News!

New information has come forth in our little drama. And this new information suggests a twist of events. Perhaps I had it wrong? Perhaps CJ and Zombie are not in fact joining Ken & co at this new clinic? Let me tell you.

Out of curiosity I today found myself outside the basement at which they were spotted earlier this summer (if you remember). I had business around there and though I might check it out. The first thing I noticed was that it isn't in fact opposite the other new clinic, but one block away. So it struck me as a bit odd. I peeked down from ground level and couldn't spot a sign on the door, which struck me as even more odd. So I decided to have a look. I snuck down the staircase, keeping check that no one was watching and that there were no physios around. It was quite dark inside but from what I could gather, they're just empty premise. The windows had bars covering them from the inside as though it was closed and the rooms I could see were bare of any furniture.

Of course. They're starting their own clinic! Possibly in cooperation with this other one, but they're going on their own! It makes sense. That's why it wouldn't be a problem for me to keep in touch with CJ and then see him at this new place - he'd be the boss!

Now the only question that remains is WHEN this secret mutiny is to happen...

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Nightmares

Sometimes I have nightmares about how I accidentally tell CJ that I have a blog, and he asks for the address.

What would I say? Awkward would not be enough to describe the scenario.

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More

Not only did the session go well, but the knee feels so good! Running the risk of jinxing the progress, I must say it has not felt this strong or confident before. There is hope!

I may not trust the knee, and may never do so, but I trust Magnus Forssblad to have performed a successful surgery and to me that is all the info I need. Ta!

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You give me fever

Woke up this morning, body aching, throat stuffed, head swarming and sweating cold from fever. Lovely. Even more lovely as I had a gym session ahead. Spent half the day in the sofa, gulping tea and eating throat pastilles. Until the moment when I could no longer postpone getting up. A painkiller later and I was on my way to a session which carried with it zero expectations, a couple of worries e.g. fainting and looked to be nothing but a downright disaster.

10 mins cycling
Leg press: 75+75+75 kg
Leg curl: 30+30+30 kg
Leg extension: 10+10+10
Squats: 10+10+10 kg
Lunges on board: 3x10 (both legs) - managed this one a lot better today. Slow and steady wins the race!
Ski jumps: 3x 40
Interval cycling
Bending

The programme looks short but takes 1½ hours without the running. Anyway, it went a lot better than I thought! Not only did I survive but I completed the whole programme more or less as usual. Admittedly, I did take it easy in cycling so as not to choke or faint but other than that - happy times! Lunges felt ok, squats proved no problem and ski jumping was extra jumpy today.

Even got a little glimpse of CJ from behind. Not a terrible view.

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Don't make me laugh

According to Sports Injury Info: "At 12 weeks [...] they have little to no pain with daily activities."

13 weeks in, I cannot agree. Am I slow? Do I need to contact Mr Physio?

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Monday

Proper gym session concluded. Went more or less smoothly, except that the lunges on board hurt so bad. Leg extension continues to be challenging, but manageable. Did one whole kilometer today! Last 250 metres hurt but otherwise very good, at level 8.

15 mins cycling
Leg press: 75+75+80 kg
Leg curl: 30+30+30 kg
Leg extension: 10+10+10
Squats: 10+10+10 kg
Balance board: 3x1 min
Lunges on board: 3x10 (both legs)
Ski jumps: 3x40
Bending
Interval cycling
Running: W500m, R1000m, W800m

Spotted CJ at some points and he did his passing windmill-esque wave to me! Wow, I'm in trouble...

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Ray!

Just checked my e-mail account that I haven't checked in weeks and weeks and turns out someone did catch on to my call for stories!

Ray Freund, I am terribly, terribly sorry for not seeing your e-mail until now. I have to run off to the gym now, but will reply properly this afternoon (have written half a draft). Hope you see this!

Sorry!

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Something

Something I heard last week just struck me. New information in the case by all means. I was waiting in the reception and the man in front of me in the queue was booking an appointment to see CJ. He got October 17. This means CJ and Zombie are not leaving before October - earliest November. CJ did say (with regards to the email address) that "it won't change within the next two weeks." 

I'm thinking after New Years? Not sure why it matters, but it's good to have some sort of idea about the timing.

