Frustration!
We all hit bumps in the road. There are obstacles in the way on every journey. I know that the true measure of a person is their ability to overcome challenges, keep going, and never give up.
I hit a big bump last night. As you know, I have been training at least 3 times a day. In the week before the contest, because I was supposed to be getting in my best shape to be in the team picture (which turned out to be stage time too!), I had some extra cardio workouts to do. A couple of them included some interesting uses of the treadmill, such as side skips, walking lunges, side lunges, etc, and a lot of walking and jogging backwards too. The Thursday before I left, I was jogging backwards at 3.5 MPH and I felt my calf ‘lock up’ on me. I couldn’t put weight on it for a few minutes, but after stretching, I was able to walk and jog forward, and WALK backwards, but not run.
After the contest, it was still bothering me so I went to see my ART practitioner, and he said it was a strained soleus. I took a few days off from running-type cardio (stepper or bike instead), rested it, and religiously stretched it exactly as he showed me to do. I thought it was all better. Wanting to get back on my whole program, last night I went to the rec center to do my sprint work on their indoor track. Sprinting is one of my favorite things! I am an ex-track-champion, and I still just love an all-out sprint.
Well, I warmed up, stretched, and did everything like I was supposed to. But on the very first sprint, when I dug hard out of the ’starting blocks’, I only took about 3 strides and I felt my calf ‘pop’. It just went, and I just about went down. I hopped to the wall on my left leg and couldn’t put weight on it. I did a Quasimodo-type shuffle back to the bench, with the help of a couple of trainers who were standing near me. I was scared I had hurt it really badly.
I had a hard time getting out to my car, and then pressing the gas and brake was tough as I drove home, fortunately only 5 minutes away. The second I walked in the house, Michael knew something was really wrong. I was almost in tears. Partially from pain, but mostly from concern over how this would affect my training, especially with Nationals coming up. I was SO upset!
I wrapped my calf in ice packs and laid on the couch with it propped up. I called my dearest Bombshell Sista Angela and we commiserated. She told me that it was possible for me to take it easy for a day or two. I am so obsessive about the training and I very rarely stray at all from my program. But I don’t want any permanent damage–that would really be bad! So then I soaked in a hot bath for a while, wrapped it up and went to bed.
This morning, I couldn’t walk on it very well, and have limped badly all day. I just can’t flex that foot to push off in a normal walking stride. Fortunately, both Dr. Renick and Shelley were able to see me on short notice–God Bless them both! I do have some bruising on the calf, so Dr. Renick thinks there may be a partial tear but most likely a severe sprain only. Whew! Last night, I just knew I had torn it. The ‘pop’ scared me to death. After the therapy, I am better, and definitely have more flexion.
I iced it again for an hour when I got home from my weight workout. I had back and biceps today so that was no problem, except I was limping around the gym and everybody was asking what was wrong. No cardio, though. The thought crossed my mind to try to ride my stationary bike upstairs, but Michael told me I was crazy. He’s right–better not to risk it and let my body heal.
I am very lean right now, so missing some cardio won’t kill me if I keep my diet very strict. I am waiting to hear from my coach to see what I can do for cardio, since running is out of the question for a while, possibly months. They have a specific reason for each exercise we do, so I want to be sure that I don’t miss out on what they intend for me to work on.
I am determined this will not derail me. I have worked too hard and come too far to let an injury get in the way of my dreams. I defy it! It will not stop me! There is a way around it, and I will find it. I ask for your prayers for a quick healing. I need all your positive energy–healing energy–right now.
Blessings, love and light to you all! I love you, and appreciate you more than you know!
Be Defiant!
Christy
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