Day 1094

CROSSFIT.

Warm up:
25 double infers (I did 75 singles)
10 burpees
10 kips
5 pull ups
5 push ups
x3

Bullet proof shoulders

WOD, 'Elizabeth':
21-15-9
Cleans 95lbs
Push ups

I finished in 7:58.

Day 1093

CROSSFIT.

Warm up:
400m run/500m row
Joint Mobility
Toy soldiers
Quad pulls
Bullet Proof Shoulders
Then...
10 kips
10 good mornings w/35lb bar
10 squats
10 push ups
x2

WOD, 5-5-5-5-5:
Back squat (I started with just the bar, finished at 105lbs)

Finisher, 7 min EMOM:
5 pull ups
10 push ups
15 squats
(for every min missed = 50 burpees)

Day 1092

CROSSFIT.

Warm Up:
400m run/500m row
Joint Mobility
Bullet proof shoulders
Then...
10 Squats
10 Inch Worms
10 Toy Soldiers
10 PVC Pass Thrus
x2

Pre-WOD:
Power Snatch 1-1-1-1-1, start at 50% of max

WOD, 15mins AMRAP:
300m row
10 Wall balls
5 Power snatch

I finished 5 rounds, plus 125m row.

Day 1087

CROSSFIT.

Warm up:
400m run/500m row
Joint mobility
Then...
10 PVC pass thrus
10 pull ups
10 push ups
Calf stretches

WOD, 'Nutts':
10 handstand push ups
15 Deadlifts (I did 125lbs)
25 box jumps (I did step ups)
50 pull ups (I did ring rows)
100 wall balls (I only used a 10lb ball)
35 burpees
400m run/500m row

I finished in 20:48.

Day 1085

CROSSFIT.

Warm up:
100 jumping jacks
Joint Mobility
Then...
Spiderman lunges
Walking quad stretch
Intense calf stretch
Side lunges

20 squats
10 push ups

WOD, 'Furzin':
Run 1600m/Row 2000m/Bike 3200m
Rest 3mins
Run 1200m/Row 1500m/Bike 2400m
Rest 2mins
Run 800m/Row 1000m/Bike 1600m
Run 400m/Row 500m/Bike 800m

I chose the bike this time.  I have yet to use the bike in a workout at CrossFit, so why not now??

Round one:  6:45
Round two:  4:29
Round three:  2:44
Round four:  1:26
TOTAL (including rest): 21:24

Day 1083

CROSSFIT.

Warm Up:
400m row
Joint Mobility
Bullet Proof Shoulders
Then...
15 Good Mornings
15 Pull Ups
10 Push Ups
10 Wall Squats

Pre-WOD:
2 rounds - most pull ups without stopping...max

WOD, for time:
50-40-30-20-10
Kettlebell Swings (I used 35lbs)
Sit ups

I finished in 11:28!

I was very 'down' today.  I have laryngitis, which I know will eventually make me so sick that I'll miss more CrossFit.  Seems like I take three steps forward, only to take two backward.  I'll be honest, pull ups, right now, are not on my priority list.  In fact, right now, I could care less if I ever do them (yes, that will change, eventually).  One thing at a time.  Its just that, lately, if it isn't the knee, its the hands, or I'm sick.  I have been super positive 95% of the time since I injured myself OVER one year ago...which, by the way, was only a mere 6 wks after I was released from my OTHER knee surgery!  I'm short on positivity lately...and it sucks...

Day 1078

CROSSFIT.

50 Jumping Jacks
Joint Mobility
Then...
10 Squats
10 Pull Ups
10 Push Ups
10 Good Mornings w/35lbs
x2

Pre-Wod, 3-3-3-3:
Deadlifts (50%, then 60%, then 70%, then 80% of you total max weight)

WOD, 4 rounds for time:
400m run/500m row
50 Squats/50 KB Swings

I did the 500m row and kettlebell swings. Not only do I think this was easier on my knees, but it was also the tougher workout...at least for me. It was LONG...I finished in 15:43!!!

Day 1077

CROSSFIT.

Warm Up:
500m row
Joint Mobility
Then...
75 Jump Ropes
5 Headstand Push Ups
15 KB swings

OHS - I got up to 20lbs with good form

WOD, 'Hope' for time:
30 Clean & Jerks

Today was my first Rx WOD!!!  I did 'Hope' in 7:26 at 95lbs!!!