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Not a happy cookie

Knee aches and is generally behaving badly today. The scar is itching and hurting as well! Think it might be down to lack of mobility work lately so did some light bending/stretching etc. Feeling a tad bit better but still not as it should be.

I mean, I'm 3 months in! Half-way to sports level and walking is still not good. Maybe this pays for a little physio enquiry....

Gym again tomorrow. If it hurts like this, or like it did Friday, I will be very upset indeed.

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Bio

I've understood that some people who haven't been here from the start might not be 100% of who is who in this mess. Let me clarify.

Friday

Started week 13 (?) with a horrendous session. Everything except cycling hurt; couldn't extend fully in leg kick (psychological issues); and was in a rush. Thankfully the gym was pretty much empty so there was no waiting time, and I got everything done in the end. A stupid stupid man too hijacked all the loose additional weights though, so I had to lessen some resistance in leg press for example. Bah.

10 mins cycling
Leg press: 70+70+70 kg
Leg curl: 30+30+30 kg
Leg kick/extension: 10+10+10 kg
Lunges on board: 3x10 (both legs)
Squats: 10+10+10 kg
Ski jumps: 3x40
Bending
Interval cycling
Running: W500m, R500m, W500m

I decided regular lunges were superfluous as I already am doing lunges on a board. Might add balance board every now and then when I have time to keep the balance work going. But this programme already takes 1½ hours when pushing it. I have better things to do. Haha.

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Sharing! Out Loud

I just realised I never said I was going away. Anyway...I'm here now...missed me? Jokes aside, I went to Norway for a couple of days to see a friend and act in a music video she's shooting for a band.

Can't divulge too much except it's for Sharing! Out Loud. It's one of those you never ever should listen to in bad times, and at the same time, really want to. And from what I've seen of two days shooting of the video, it's going to be great!

So, a couple of days with no real training but a lot of standing and walking, and I struggle to decide whether it had any impact on the knee at all. I think it's a tie between good rest and tough walking etc. All in all I was glad to be back in the gym yesterday, even if it was a terrible session.

So we're back in blogging and rehabilitation. Only have one more week at the clinic before flying off to Japan. Sad times!

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Week 12

Last work-out of week 12. All over the place as there were far too many people in the gym for its capacity, and another bicycle broke down (I overheard Beaver say they'd ordered some - bollocks I say. They've been broken forever) + some confusion with the new programme, but all in all decent.

10 mins cycling
Leg press: 75+80+80 kg
Leg curl: 30+31.25+30 kg
NEW! Leg kick: 10+10+10 kg
One-legged squat: 2x10 (supposed to cut this one out)
NEW! Lunges on board: 1x 10 (another confusion, supposed to be 3x10. NB! not my drawing.)
Squats: 10+10+10 kg
Lunges: 3x10 (no idea if I'm supposed to do these still)
Ski jumps: 3x 40
Interval cycling
Bending
Running: W500m, R500m, W1,000m  =~20 mins

Was commended by an old shuffling lady today as well. "I see you're really fighting in there."

Yes, lady, yes I am.

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Up and running

Guess who's been doing the first bit of running in a whole year today? Nope, not the Queen of England (or actually I don't know) - but me! Oh, yes. Mr Physio allowed and I did a whopping 500 m!

Walked 500 m, jogged 500 m, then walked 1 km in the end. All on physio's orders of course. Am allowed to increase by 500 m each week (doing 2x a week) up until 3 km, then increase by 1 km per week until I reach 10K.

By then we're probably well into the rehabilitation and, to be honest, at this point the sound of being able to run 10K is sweet sweet music to my ears.

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It's TRUE!

Oh my god! It's true! CJ and Zombie are leaving! The evidence is overwhelming! Let me tell you:

Had my appointment today with CJ today and we talked about how to manage the whole thing once I'm off to Japan. He was in a brilliant mood and chuckled a little, as if it was a joke, when he said:
"We can keep in touch via email."
So, accordingly, he wrote down his email (YAY!) and asked me to email him from whatever account I wanted to use. Then he said - and focus now because this is crucial - then he said:

"It might come to change, but I'll let you know in that case. It won't change within the next few weeks."

