After processing through the disappointment or pin prick (see my last post), my mind was ready to refocus and face this week and month.
Throughout this process, I have made a concerted effort to ward off
negative thoughts knowing that if entertained even just a sad notion it would
send me over the cliff. Last week was tough but it was just a part of the
process. There are times when I feel like I skip the process
section and jump to the conclusions. But that isn’t always good. The hard
things in life, the struggles need to be fully vetted before we can come out on
the other side. Now I am definitely stronger and at peace again with this
situation.
The process…
First realigning my thoughts.
Self-talk or internal dialogue is what propels us forward or keeps us
stuck.
"According to a new study from environmental physiologists at Brock University, the internal monologue running through your head as you struggle through a workout in hot conditions has measurable effects on how well your mind and muscles function. The results add to growing evidence that seemingly immutable physical limits are actually governed by the brain –and that, with some simple changes, we can alter those limits." (Alex Hutchinson, "Your internal monologue during a workout determines success: study", Sept 2016)
This internal push is used to drive
us, to drive me forward. This push, combined with a competitive drive to always
get better, is what motivated me to practice at sports, to work harder, and
it's what's propelling me through this injury.
Second, attempting to work out within my limits.
Walking, the elliptical, and trying
to lift some weights that don’t irritate my Achilles tendon.
Third, this past week took on an encouraging tone for me which started when my PT said I could try to do a single leg calf raise. He helped me erase the fear that if I were to attempt this amazing feat that my Achilles would blow up.
With his permission, I bravely set
out to do a single leg calf raise. Why would this feat scare but yet excite me?
Here is a little back ground on the calf. The gastrocnemius is a unique lower
leg muscle that is attached to the heel bone by the Achilles tension. This
unique muscle performs movements in both the knee and the plantar to flex the
ankle.
Now try this experiment:
Stand up from your chair and raise yourself up on your tiptoes slowly lower yourself back down. Pick up one foot, balance, and repeat the motion. Minus the balance part, easy right? I am in awe of the amazing-ness of our calf muscle.
Stand up from your chair and raise yourself up on your tiptoes slowly lower yourself back down. Pick up one foot, balance, and repeat the motion. Minus the balance part, easy right? I am in awe of the amazing-ness of our calf muscle.
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| Hiking at Rocky Gap State Park |
With this knowledge in hand whenever
someone asked me if I was all recovered, I simply said let me show you. So the next time you see me and want to know about my process; ask me to do a single leg calf raise