Day 1076

CROSSFIT.

Warm Up:
500m row
Joint Mobility
Then...
10 Sit Ups
10 Kips
10 Pull Ups
10 Good Mornings
x2

WOD, 3 Rounds, 1min each:
Burpees
Power Snatch
Step Ups
Thrusters
Pull Ups
Rest

Day 1071

CROSSFIT.

Warm Up:
400m Row
Joint Mobility
Then...
20x4 Mountain Climbers
10 PVC Pass Thrus
10 OHS
10 Kips
5 Pull ups
x2

Pre-WOD workout:
OHS with PVC pipe...work up to WOD weight (if your form isn't PERFECT, stick to PVC pipe)

WOD, AMRAP in 12mins:
7 Push Press (I did 85lbs)
10 OHS (I only used 35lbs)
15 T2B (I only lifted my knees as high as I could)

I am very disappointed in myself today. I only finished 5 rounds, plus 3. My knees were doing better then I thought (since, when I got there, they hurt to do ANY squat)...it was my HANDS that hurt. They got so bad that I could barely hold the bar to do the T2B's. They slowed me down so much...I felt like a sissy.

I am extremely dissappointed, sad, angry, completely defeated. I got through one obstacle (my knees) only to be constantly dealt another one...can I get a break?!

Day 1070

CROSSFIT.

Warm Up:
400m row
Joint mobility
Then...
10 Squats
10 OHS
20 Good Mornings
20 PVC Pass Thrus

WOD, For time:
21-15-9
Row (for calories, not distance)
Deadlifts (I did 135lbs)
Push ups

I finished in 12:43. This WOD was a bit difficult for me...the knees have been tremendously sore (still) from last week and having to do MORE of a squating motion both yesterday and today was a bit of a struggle. I also coulding do the entire 21-15-9 pull ups from my feet and finding where I can put my knees to the ground comfortably was hard, too. But I did it...and I'm getting so much faster and stronger!! Last time I did the deadlift, I maxed out at 125...here I was, doing a WOD at 135lbs!!!

Day 1069

CROSSFIT.

Warm Up:
400m row
Joint Mobility
Then...
10 PVC pass thrus
10 Squats
10 Wall balls
10 Push ups
x2

Max Thrusters, 3-3-3-3-3:
Round one - 65lbs
Round two - 75lbs
Round three - 85lbs
Round four - 95lbs
Round five - 100lbs

WOD, 12mins AMRAP:
12 Box Jumps (I did step ups)
6 thrusters (I used 65lbs)
6 face to bar burpees (do a burpee, jump over bar, do burpee, repeat)

I finished 6 full rounds, plus 9 step ups.

Finisher:
100 Sit ups with 25lb plate

Day 1066

CROSSFIT.

Warm Up:
400m row
Joint Mobility
Then...
10 pull ups
10 squats
10 PVC pass thrus
10 spider lunges

WOD, 20mins, AMRAP:
400m row
21 bar dips
21 pull ups

I finished 3 rounds, plus 170m row. Didn't do well, knees were hurting. I think the four days in a row and the weather were a bit too much...

Day 1065

CROSSFIT.

Warm Up:
100 Double Unders
Joint Mobility
Then...
20-4 count mountain climbers
10 PVC Pass Thrus
15 Sot Squats
x2

Max Squat Snatch
3-3-2-2-2-1-1-1-1

WOD, 7 mins AMRAP:
Burpees

My max squat snatch was 75lbs, up 10lbs from last time. I was FINALLY able to do real burpees and finished 70 in the 7mins!

Day 1063

CROSSFIT.

Warm Up:
50 Nordic Tracs
Joint Mobility
Then...
10 lunges w/PVC pass thrus
10 K2E (knees to elbow)
5 pull ups
10 wall squats
x2

WOD, 7 Rounds for time:
12 thrusters
9 T2B
200m run w/20lb medicine ball (I did the rower)

I used 55lbs and finished in 20:49! It was HARD!

Day 1062

CROSSFIT.