Silly me didn't ask why it might 'come to change'. Mostly because of my suspicions and I simply knew too much to ask casually. But in my mind this is the answer - it's happening. They're moving to the same clinic as Ken & co and the days of my clinic as we know it are counted!

Remember that: a. they have been spotted near the suspected location; b. the orthopedists are confirmed to have moved there; c. CJ has given some comments suggesting bitterness about working there; d. there have been unexpected and negative changes made to the clinic (eg the knee testing machine).

I suppose we'll soon know for sure.

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Weekend shizzle

Had yesterday off knee-wise. Did some panicked minutes of the plank to tone up the abs. I agreed to be in a friend's making of a music video and she dropped the bomb Thursday that I'll be in underwear. Great. A month ago I was near on a six-pack. Let me tell you this much - not anymore. So today, tomorrow & Monday: plank, plank, plank!

My brother turns 30 today so a wee bit of festivities await. Still considering whether I do some mobility work or not today. Tomorrow is a big day as I'll see Mr Physio and we're adding exercises (from what I can gather from last time it'll most likely be skipping rope and new jumping stuff) so I want to be in good knee-shape. Might try some light stuff and see what it feels like.

I'm 3 months in soon and I feel I should be further on than this. Even an hour or two in town makes the knee stiff and achy afterwards!

On a brighter note - 3 months in, i.e. 1/4 done! Maybe this crap is doable after all?

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Herrow Zombie Man!

After last night's almost-incident with Zombie, I kept a low profile today. Not that I say hi to him normally, but still - eyes down and mind my own business.

However, it only lasted so long. As I was walking out from the changing room I spotted him coming out of his office. I had to book a new time at the desk and he followed me there. The receptionist was on the phone and he evidently wanted to speak to her too so we both had to wait. In this awkward, awkward moment he broke the silence, smashed the ice - opened a new chapter - and said hello.

Could he be on to me? Or is he simply a nice person? Hm...

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ps. Didn't speak to CJ today either, despite him being in seemingly good mood (quick hello + eavesdropping in the gym). Ha! Take that! Now he can go through the weekend wondering how I'm feeling. One point to me.

Come let's pray for the weekend, baby!

15 mins cycling
Leg press: 75+80+80 kg
Leg curl: 30+31.25+31.25 kg
Lifters
Balance (oddly difficult today)
One-legged squats
Lunges
Squats:10+10+10 kg
Ski jumps: 3x40
Interval cycling (really went for it)
Bending

First lap felt so easy and all the weights were like feathers. Then BAM- pain. For frick's sake why? I suppose I did do a bit of walking yesterday on top of mobility work and cycling. Just feels annoying that I can't even do that little after 3 months! Anyway, taking an easy weekend as Monday brings new exercises and higher level of difficulty. No walking for this lady.

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Week 12 beginning

Off to my last gym session in the shape as we know it today. Monday brings new exercises (and hopefully quit some of the existing) so will give it my all today. Don't feel very energetic though.

Have a good day!

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Close Call

Oh wow, people. Tonight it was close. Everything - everything! - nearly went to shambles. It was almost the epitome of unlucky coincidence and my career as a spy could have been over in a heartbeat. Thankfully, some lucky unluck ensured this was not the case. Allow me to explain.

I saw a friend whom I haven't seen in a while and we were out and about in town because there are festivities on - an annual event. This occasion brings out roughly 50,000 people on our main street - so quite a few inhabitants walking around. Because I hadn't seen her in a while, I updated her on recent events as we walked towards the temporary amusement park they set up at the top of the street to take our traditional Waltzer ride. Anyway. I told her about CJ, MJ and the recent suspicious behavior from these. Then it happened.

Just as I enter on my speculations and guesses surrounding the whole thing - and I'm speaking rather loudly here as there were loads of people around - I look up and see a familiar face. Just as I'm saying the name of the clinic I realise it's no one less than Zombie! Out of all people, in all places, at all times - Zombie turns up where I'm walking and talking about him and his colleagues! What are the odds?

However, I don't think he heard me. Perhaps he reacted to the mentioning of the clinic, but hardly anything else. No eye contact thankfully, and we rushed off pretty quickly. Puh.

