Friday, June 23, 2006

Small victories

I’ve been plagued with one injury after another for the past 7 months. I’ve been patient. I’ve obeyed doctors’ and other professionals’ advice. I’ve gone from hopeful to depressed to downright sobbing. I’ve tried to start running – even walking – a few times (with the nod of approval from a health professional or two), only to have to stop dead in my tracks due to pain of some sort or another.

I have not given up… but despite the fact that injuries have kept me grounded, I have a few things to celebrate. They’re small… but worth sharing.

At the end of my 6 week yoga class I was able to get into -- and hold -- a “tree” position. If you’re not familiar with this, it is a one-legged balance position, where the foot of one leg rests on the inside of your standing thigh. The arms reach out, and then up, fully extended over your head with palms together in a prayer-type position. Then… you hold.

I’ve seen this done… and never even come close to it… until last Wednesday. I was amazed that I not only got my self into the position… but I maintained it… for a good long time.

I was very pleased. (I have signed up for more yoga.)

This week, for the first time since January, I was able to manage 40 minutes of “land cardio”. I am thankful not to have to be in the pool any more for my cardio. It’s not that I don’t like water… I just like land better. Nevertheless, I have had to take it slow. I promised myself that whenever I felt even the slightest twinge in my knee or leg, I would stop whatever I was doing. There were days when this meant a 5-minute warm-up on the bike and that was it.

Slowly, I have been adding a minute here and there… On good days, I push a bit more… but trying not to push too much… Finding the balance.

The day before yesterday I did 40 minutes (20 on the bike and 20 on the elliptical). No pain… anywhere. That is the key here... The last time I logged that much time was in January... And I wrote in my comments that my knee was very swollen and sore. But now... no swelling and no pain. I even worked up a sweat... and it felt great.


Today my back is a bit sore, so I took it easy... But still, no knee or leg pain!

These are minor occurrences… For some people, they would be so incidental that they wouldn’t even merit mention. But in between the tears and the ice packs, these small victories are what warm my soul and give me hope.

12 comments:

ipodmomma said...

yeah!!! it is the small victories we have to acknowledge, for it is from them we go on to do great things.

I'm so happy for you, because I know that feeling of wanting to DO, but being unble for reason to do with pain.

keep up the small things, and you just don't know to where it will lead...

megz_mum said...

That is great! Yoga is so good for many things. I haven't had a chance go for a bit, but always feel better when I do.

Janice Seagraves said...

Hi Sarah,

I've tried yoga, and that tree pose is especially hard, and hard on my feet that why I don't do them anymore.

But good for you, you did it! Keep with the slow and steady pace.

Janice~

Turtle Guy said...

OMG... 40 minutes of land cardio?? Nice! Very nice!

"On good days, I push a bit more… but trying not to push too much… Finding the balance."

...proud of you!!!

Unknown said...

Yeah, Sarah! Small victories are good. You gotta take em where you can get em.

Anonymous said...

Woo hoo!!! the TREE pose! that is awesome. and 40 minutes, no pain, yay!!

Backofpack said...

Yay Sarah! Keep it up, small increments and balance, and you'll get there! It's so hard to hold yourself back...you are awesome!

Anvilcloud said...

I get your frustration. I have a gimpy knee that is making cycling somewhat problematic. But it sounds as though you've turned the corner. Good luck.

psbowe said...

Yes, those are victories indeed and you sure earned them! Great job!

I need to do more yoga...well done on yours.

Like everyone said, don't give up, you're doing wonderful.

Ginger Breadman said...

Small victories? If they're big victories for you, then they're big victories. End of story. No, not end of story, I mean - it's exciting! I'm so jealous of your yoga - yoga humbles me. I think it's one of the best things you can do for your mind and body.

Granny said...

Baby steps and small victories. Good for you.

Madcap said...

Sarah, if I could do a "tree" it would be no small victory. You've come a long way, baby!