gym

So today turned out to be decent, despite severe tiredness.

7.1 km, 40 minutes
Bending x3

Didn't have time for glute bridges, which leaves me at only 4 this week but it'll have to do. Mitigating circumstances (=Eurovision) has rendered me so, so tired this week. Next one will hopefully mean proper sleep and I can do full sessions again.

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12 months

12 months post-op was yesterday and it passed by quite unnoticed. Perhaps mostly because even though the official rehab might be over (gosh, that sounds odd to my ears), I'm still far from recovered.

Nevertheless the training session I had in honour of the day went rather well, so I shall not complain. A year ago (before the surgery) I could not run at all, not even cycle because of pain, and walking was hazardous because it might give way. Whatever has gone down these past 12 months, and wherever this ends up - I've come a long way from that.

It's time to, even if it's difficult, think ahead and look to what's possible rather than to keep mourning the past and try to rationalise it. It's done and it won't change, so let's leave where it belongs. Easier said than done, and I'm sure you'll be reading a melancholic post here again, but for now that's my ambition at least.

Thank you for following my journey, and particularly Tony for encouraging comments and always being there, no matter how much I've been whining. You've given me some seriously good insights throughout and helped in keeping me sane.

ACL Rehab 2.0 will now become (courtesy of Tony) ACL 2.0 Beta, as the journey continues. Maybe the summer season can offer some new CJ drama?

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you can run but you can't hide

Run on the Day with capital D. Went rather well and I stopped because I decided to, not the knee.

5 km, 31 mins
Glute bridges: 2x 30 reps
Hip extension on balance ball: 3x 10 reps/leg
Stretch
Bending

Could possibly have run longer, and even upped the pace to level 11.5 in the end. It's been a while since I did that. I'll continue running and at some point I have to introduce intervals again. But I'm scared. I'm too scared and I don't trust it at all to do stuff like that. Maybe I'll a week or two, just to give the hamstrings a chance to improve before. Yes, yes I'll do that.

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fail...!

Another session today. Was all planned to do a run, at least 5K per usual. However, after 2.5 km our lovely main character gave up. Medial pain and I stopped. Both because physio's orders and because it was simply too worrisome. Went on to do some strength instead.

20 mins cycling
2.5 km = 17 mins
Squats: 3x 20 kg (10) - w. heel support
Calf raises: 3x20 /leg
Glute bridges: 2x 30 reps - PAIN!
Stretch
Bending: 2x

I'm not happy. I'm frustrated and upset because even the easiest things hurt, and I can't do anything. 2 days until 1 year post-op and where am I? Am I really supposed to be on the verge of tears because it hurts so much?

It's funny. Seconds after I left the gym I bumped into a friend. He's got similar problems with his back and shoulders and can't do any sports, not even running! I gave him a pep talk about how it takes time and how he should push even though it hurts. His comment: "I'll be as joyful as you are." Ironic, isn't it?

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yesterday

Monster 2½ hour gym session!

10 mins cycling
Interval cycling
Leg press: 3x 70 kg (15)
Leg curl: 3x 39 kg (15)
Leg extension: 3x 28.5 kg (15) - still uncomfortable
Glute bridges: 2x 30 reps
Bending: 3x
Hip extension on balance ball: 3x 10/leg
+ upper body
Stretch

Very good session, despite uncomfortability in leg extension. Don't like it.

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a thought

This blog is called "ACL Rehab 2.0" - so in 3 days when the rehab period is over, would I be justified in keeping the blog?

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3 days...

...until 1 year anniversary. Dreading it, I think. I'm a little sad that it doesn't mean anything, not really. I'm nowhere near recovered so it's only another day to reminisce.

Split feelings over here.

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quality vs quantity?

I got a reply from CJ. I find it amusing and rather oddly dissatisfying that he says

"You should focus on quality rather than quantity - 3 strength sessions and 2 running per week is enough."

5 days a week is thus not regarded as 'quantity' by CJ. I'd say that's a quantity, no?

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pain + run

Week's final run today and it started hurting around 5 km. Physio told me to stop if running hurt so I finished 5 k is just over 30 mins and then quit. Walked a bit with 2.5 inclination to slow down.

5k
Bending
Balance board + hip flexion: 3x 10 reps

No time for glute bridges. Tomorrow.

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yesterday...

Gym session yesterday. Nothing major for the following reason (and this is genuinely true) - I didn't want to wash my hair before going out. Dedication? As follows:

10 mins cycling
Leg press: 3x 70 kg (15)
Leg curl: 3x 39 kg (15)
Leg extension: 3x 28.5 kg (15) - felt oddly and disturbingly uncomfortable
Glute bridges: 2x 30 reps
Balance board + hip flexion: 3x 10 reps/leg

Think that was it! Also tried the squats without shaking knees, but I simply can't do it. Try, and try again.

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