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Today's training

Easy training today.

30 mins cycling
Mobility
15 mins cycling

A bit of walking.

Not a resting day, but little effort. Felt ok. Tomorrow is big gym day. Yay.

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Office politics

Let me spell it out for you, just as an overview. The office politics of my gym/clinic has been studied and noted for almost 3 months now and I can conclude the following:

- Beaver and MJ are buddies (from American Football it turns out). They are also the same age.
- CJ and Zombie are pals (both specialising in knees/sports injuries).
- CJ and Zombie are a lot friendlier to MJ than Beaver...
- ...because MJ's dad a. works at the clinic (doctor) b. is on the board at the company that owns the clinic.
- The new woman, a shrink, remains outside of either group. A polite hello is all she gets, if even that.
- CJ sees a lot fewer patients than Beaver for example. If this is by choice or not, I don't know.
- MJ does a lot of work outside of the clinic, for example for a lot of pro athletes.

That's all for the moment. Updating as soon as I find out more.

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Spy Stuff

I never got around telling you exactly what CJ and Zombie's suspicious behaviour was. Well, here goes.

I was out and about in town after my appointment with CJ last week. The area I happened to find myself in was in a very special street. Namely the street where a certain clinic is - the clinic to which Ken and his orthopedist buddy have moved. A completely random coincidence, and I took the opportunity to check out in what house it lay. I then completed my business down there and when I turned to go back in to town (this is just outside the city centre) I look to my left - and see Zombie! Talk about surprised.

He and CJ were coming out of a basement in the house just opposite the clinic. CJ was wearing a bright blue polo shirt so he was easy to spot. Zombie definitely saw me, but I don't think CJ did. I rushed off as quickly as I could and when I turned around I saw, to my relief, that they walked in another direction.

What were they doing down there? What's in the basement? Is it a coincidence that this mysterious place was just opposite that clinic? Is it simply a storage room? Where did they go afterwards (not in the direction of their work place)? Is this connected to the move of the doctors and/or sale of knee machine?

So many questions, no answers - yet...

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News

In my session today, Zombie dropped in to talk to a patient. From what I could gather, he'd also done something to his knee and was now at 6 months in rehabilitation. In other words, time for the test to see what level the knee is at compared to the healthy leg.

Then Zombie said something interesting. Last time I tore my ACL, after 6 months you did a test where you sat in a machine and kicked with both legs, one at the time, and then the machine compared the strength and you got a nice little chart of it (still in my drawer). This machine is, according to Zombie, gone.

Apparently it is a recent novelty. Zombie told his patient (and, unknowingly, me) how he had come back from holidays 3 weeks ago to find the machine was - gone. "The owner of this place has sold it," Zombie says. "We had no idea."

The next step is of course to find out a. who owns the place? and b. where has the machine gone? Could the sale have something to do with the recent disappearance of Ken and the other doctor, and/or with the suspicious behaviour of CJ and Zombie?

Stay tuned.

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Week 11 finished

Felt better than ever today! Still some pain in cycling, but I'm suspecting that's psychological issues. Squats etc no problems!

10 mins cycling
Leg press: 75+80+80 kg
Leg curl: 30+31.25+31.25 kg (10-10-8-2)
Lifters
Balance
One-legged squats
Lunges
Squats: 10+10+10 kg
Ski jumps: 3x40
Interval cycling
Bending

Finally it felt somewhat ok. It's a completely different experience this, compared to training on the verge of tears because it's aching and so on. Let's hope it continues.

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Day off

I've done absolutely nothing for the knee today. Zero. Zilch. Except taking a pill. Felt good. I can get used to this.

But tomorrow it's time for a gym session. Hopefully it will feel better than yesterday. The swelling is down and it doesn't hurt nearly as much as before. Rest is the way!

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Beaver

At the gym today I encountered Mrs Beaver, the two little Misses Beaver and even Grandpa Beaver (who's one of the old men shuffling around in the gym and whose conversations with Mr Beaver I more often than not eavesdrop on).

More and more Beaver action. When is it CJ's turn?

