One Year Reflections, Looking Back at 365 Days of Injury Recovery
If this is your first time reading any part of my story, I highly recommend you read blog entries one and two for additional context.
One year ago, a new reality set in. My orthopedic said the exact words of, “you’ve reached maximum medical improvement. All I can recommend at this time is surgery”. I wasn’t ready for him to throw in the towel; I thought he’d have a different recommendation. I saw my injuries as a fight that I needed to win. I was willing to try anything but knew the first fight was over without the outcome I was looking for. I decided 6 months prior to this appointment that I’d move on from Fight One to Fight Two if epidural shots did not work. My ortho appointment was a follow up to my third and final shot. I had to ask one clarifying question, “do you mean this is permanent?”. I was completely braced to hear “yes”, yet it was shocking. As shocking as it may have been, I had a heavier sense of relief. I wasn’t chasing unicorns anymore. Fight One ended, Fight Two was about to start.
How far have I progressed in Fight Two? Watch this video here, it shows it all.
Feeling sorry for myself was not an option one year ago. If you’ve read most of my posts, you already know that I’ve utilized cryotherapy, DDP yoga and rehab work (movements taught by my PT) over the past year. Fight One was very expensive and time consuming. I dabbled with the three other things and began seeing slow improvement. My dedication today to Cryo/Rehab/DDP Yoga were the three pillars of my plan a year ago. I knew I’d feel better if I focused an insane amount of time in these 3 areas. By increasing flexibility and range of motion, I’ve become stronger while eliminating pain. By eliminating pain, I’ve improved my quality of life and resumed to racing.
So here we are now, one year later. I’ve really appreciated anyone who has taken a minute to read any of my content as well as those who’ve provided feedback.
Year one was a fun ride. I did received good news last May when doctors gave me clearance to compete in a 10k race. I ran much slower than normal and was sore for days. Spectators could not see the ice-pack or brace I wore on my back. Looking back now, it seems like a million years ago. I started slow, but made big gains each week.
My pain levels in May of last year do not resemble how I feel today. Somewhere around that time I told my wife “that doctor does not know how hard I am willing to work to feel better.” I looked at it like this—the improvement levels I had experienced up to that point were the result of the work I had already put in. I was willing to put in more work, probably more than his usual client.
I was fortunate enough to compete in the Prairie Fire Spring half-marathon a few weeks ago. The race was converted to a “Virtual Race” due to COVID-19. I performed better than I expected, finishing at 1 hour, 39 minutes which was good enough for 4th overall (and 1st for the above 40 year old crowd). Over the last year, I’ve taken first place in my age group in multiple races while also outright winning a small, local 5k.
So what’s next? I have a few plans in place:
- I enjoyed my first cryotherapy session today since March 13. Cryotherapy centers are beginning to re-open after COVID-19 closure. My body was ready to jump back in that machine and instantly felt better.
- I’ve signed up for the “Run Across Kansas Challenge”. Participants in this challenge will run the distance of the Kansas/Missouri to Kansas/Colorado border between Memorial Day and Labor Day. The total distance over this time is 630km/391.5 miles.
- I intend to run the Pikes Peak Ascent on August 22, assuming it is not cancelled.
- I intend to run in the fall Prairie Fire Half-Marathon. Like the spring race, there is possibility this will become a virtual race depending on COVID-19 impact in the fall. I sure hope not though; fall Prairie Fire is one of my favorite days in this city each year.
- I’m continuing my daily workout streak towards 1,000 consecutive days. The streak is alive, currently on day 208.
- I will continue to work towards becoming a certified DDP Yoga Instructor. I should begin student teaching in late summer or early fall.
- I’m currently on pace to achieve all of my 2020 fitness goals, including running 1281 miles, completing 100 hours of DDP Yoga (I intend to raise this goal to 175-200), 100 hours of rehab work plus 15,000 crunches/squats/sit-ups.
It has been an amazing year 1 and I’m looking forward to continued improvement in year 2.
If you stumble across this site and have questions about my recovery or weight loss, feel free to email me (matt@injuredbeast.com) or DM me on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn/Instagram. You can even suggest a topic. I’m happy to help.
Go get it!