Warm Up:
400m run/row
Joint Mobility
Then...
10 Burpees
Bear climbs
10 Spider lunges
15 Good mornings
10 PVC pass thrus
10 Salute push ups
x2

3 Rounds:
Max Double Unders in 1 minute
1 Minute Rest

Since I am not suppose to jump 'high' (LAME), I did jump rope instead. I only counted the first minute...didn't seem worth it! 146 was my best :)

WOD, 5 rounds for time:
12 Deadlifts
9 Hang Cleans
6 Push Press

I used 75lbs and finished in 11:06!

Day 1056

CROSSFIT.

Warm Up:
400m Run/row
Joint Mobility
Then...
10 Burpees
5 Handstands
5 Wall Climbs
10 Push Ups
x2

WOD, 3 Rounds, for time:
50 Double Unders (or 150 jump ropes)
25 Medicine Ball Wall Throws

Be sure to squat as you catch the ball, using the force of your legs to get the ball high up on the wall. If you can get it super high, do a squat while you wait for it to come down, too :)

I finished in 9:21

Day 1054

CROSSFIT.

Warm Up:
400m Run
Joint Mobility
Then...
10 Spider lunges (I don't do these)
10 Kips
10 Push ups
10 Wall Climbs (Start in a hand stand, using your feet to climb the wall)
x2

WOD, 5 Rounds for time:
10 Snatch
20 Squats

I used 65lbs, but I found out after my WOD, my coach felt it was too light. Yay for me...I'm getting stronger. But next time is going to suck! My time today was 10:52.

Day 1051

CROSSFIT.

Warm Up:
200m Run/row
Joint Mobility
Then...
10 Squats
5 Kips
5 Pull Ups
x2
Then...
5 Burpees
100m Sprint
30 Sec Rest
x3

WOD, "Fran":
21-15-9
Thrusters (I did 65lbs)
Pull Ups (they were assisted, with the black band)

I was really nervous to do "Fran"...everyone told me how horrendous it is...I did it!! My time was 7:15!!!

Day 1050

CROSSFIT.

Warm Up:
400m Run (yes, I have now ran two days in a row!)
Joint Mobility
Then...
10 T2B (I did knees to chest instead)
10 Good mornings
10 Spiderman lunges (I can't do these)
10 Push Ups
10 Box Jumps (I did step ups)
x2

WOD, EMOM for 15:
3 Deadlifts (I did 115lbs)
10 Double Unders (I did 30 jump ropes instead)

The idea behind EMOM (Every Minute, On the Minute) is to do the workout once (quickly, but not TOO quickly!) and for the rest of the minute, you rest. At the minute mark, repeat, for 15 minutes. If you can't finish the set in one minute, you finish your set, rest the rest of the next minute...at the end you will add all those that you sat out and do a minute plank for each.

Day 1049

CROSSFIT.

Warm Up:
400m row
Joint Mobility
Then...
10 Burpees
10 Pull Ups
10 Good Mornings
x2

WOD, For time:
400m Row (only once)
21-15-9
Hang Cleans (I did 65lbs)
Hand Release Push Ups
400m Run (only once)

I was the only one that was there this morning, so I finished FIRST! Lol!! My time was a slow, but good, 13:14. It was my first true run and it felt FANTASTIC!!

I have been struggling mentally quite a bit...going from being in the gym a ton and being in great shape, to being in terrible shape and unable to do so much, its been hard. It was nice that Dave (owner and coach at CrossFit Loomis, crossfitloomis.com ) was there because I was able to tell him what I've been metally dealing with. He said one thing that really hit home...I'm not in this alone. I have been feeling VERY alone in this process...I realize I have an amazing, supportive husband and family, but no one else struggles with the inability to do things, the constant icing, and constant aches and pains.

I need to keep in mind...everyone has to start somewhere...even if it is from an injury. I'll get there...I MUST LEARN PATIENCE. I will get my body and strength back....

Day 1048

CROSSFIT.

Warm Up:
400m row/run
Joint Mobility
Then...
10 Squats
5 Handstands
10 PVC Pass Thrus
10 OHS Press
x2

WOD, Five rounds for time:
15 OHS
15 Box Jumps (as usual, I did step ups because of the knee)

I only used the 35lb bar for my OHS's (overhead squats). My time was 10:34 but I think that had alot to do with the speed of the step ups in comparison to the box jumps.