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Today

15 mins cycling
Leg press: 72.5+75+75 kg
Leg curl: 30+30+31.25 kg
Lifters
Balance board
Squats: 3x10 kg
One-legged squats
Lunges
Ski jumps
Interval cycling
Bending

Never been more tired in my life. I honestly did not think I'd be able to finish the session after the first lap. 20% of me wanted to break off and go home, but obviously couldn't do that so I continued. I went easy on it, especially in interval cycling, so I can try and get back to where I should be at this point. Still completed the session with decent weights.

Glad it's over. Tomorrow is a day off. Win!

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:S

Given what the knee feels like at the moment, I honestly don't know if I'll be able to go through the whole session tomorrow.

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Connections

Officially have one mutual friend with Beaver on Facebook. It's not CJ, it's not MJ - not even Zombie! - but it's a start.

The stalking just hitched a new, higher, level.

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Back!

A wedding experience richer, I'm now returned from the Middle Ages and back in reality.

I had yesterday completely off and after a long night of walking around and then 4 hours in the car today, the knee is officially absolutely and utterly f-ed. Will do some bending today but nothing major and then I have a gym session tomorrow to look forward to. Then I've had two days off, and I can't afford more than that.

Also back on painkillers to reduce swelling. Happy days.

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ps: yes, I broke my non-alcoholic promise and had champagne yesterday. It was free - what do you expect me to do?

"You're young."

Seriously worried now, people. The goddamn knee is cracking and clicking in a way that it did before the surgery.

When it was torn.
When it dislocated twice a week on average.

This is bad. But Mr Physio felt it today and said it was fine. Then again - haven't I heard it before?

2004 (post surgery I (mini)): "You're young - you don't need surgery!"
2005 (post surgery II (big)): "You're young - you'll play again."
2006: "You're young - the problem is not in your knee, it's in your head!"
2008: "You're young - it'll be fine. Keep training."
2009: "Hm, that's strange. ACL definitely intact."
2010 (post surgery III (mini)): "ACL is torn, but you're young - you don't need big surgery!"
2011 (pre surgery IV (big) -new surgeon): "I've never seen a worse performed ACL reconstruction [insert laugh] I'm sorry for laughing, but I've never seen anything quite like it."

Now post surgery IV (big).

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Snooping

More sneaking around. Today in the reception the lady was on the phone with some papers on the desk and nosey as I am, I looked.

12th August from 9am (had a wee sleep-in today) until 11.20am (which is when I left), he had seen 10 patients. The income from this was 3060 SEK (~£280) and all of them paid cash if I read correctly.

Noted.

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Week 11

15 mins cycling
Leg press: 75+75+80 kg (10 reps)
Leg curl: 30+30+31.25 kg (10 reps)
Lifters
Balance board: 3x1 min
One-legged squats - PAIN
Lunges: 3x10
Squats: 10 kg (3x10 reps) - PAIN
Ski jumps: 3x40 reps
Interval cycling
Stretching

Huge pain in squats again. Hopefully just a side effect of training and will go away with more rest. Did a lot of the session with Mr Physio in room (he was with other patients) so had to put extra effort in. Especially interval cycling was probably tougher than usually. Also, I'm not sure I'm doing half the exercises right so had to make sure I did the ones I'm certain about whenever he was there. Awkward!

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Low profile

CJ officially hates me. It's funny really. And a little bit sad. But all fixable of course.

I think I've been annoying him a little bit too much lately, but today it was very very necessary. Honest! The past week has seen a strong increase in pain levels and crackling and so on. And, paranoid as I am, I decided something was very wrong and consequently jumped off the bike and caught up with Mr Physio as I saw him strut down the corridor towards his office.

Sum of our conversation: everything's fine, but I need to rest more.
"In essence, taking the isolated area of the knee, we're training it like an elite athlete - and even they take resting days," he said.
So, this weekend I'll take one proper resting day (going to a Medieval themed wedding!) and Sunday I'll do some mobility. Next week will also see one or two resting days. Also ordained to go back on pills to reduce the swelling.

Oh, and as to why he hates me. When I stood up to go out, I noticed he was stressed and the short simple "K thanks bye" he gave suggested to me that I might have been a little little too present, as it were.

Keeping a low profile for a week or so (he said we'd speak next week - not my fault!) Don't want to scare him away!

