Steph's 8 Steps to Recovery!

It has been almost 3 weeks since I started PT and I have now been allowed to run 4 times.  I am up to 33 minutes of a run/walk.  It’s short but wonderful.  I was able to do a 15 minutes routine at the gym yesterday and I was on cloud 9 all day.  Today was the BIG 33 minuter and it was nothing short of AWESOME! 

I pretty much felt like Kobe after my run!!

It’s amazing what a tiny run can do for ones outlook on life!  My last injury lasted for 4 and half months and it was MISERABLE!!!!  

This is how I felt every time I saw a runner on the street during my first injury, wanted to punch them in the throat!  I've been a lot less hostile this time:)

I thought I would give you some pointers on having a speedy recovery if heaven forbid you ever get injured.  These are not  USAFT, FDA, RDA or FDIC approved just Steph approved, you’re welcome!

Step 1:  Admitting that you have a problem.  I think as a runner it’s hard to admit that you are injured.  Luckily, for me both of my injuries have come on with no warning at all, I just woke up one morning and I was broken.  I think a lot of runners ignore things until they too wake up one morning unable to run.

Step 2:  Cry yourself a river, build a bridge and get over it and REPEAT!!  This weekend was especially

emotional but things are looking up so hopefully the breakdowns will lessen.

Step 3:  Make an appointment with a doctor of the Sports Medicine, this is an important step that I think a lot of people skip.  They will determine if an x-ray, MRI, CT scan or pregnancy test is needed.  You don’t want to assume physical therapy can fix you…they can’t fix broken bones, just for your FYI ;)

Step 4:  Rest
             Ice-like it’s your job. 

             Compress-PRO COMPRESSION BABY. 

             Elevate-I’m not so good at this one, who has time to lay around?!?  Not me! 

  I have this fancy ice pack…you should get one!

I can just strap it on my calf and go about my business.

I have been living in my Pro Compression socks.  I wear them to the gym every single day, wear them to work on occasion (I need to get some sleeves, sometimes neon socks just don’t go with my work outfits…IDK)  I slather my angry little legs in Deep Blue each and every night and slip on some Pro Compression.  Then I sleep with my ice pack on my calf, it’s really mad!!!

Step 5:  Go to physical therapy A LOT!  I have gone every day since June 27th and notice changes almost daily.

Step 6:  Be obedient!  If the PT says not to run maybe you should listen.  If you finish your prescribed workout STOP.  Yesterday I left myself just enough time to do what I was told.  I felt great and of course wanted to keep going but alas it was time to go.

Step 7:  Massage.  I need to get massages more often, I think massage is HUGE in recovery.  I get a massage each day at PT but I should really schedule myself a session at Jorge’s House O’ Pain!

Step 8:  Cross train.  I have been doing the spin bike and the elliptical.  I used to despise the elliptical but decided that if you concentrate REALLY hard you can indeed get a good workout on the old ski machine.

Last but certainly not least avoid chiropractors at the finish line of races.  If you don’t know anything about them for heaven’s sake don’t let them touch you!!!!  I’m 99.9% sure that had I not let that whack a doo smack me around that I would be fine right now…’nuf said!

Now go back up to Step 4 section C.  I know I talk about Pro Compression fort knightly but seriously get cha’ some!  Right now they are having a HUGE sale.  Head on over to ProCompression.com and use promo code JULY for 40% off EVERYTHING!  You also get FREE shipping!  The socks are awesomesauce…FAAAAACT!  They also have running visors and sweet hats.  Jake has a PC hat and loves it!  Get on it peeps, the sale ends August 4th!  I think I’ll pick myself up some of the new retro stockings!!  Happy shopping!

Here are just a few of my Pro Compression stocking all hung in a row to dry.
 I am told that there will be a PT graduation this week, YAAAAY!! 

I love going for the entertainment but would love to be done and back out running about the town with my RBFF.  Baby steps Stephanopolis, baby steps!  Perhaps the retro socks will be my graduation gift!