Finisher:
1 minute low plank
1 minute left side plank
1 minute right side plank
50 straight leg scissor kicks (you can put your hands under your butt, head must be up, and every FOURTH kick is ONE rep)

Day 1044

CROSSFIT.

Warm Up:
25 Mountain Climbers
Joint Mobility
20 squats
Bear crawls
inch worms
20 Kips
5 Pull Ups

Strength Test 1-1-1-1-1:
Pull Ups

I sucked. Always have...but won't always! I have been using the largest rubber band to assist me. Been neglecting the arms since I hurt myself back in early December, so I am okay with this...for now!

WOD, 4 rounds for time:
400m carry (I used a 35lb plate)
25 Push Ups

My time was slow, but I had to walk each of the 400m. If you can run, do so. My time was 21:41.

Day 1042

CROSSFIT.

Warm Up:
400m run/row
Joint Mobility
Then...
10 Burpees
10 OH Lunges w/45lbs (I skipped these, Dr says lunges are a "never do again")
5 Handstands (use a wall if you need help)
10 Spidermans
x2

WOD, 1-1-1-1-1-1-1:
Clean and Jerk

The idea behind this is to do one rep, adding weight each single rep. If your everyday max on a clean is 75lbs, I suggest you start somewhere around 45-55lbs. You would like to ideally hit your max around the 4th or 5th round. My max clean was 75lbs...I finished at 105lbs, a new PR for me!!

Finisher:
Start with 70% of your max that you just finished with on your barbell.
1 minute - 5 Cleans, rest for the rest of the minute
1 minute - 6 Cleans, rest for the rest of the minute
1 minute - 7 Cleans, rest for the rest of the minute
1 minute - 8 Cleans, rest for the rest of the minute
Keep going until you can't finish a set in the minute time. The time is CONSTANTLY running with breaks being at the end of each minute...so go fast!!

I finished 7 rounds (11 reps in a min), plus 6. I was able to finish the full set up to 11...during the 12th round, I only got in 6.

Day 1041

CROSSFIT.

Warm Up:
400m run/row
Joint Mobility
Then...
10 Step Ups
10 Good Mornings
10 Push Ups
5 Pull Ups
x2

WOD, 7 rounds for time:
7 deadlifts (I did 125lbs)
7 L Pull ups (I did normal, assisted pull ups)

I finished in 11:10.

Finisher, for time:
200m Sprint/row
15 squats
x3

I finished in 4:11

Day 1040

CROSSFIT.

Ok. So the fever came back and I was layed up another six days. Ugh. Today was my first day back. Sorry!

Warm Up:
400m run/row
Joint Mobility
Then...
10 PVC pass
10 OHS
10 Pull ups
10 Push ups
x2

WOD, 7 rounds for time & total weight:
35 Double Unders (or 105 jump ropes)
1 Snatch

The idea is to find your ideal weight prior to beginning on the snatch. You only get one chance for the snatch to count. Add weight as you can. Add of all seven rounds, that is your total.

I did 65lbs, 65lbs, 75lbs, 75lbs, --, --, 75lbs for a total of 355lbs. Unfortunately, I attempted 85lbs twice and didn't make it in my first attempts so they didn't count. I believe my time was somewhere around 12:30.

Day 1032

I've been HORRIBLY sick and haven't been to the gym since last Tuesday...I promise I will be going back tomorrow REGARDLESS of how I'm feeling and continue to post my workouts!!! Wish me luck!! At this point, I figure all I can do is sweat it out!!

Day 1027

CROSSFIT.

Warm up:
400m run/row (only once)
Joint mobility
Then...
10 burpees
10 Ring pulls
10 Good mornings
10 PVC pull thrus
100m run/walk
x2

WOD, 7 rounds for time "Whittman":
15 Kettlebell swings (35lb'er)
15 Power clean (65lbs)
15 box jumps (I did step ups)

I finished SECOND today!!! There were 8 of us today, too!! 21:56 was my time!

Day 1026

CROSSFIT.

Warm Up:
50 Double Unders (or 150 Jump Ropes)
Joint Mobility
then...
Bear Crawl
10 Push Ups
10 Squats
10 OHS with PVC
10 PVC overs
10 Kips
x2

WOD, 5 rounds for time:
12 Push Press (55lbs)
20 Double Unders (or 60 Jump Ropes)
8 Squat Snatch (55lbs)

I didn't finished last today!!! Time was 18:15 with three MEN still going after me...but yes, six others finished before me. Something to strive for!!! Woot, woot!

