Throwing Caution to the Wind

Since Australia, my runs, on the treadmill, have been regular 30-35 minute routines. I’ve also experimented with changing my speed, which Dr. George allows anyway. My runs are always followed by a 30-minute stationary bike workout to further add to my strength training. This was actually how I regularly train before my injury, with far less intensity of course this time around.

Since I got back from Australia a week and a half ago, I’ve been so busy trying to catch up with my office work and as a result have found it so difficult to find time to exercise. In fact, I’ve been only able to go the gym 3 times to do my strength training including my run and bike workouts. Today, I had a late morning meeting in my schedule so I had a tiny window where I felt I could squeeze in a run. The problem was, it was so tight that I had no time to travel to the gym and was only left with the alternative of running on the road, in the village. The debate went on again in my mind whether to go through with it or not. I knew there might be consequences but my desire to run was greater so I went ahead and did my first run on the road.

I chose a relatively easy route. I ran a straight line a much as I can and tried to prevent any lateral steps. I also controlled my speed and my stride throughout the run but with great difficulty. The urge to go faster, run my normal stride, and attack the uphill slopes was always there especially when I became comfortable with my run around my 3rd minute. But common sense persevered this time around. At the end of it all, when I completed my route, I clocked a total of 37 minutes. I’m sure I didn’t cover a considerable distance given my speed but I felt really great. I had neither pain nor stiffness in my knee. I wasn’t tired at all but had a good workout just the same.

Though it felt great to hit the road again, I don’t think I’m not going to do this regularly until I get George’s GO signal. I’m counting my blessings. I didn’t get injured. My knee didn’t hurt. And I was able to experience “runners high” again after a long, long time.

For now, I can use this feeling to stimulate my boring runs on the treadmill. Hahahaha.

My Alternative Workout

Let me begin by saying that this post is long overdue. I was supposed to post this while I was still in Australia but I was enjoying myself so much that it seemed foolish to waste my time posting my blog.

Anyway, the last time I did write, I was debating whether I should run on the road (instead of the hotel gym) given the fact that Melbourne outdoors were really spectacular. Well, I decided to be more sensible as I didn’t want to risk any unnecessary injury by not following doctor’s orders. In addition, Mayi already felt terrible for accidentally leaving her running shoes so I decided to sympathize with her. Instead, we did long walks (7 to 10 kms a day). It was perfect as we got to see more of the sites and get our doze of daily exercise – two birds with one stone!

Here are some snapshots taken from our walks.

To Run or Not to Run

I’m proud to report that since I started to include running in my workouts, my exercises have been more regular and I’ve also managed to consistently increase my performance. Ah yes, progress.

I’m now out of the country enjoying a break and living out a dream come true. I’m in Australia with Mayi and my in-laws to watch the Australian Open. As I mentioned, it’s been my dream to watch sports events/tournaments at this level. I get a boost of inspiration watching and admiring these top class athletes. And to get a chance to see them live, oh wow. Thanks Pappy!

Anyway, two days before my departure, I decided not to workout anymore. I had to rush and finish all my work before leaving and I didn’t want to risk any form of injury that would eventually spoil my dream trip. After all, I figured, I can catch up on my workout while I’m there. I already checked the hotel’s website and they do have a full gym and spa.

While here in Melbourne, I can’t begin to express how beautiful this city is. Our hotel, Hilton at the park, is walking distance from the Australian Open playing courts. It’s also surrounded with two huge parks with slopping bike and running trails. The moment Mayi and I saw them, we looked at each other and said, “oh my God, how perfect.” My dilemma though is, should I go against George’s instructions and run on the road or just stay within the confines of the gym and the boring treadmill?



After much debate in my mind, I did the more rational decision and ran in the gym. I didn’t want to risk it. Instead, I opted to run longer and faster and finish off with a bike routine. It was ok. I left the gym satisfied. And I know there will be other opportunities. Who knows, I just might give it a go before I fly back to manila. Hahahaha.

Surprise! Surprise! Surprise!

Two days ago, Jan 8, 2008, I decided to see George for a check-up. I figured, I’d see him before I started my workouts anew and also get an inclination of the measure of progress of my knee in his expert opinion. As he proceeded with examining my knee, I went about telling him how bad I was during the holidays. George just smirked and gave me the “Yup, I knew were going to do that” look. I figured better to be honest and tell him everything and face the consequences. Anyway I was resigned to the fact that my partying during the holidays probably cost me a delay of one month in my recovery. So by that count, I’ll be running on March instead of February. After his examination, George looked at me and gave me the big surprise. He said, “Ok, you can start running already.” I couldn’t believe it. I had to ask him at least three more times. Wow.

After clarifying what I can and can’t do as far as running is concerned, I announced to my therapists that Doc gave me the GO signal to run. They were as surprised as I was and they cheered me on as I walked out of the clinic door.

The following morning, I went to the gym excited as hell. I went through my strengthening workout religiously as George reminded me how important it was now that I was going to start running already. He also told me to do heavier weights to further build the strength in my legs and knees, so I did.