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Sit down, hold on tight...

News/shock number 1:

KEN IS GONE!

I can hear you go "Duuh, you already said that" however - hold it right there. I said he was gone, but not why or where or how. Turns out it's a lot more interesting than I initially thought...

I was on my way from the reception to the changing rooms when I heard someone say to the receptionist: "So have you found a new orthopedist yet?" BAM! I had suspicions he might just have moved up a floor, but oh no. After a couple of minutes of eavesdropping from behind the door to the changing room, I'd found out that both (!) orthopedists had left/been sacked and that the clinic is now searching for a new one.

This is as far as I'm sure of my information at this point, but if things are the way my research has made me think they are, this drama is only just beginning. Together with today's discovery that involves both Zombie and CJ (oh yes!), there's potentially something very funky going on here...

Stay tuned.

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A Thursday

Had a little gym session today with mobility and cycling and upper body work.

30 mins cycling
3x lifters
3x pressers
3x balance board
Bending

Seriously pain on inside of knee now. And lifters hurt like hell! Might unfortunately have to stop by CJ's office tomorrow. Oh, the effort...! He'll end up hating me at this rate!

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Oh. My. Gosh.

I might just change the name and content of this blog, because the soap opera that is the office where the physios work has just taken a new turn. This twist was NOT expected by anyone!

The plot thickens; the drama takes on new levels; the alliances become more apparent; and there just might be a mutiny under way...

Stay tuned.

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Cherry on top

And my earphones aren't working anymore. Shame on you, Apple. Bah, humbug.

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Week 10 finito

Final session of week 10.Well, see previous post.

15 mins cycling
Leg press: 72.5+75+80 kg (10 reps)
Leg curl: 30+31.25+31.25 (10 reps)
Lifters
Balance: 3x1 min
One-legged squats: 3x 10 - PAIN!
Lunges: 3x10 - both legs
Squats: 3x10 (10 kg) - PAIN!
Ski jumps: 3x40
Interval cycling: 3x 6x30+30 secs
Stretching

Bah.

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The F word...

...feels very close at hand right now. I woke up at 7am (for crying out loud, why do I book these early ones???) and felt good for once! Perhaps it is due to all the carbs I've been munching lately, or simply a good day I don't know - who am I to complain? Just went for it and it felt alright up until the first interval cycling.

BAM! Oh, hello back of the knee. Long time, no prickle.

The rest of the session went in this fashion and squats killed the front of the knee. Contemplated talking to Mr Physio as it got quite swollen as well, but by the end it felt ok again. Came home and sat down.

BAM! Huge, massive, biting PAIN.

I'm not a happy cookie at the moment.

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Jackpot!

Jackpot, yahtzee, bingo & a royal flush all at once!!! This is too good to be true. There I was, minding my own business (while keeping a hawk eye out in the corridor, mind you, in case something walks by) and what happens? All the deities in the word must have focused their glory rays on my little mat there in that moment for in walks CJ with a patient to the treadmill. And he remains there with this patient for appr. 10 minuters, intending to analyse her running step. But he can't get the computer working! So the time for me to glare is extended, and extended...Of course also listening to their conversation.

So there I am, thinking myself in ridiculous luck - and somehow somewhere, another pang of Felix Felicis and I hear a voice from the door. I look up. No way. MJ. Tall and fit, wearing a white polo shirt and slightly baggy jeans - and I for the first time heard him speak! As would be expected of such a god - no sign of the stupid farmish accent we have here. He was also with a patient and stayed for 20 minutes or so. Sometimes I wish I worked out in shades because looking in that small small room without being seen is not easy. All the mirrors and the patient's mother hanging around as well? Not an easy task.

CJ and MJ in the same room - at the SAME TIME?! I should buy a lottery ticket.

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Lifters

It has been brought to my attention that there is a slight confusion to what LIFTERS are exactly.

This was the best photo I could find. She's doing it sort of wrong though. The leg is supposed to be stretched completely and then you lift it a couple of cm above the ground, hold for 10 secs, then release. Repeat 10 times per set. Works quad muscles with particular focus on the inner quad (or Vastus medialis for us geeks) which is important to build up during the rehabilitation.

Now we know!

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Moremoremore!

