a little uncomfortable. I think I will gradually introduce the elliptical machine, but am excited about being able to stat using the elliptical machine in my taining. If I can workout on the elliptical machine, I am confident that I can get back to were I was before my injury very quickly.

I am looking forward to a good workout tomorrow and will let you know how it goes. :)

First hard workout in a long time

Yes!!!! It felt good. I worked out really hard. Even though I was on a stationary bike, I felt just like I had a good run. I put the resistance up and pushed it with everything I had. I want to get my leg muscles strong for running again. And I think today was a good start. I am walking better each day which gives me hope. The ankle brace is a little uncomfortable.... but at least it doesn't beep when I leave the house... A definite plus. :)

As for my workout. I put the resistance on 11 and did 45 mins this morning and an hour this afternoon. :) And I worked it hard. The sweat was pouring off of me. When I stood up to get the sanitizer wipe to clean off my equipment I could see the beads of sweat falling to the floor. It felt good. My ankle is a little sore... mostly tender. and it is a bit swollen. But I worked it hard. Now time for a good nights sleep.

I must say it feels good to be this tired and know I worked out hard and strong. Although I am tired I also feel strong. I have the confidence to conquer this ankle and train for that marathon. :)

Sweet dreams.

2nd day walking

Today I slept in but did hit the gym tonight. I spent 1.5 hours on the stationary bike. It says I burned 750 calories. My ankle was just a little swollen when I got home. I had an egg and veggie omelet and a glass of skim milk. I am looking forward to a good nights sleep and another good workout tomorrow. :) I can tell my quads got a good workout. We'll see how sore they are tomorrow morning.

ankle brace

Today I woke up bright and early and got to the gym before work. I got a half hour on the stationary bike. I tried to do anther workout after work but my ankle was too sore and I didn't want to push it. I took my scooter to work today, but once I got inside the building I mostly walked to the restroom and breakroom. I think I might have walked on it a little too much today because by the end of the day it was sore and swollen a little. I think I might have had my brace on a little too tight also. It is almost 9:00 pm and I am ready to go to bed. I plan on another early morning at the gym. I am hoping this weekend to do a long, endurance ride on the bike. It is good to be back in training. :)

Sports Doctor

Yesterday I went to see the sports doctor. He said I should be able to walk completely on my own within a week. He wants me to start gradually walking a little more each day. He told me that I should be able to continue with my marathon training and all the scheduled events. I was soooo happy to hear that.

The doctor gave me a brace to wear with my shoe. He also wants me to do some physical therapy so I can learn some exercised to help strengthen my ankle. He told me I could use the stationary bike and that the exercise would actually help with the inflammation. He said that I should be able to do the half marathon in November but with my brace. The brace is a little bulky but not really uncomfortable. I just hope it won't bother me to run 13 miles in it. He said that by the Disney marathon I should not have to wear the brace. :)

This morning I went to the gym and did one hour on the stationary bike

Then I went with my friend to pick up another friend at the airport. It was my first day wearing a shoe and the brace. We stopped at a 7-11 and I walked in without the scooter. It was the most walking I did since the accident. But the rest of the day I used the scooter because I didn't want to push my luck and the ankle is still a little tender to walk on.

I go back to see the doctor in 2 weeks and start my physical therapy next week. It felt good to exercise again. It is good to know I can continue my training shortly and that I can train on the bike in the meantime. Soon I will be back to normal and I can't wait. :)

And of course with more training will come more posts. I'm back in the game. :)