As I stepped on the treadmill, there were a million thoughts on my mind. I was telling myself, “You’re finally going to run again” but at the same time, I was also telling myself, “Take it easy”. For my first run, I ran for 15 minutes as George prescribed. The first 5 minutes was crazy but fun. I was constantly analyzing my strides, feeling my knee, and trying to catch a pattern for my breathing. I think I was still in disbelief that I was running. The next 5 minutes was tougher. I was catching my breath as if I was already on my 5th kilometer. However, by the time I reached my 12th minute, I got my step back and got both my rhythm in my breathing and my stride. It felt good that by the time I reached 15 minutes, I wanted to run more. But I was quick to tell myself, “Enough”. So I just settled for the stationary bike instead.

Today, Jan 10, 2008, I was back in the gym again for another round. I felt so high; I just had to go back. Anyway, I wasn’t going to try anything fancy. I just did exactly the same routine as yesterday. Today was even better. I ran with a consistent stride and did not feel the fatigue as yesterday. But I also kept a comfortable pace both in my run and my bike as didn’t want to risk overdoing it.

I’m so happy! This for me is big progress. I figured I just have to keep my mindset of being disciplined and patient and just focus on strengthening rather than endurance and I’ll be on my way. I feel great!!!

Controlling My Inner Demons

I’m sad to report that temptation coupled with laziness got the better of me over past two weeks and a half. I’m even ashamed to say the amount of partying (therefore drinking and pigging out) I indulged in over the holidays.

My brief shinning moment was my workout on Christmas Eve. I went to the gym, did my full routine including cardio work and an upper body workout. But that was it. I have not exercised aside from spurts of heel raises, squats or hamstring curls. Other than that, nothing!

The devil made me do it! Hahahaha

Although to my surprise, I still feel my knee getting stronger. I experience the shooting pains much less as well as the stiffness in my knee. My swelling has decreased considerably and I’m starting to see the “cuts” back on my legs. The only part that’s slow to improve though is my hamstring. It is still far from normal, using my right leg as my benchmark. I guess there are no shortcuts there and that I really have to seriously get back to working out.



My resolve hasn’t diminished though. I’m still aiming for the dates that George and I set. My goals remain and I know reaching them is all up to me.

Beyond My Control?

This was a bad weak in terms of therapy and workouts. I think I only went to the gym once and didn't even do the exercises at home. This week was wall-to-wall meetings and Christmas parties. So naturally, none stop drinking as well.

Oh. I failed to mention that Dr. George also allowed me to have a few drinks already, provided that I keep it to a minimum and see to it that it doesn't aggravate the swelling in my knee. Well, so far the swelling has not come back so I've been having more drinks than I think George would allow me to have. At this time of the year, it's really beyond my control. Hahahaha

Tomorrow though, I promised myself I'd go back to my usual routine in the gym. And since the next week's workload will be relatively light, I can have more time for exercise. Of course, there will still be a lot of parties and therefore a lot of drinking. So, let's see which one is stronger, will power or temptation. I'll keep you posted...

Back On The Saddle

The past week, as expected, was another roller coaster ride of sorts. From the time of my last post, it took me three more days before I actually set foot on the gym. It wasn’t for lack of enthusiasm to go. This time, I was just so busy with work; it was impossible to squeeze it in. I was also probably the longest stretch, since I started therapy, that I’ve been without any form of workout or exercise. Paranoia started creeping in again such that I thought I was regressing without my usual drills.

Finally, on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2007, I walked back into the gym. The first person I saw was my friend and trainer, Joms. I showed him my battle scars from the operation and we discussed the program given by the clinic as well. I didn’t have a session with him though. I thought, I’d try to do the routine myself first and get a feel of things. I found the usual exercises a bit tougher since I was working with real weights now as resistance. But the drills were less than what I was asked to perform in the clinic so that allowed me to give it more effort. The funny part was that I still did 250 reps each on my leg presses and leg/hamstring curls only to find out that I was supposed perform just three 20 rep sets each. It’s funny now after the fact; but I guarantee you, I wasn’t smiling while I was doing it. My legs were really burning. In fact, I called the clinic the day after to ask my therapists if I was doing anything wrong. As they were correcting me, they thought I was crazy as they could probably imagine how I struggled but still forced myself to finish. Since then, I’ve gone back to the gym two more times. My routines are smoother now and I’m beginning to enjoy myself again. Today, Joms introduced an upper body workout routine as well. Now I’m looking at a full body workout!

I should mention though that the constant highlight is my lone cardio workout. I’ve mentioned in my past blog that I’m now allowed to use the stationary bike. It’s far from ridding on the road or even a spin class but right now it’s pure heaven for me. I miss biking (and running) so much that I really look forward to this part of my workout. In fact, it’s more a challenge for me controlling my brain to stop myself from pushing too hard. A lot of times I get the urge to speed up or increase the resistance. I constantly have to tell myself, “Stick to what’s allowed and be patient. You’ll get to that phase eventually.”

I’ve set a new goal to help me manage mindset. I tell myself, “The goal is to strengthen my knee further and not to work on building my fitness.” Not yet at least. hahahaha

But it really feels great being back in the gym. I feel it’s a big step forward. I’m back to things I’m used to doing. I’m back to seeing old friends as well.