New piece of information on CJ extracted today from one of the receptionist (and not even one of the nice ones!)

He is not a morning person.

Ha! Getting to know someone through snooping and eavesdropping and luring information out of other people is fun. I wonder what he did during his vacation...probably all kids and wife and so on.

Did I mention he's 47? Doesn't look a day over 35 he doesn't (maybe one or two...)!

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Awkward!

The awkward moment when you realise that the only other blonde younger girl in the gym (who also plays basketball but she has no idea you know this) is wearing the same shorts as you are.

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Today

Went well today I think. Some pain in cycling but I felt strong!

15 mins cycling
Leg press: 72.5+75+80 kg (10 reps)
Leg curl: 30+32.5+32.5 (10-10-9)
Lifters
Balance: 3x1 min (last one w. tennis ball)
One-legged squat: 3x10
Lunges: 3x10 (both legs)
Squats: 10+10+10 kg (10 reps)
Ski jumps: 3x40 (doubled up!)
Interval cycling: 3x 6x30+30 sec
Bending

Must try to stick to these new weights now rather than increase even more. Good session though.

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Typical

This is typical of me. I have an appointment with Mr Physio, and I've got all these questions and queries lined up. I go inside and before I know it I'm shaking his hand saying "no problems, not at all, yes yes everything's fine" and walk out, nodding like one of those goddamn dogs you put in your car.

But the appointment went well. CJ was happy with mobility and everything and for the coming 2 weeks nothing will change, but I'm allowed to increase weights in the stuff I'm already doing. And in 2 weeks time (new appointment - yay!) we'll be changing the programme and maybe, if it allows, include some running and more co-ordination drills! Can't wait!

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Today's

45 mins cycling
Mobility (3x lifters + 3x pressers)

15 mins cycling
Mobility (2x pressers + 3x lifters)

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What time is it? - IT'S CJ-TIME!

Tomorrow, tomorrow, tomorrow! Appointment is booked with CJ at 9.30am and I expect he will be more tanned than ever before! 4 weeks of vacation in this lovely weather we have had lately? Oh my.

I shall keep you updated of course. Can't wait to see his lovely face again!

I've also found another celeb look-alike for him. This guy to the right is a famous nutritionist in Sweden (Fredrik Paulun). If Leo is the hot version, he's the ugly celeb look-alike of CJ.

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Whacky weekend

I wish. Another one of those I-Don't-Know-What-To-Do-Today-Day so I've done absolutely nothing. Managed so far 30 mins cycling + a mobility session but that's it. Have another one to look forward to tonight, but that'll have to wait until later.

Muscles hurt and the knee is cracking/crunching again. Not very comfortable.

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???

One thing I don't understand. My muscles are always so tired and so beat, despite resting, and I eat LOADS and am gaining weight as we speak. So it's not over-training and it's not lack of nutrients.

Enlighten me?

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Today's

Tough one today. Tired beyond belief in both mind and body.

10 mins cycling
Leg press: 72.5+75+75 kg (10 reps)
Leg curl: 27.5+30+31.25kg (10 reps)
Lifters
Balance board: 3x1 min w. 3 boards
One-legged squat: 3x10
Lunges: 3x10 (also did a couple the other way around)
Squats: 10+10+10 kg (10 reps)
Ski jumps: 3x20
Interval cycling: 3x 6x30+30 secs
Bending

Leg curl felt better than ever, but squats were troublesome. I tend to put more weight onto the healthy knee (as is natural) and I need to get rid of this bad habit!

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Week 10

So another week has begun in this process. I haven't calculated the total number of weeks until so-and-so, as that'd make me crazy. In writing this I realise a year has 52 weeks, hence the number until I should be declared ACL whole again. Only 42 to go then!

At the gym today MJ at least had the decency not to show his face. Good choice, my man. Only Beaver and Zombie strutted around (actually, Zombie more sort of sweeps and Beaver wobbles) and as there was not a soul there training besides me, it was beyond boring.

On another note, I have from reliable sources that Beaver and MJ are the exact same age! How is that possible?

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Duh-duh

Thus it is time. The news. The news I anticipated but blissfully suppressed until they could be suppressed no more. Until Fact and Reality spat me in the face in mocking. It is over.

