Hard Stuff

In my last blog post, I reported that I reached out to a Physical Therapist who specializes in getting athletes back to running after meniscus surgery, among other common injuries. I did receive a call from Kevin Vandi with Competitive Edge (www.compedgept.com), located in California for him to learn more about my specific situation. After listening and asking his own questions, he said he thinks his program could definitely benefit me. He would not guarantee that I will get back to running pain free, but he did think he could help. After pouring out money in co-pay after co-pay for countless therapy sessions, this program seemed to be a good option. I signed up for "The Running Blueprint" program and he threw in the "Run Safe - Run Strong" program which educates on the causes and specifics of meniscus injuries and/or tears and how to safely return to running after you've had a tear or surgery. 

I received my first email for the program on April 23rd. I began with a 7-day free trial and my paid subscription began on May 1st. The program consists of educational videos that teach about why meniscus tears can happen and the poor running form common amongst most runners that can lead to various injuries. He claims that his basic exercises will help strengthen the muscles needed for proper running form. He goes through five stages: activation, core, strength, pliability, and stretching. He starts with floor exercises before moving to standing exercises that mimic the act of running. Eventually, he moves into plyometrics and one-leg exercises because, as he explains, running is just jumping from one foot to the other for miles. Provided in the program is a calendar that breaks down the exercises you are to do for each day. It is a 6-day weekly program with Sundays set aside as a rest day. Each month a new calendar is released, and the program provides twelve months' worth of calendars. 

On Monday, April 29th I began with day one. Activation, core and stretching were included for the day. By the end of the activation exercises, I was already in tears, screaming that "this is hard" and "I can't do this!". The program certainly does not ease one into it. It is challenging and I am weak which is a frustrating combination. My friend reminded me that I have not done anything like this in over a year. The mobility exercises I did on my own, during the time I was trying to rehab myself before returning to the Orthopedic office, were gentle and more for stretching out the muscles, not strengthening them. My bike rides have not been strenuous and even my walks have been slow and gentle even though they end with discomfort. I know that in time I will get stronger. No pain, no gain, as they say. 

I am currently in my second week of "The Running Blueprint" program. I am already starting to feel stronger in places that have been neglected (glutes). The program does have a lot of planking exercises, however, and they make me feel extremely weak. I will need to build up strength to perfect the form on these. I cannot say I am pain free. Perhaps that will always be with me to some degree. If I sit for too long, especially, the initial standing up movement sends discomfort to my knees, calves, and feet, but once I get moving, the joints seem to loosen again. I am feeling like I might be able to complete a short run and am very curious to see what the result of that would be. From my understanding, I am supposed to continue with the activation stage for three weeks before moving into the strength stage for six weeks. I am being patient. I remind myself to be thankful I can ride bike in the meantime. I need to up the game on my rides, though. Once school is out for the summer, I hope to go on longer, heart-pumping bike rides, depending on my work schedule. I will need to increase my cardio endurance before I start to incorporate running back into my routine, which I am hoping can begin in July. 

I will leave you with a verse that I often think of. Isaiah 40:31 says, "But those who trust in the Lord will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not become weary, they will walk and not faint." It's pretty obvious to connect this verse with the actual act of running itself, but it means so much more than that. It is my prayer that you place your trust (hope) in God, and He will carry you through all of life's hard stuff. If you'd like to learn how to do this, let's talk.