Not only is MJ engaged to this woman he lives with - he's got a KID as well!

An engagement can be investigated and stranger things have happened before. But a child involved too? No, even I have a limit. Alas, MJ will remain an unattainable creature of another realm. The golden glimmer of the dismal gym. It was fun while it lasted.

Doesn't mean I have to stop looking...!

(Right: a picture of the fluff of MJ that we know and love.)

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Bad news

Tomorrow I will release the saddest news so far in the history of this story.

Stay tuned.

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Week 9

Had a decent gym day today. It was super tough and very, very hard to get through but I pulled another ace from up my sleeve and completed the second session of the week. Here goes:

10-15 mins cycling
Leg press: 72.5+75+75 kg (10 reps)
Leg curl: 27.5+30+30 kg (10 reps)
Lifters
Balance board: 3x 1 min
One-legged squat: 3x 10 reps
Lunges: 3x10
Squats: 10+10+10 kg (10 reps)
Ski jumps: 3x 20
Interval cycling: 30+30 secs x6 (x3)
Bending

No MJ sighting today, no CJ yet, but only Beaver and Zombie. Secretly eavesdropped on Beaver's conversation with his patient about local basketball stars. Interesting stuff indeed. It was a tough one today with cycling being particularly troublesome, but I was glad (and wet to say the least) when I walked out.

Tomorrow is a gym-free day and I can look forward to a day in our lovely capital Stockholm!

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The ACL Tan Line

As mentioned, 25+ degrees and a desire to keep the scarring to a minimum. Result above. 

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Back in the hood

First day back at my old gym and normal weights. I saw some improvement even if I didn't increase anything from before. Don't rush it, Mr Physio said - and rush I won't. Hence:

10-15 mins cycling
Leg press: 70+75+75 kg (10 reps)
Leg curl: 27.5+30+30 kg (10 reps)
Lifters
Balance board: 3x1 min - this is hilarious. Now using 3 boards, stepping from to the other. Love it!
One-legged squats: 3x10 reps
Lunges: 3x10 reps
Ski jumps: 3x20
Squats: 10+10+10 kg (10 reps)
Interval cycling: 30+30 secs x6 - forgive me, but these bikes are no good for interval cycling. Pain!
Some stretching/bending

Felt ok, but pain in interval cycling. Maybe it's just a matter of getting used to these bikes again. Let's hope so. Ski jumps felt really good so I'm trying to push the jumping distance a bit more here. Now I'm out of the acute rehab stage and move on to more coordination-related stuff so I think pushing balance, ski jumps and lunges is key here. I'll see Mr Physio Monday so will find out more then. Probably changing up the programme a bit (fingers crossed!). Standard day really - was still beat after walking London (calves are killing!) so tomorrow I'll hopefully be able to push harder!

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Spotted

I was standing on the stool to do one-legged squat when I looked out through the window to the reception. There he was. At first I didn't recognise him. I thought 'I know that face'. Then I realised. Almost fell off the goddamn stool in surprise. MJ.

With a hat on.

Now, I live in Sweden but at the moment we're enjoying 25+ degrees Celsius so a hat is by no means necessary. Once I'd been staring at him for a minute or so, and he continued on, I did my squats, then went on to lunges. Out of the corner of my eye I could see him pass in the corridor, glance into the gym and go to his office. Later on, he came back, looking into the gym of course (me thinking "don't look, don't look, don't look!"). When I was finished I passed him again - still wearing the hat - with a client in his little shop room (conveniently placed on the way out from the changing rooms).

Tan, tall & tight - that's my MJ!

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Revelations

Speaking of MJ, there has been new information leaked in this area.

MJ is not married!

See, this sounds like good news. However, he lives with a woman so either he's engaged/taken or he lives with his mother...

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ps. don't even bother asking how I know this...

Back!

Tuners - I am back! After 3 days in London I am beat. Walking has not been the predominant activity these past two months and I'm not even sure I'm supposed to do a lot of walking at all. Anyway, my shins, calves and thighs are dead. Training 8.30am tomorrow. But of course.

Also tomorrow is the new start of fresh MJ/CJ adventures. Yi-haa!

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