Day 1023

CROSSFIT.

Warm up:
400m run/row (only once)
Joint Mobility
then...
10 push ups
15 squats
10 toe to bar
100m run/row
x3

Strength:
1 Rep max clean, you have 15 minutes (I maxed out at 95lbs)

WOD, 7 minutes AMRAP:
5 cleans (70% of max, I did 65lbs)
10 push ups
15 squats

I finished 5 full sets, plus one clean in the 7 minutes.

Day 1022

CROSSFIT.

Warm up:

400m Run/Row (only once)
Joint Mobility
then...
10 Pull ups
10 push ups
20 PVC Overs
10 Good Mornings
x2

Strength Test:
Most Pull ups in 2 minutes. (I was pretty bad at this...especially after the warm up. I finished with 26 assisted pull ups.)

WOD:
400m run/row or 800m bike
25 kettlebell swings
25 situps
x4

I finished last, again...19:15

FINISHERS:
1 minute low plank
1 minute side plank
1 minute low plank
1 minute (other) side plank
1 minute low plank

My leg doesn't hold me up for a side plank yet (mainly on that side) so I did flutter kicks instead.

Day 1021

CROSSFIT.

Warm up:
100 jump ropes (only one time)
Joint Mobility
then...
15 squats
10 Burpees
15 Double unders
10 PVC Overs
x2

We then had 20 minutes to do one rep of our max snatch. I did 75lbs which isn't my best from before surgery, but far better then I expected!

WOD, 7 minutes to:
30 Burpees
30 Snatches
(repeat if you can, over and over)

I didn't realize the "repeat" part until it was over! Oops! To be honest, with my knee, I'm only capable to do the 'step back' version of the burpee which adds time! I think I finished with only 20 seconds left anyway!!

Day 1014

CROSSFIT.

Warm up:
400m Run (or row)
Joint Mobility
then...
20 Medicine Ball squats
10 Push Ups
25 Double Unders (or 75 jump rope)
x2

WOD, 21-15-9 reps for time:
Power Cleans (I used the 35lb barbell, 15lb weight on each side)
Thrusters (same weight as Power Cleans)

I finished last today, 12:19.

Finisher:
50 Scissors (count 1, 2, 3, #1; 1, 2, 3, #2, etc)
25 Rocking boats

Day 1009

CROSSFIT.

Warm Up (x2):
(Only Once) Joint Mobility
400m run (I did 400m on the rower)
10 squats
10 pull ups
10 inch worms
10 spider lunges (I skipped these)


WOD for time:
50 Double Unders (I did regular jump rope, 150 times)
40 Kettlebell swings
30 T2B (toe to bar...but I wasn't able to do those, so I did knee lifts)
20 box jumps (or step ups)
10 Thrusters
20 box jumps (or step ups)
30 T2B
40 kettlebell swings
50 double unders

My time (with the adjustments) was 15:19. Most who did the entire workout finished anywhere from 17 minutes to 19 minutes.

Day 1007

CROSSFIT.

Today was TOUGH! So tough that one person threw up PRIOR to the 'hard' part!!

Warm Ups:
Joint Mobility
then...
20 walking lunges (I only lasted the first round of 15, leg didn't agree so I skipped the rest)
10 Pull Ups
10 Push Ups
x2

1 Round -
High Knees
Butt Kickers
Toy Soldiers

WOD, For time:

8 Rounds -
11 burpee barbell deadlifts
200m Run (I did 200m on the row machine instead)

You read that right...eight long rounds. In the beginning, he asked us each how many rounds we thought we could finish. He told a guy (his first day, same guy that didn't make it and threw up) that he was to try to finish 3 rounds. He looked at me, asked me what I thought I could do...I strongly stated, "EIGHT." And he held me to it...ouch. My time was 18:09. Not bad...one guy didn't even start, and out of the three of us, I was second. I did the best I could, THAT is for sure!!

Day 1000

CROSSFIT.

Seems so strange that ONE THOUSAND days ago, I began this journey. I was heavy, out of shape, limping...it was bad. I felt like if I stuck with it, I'd lose the weight, get into better shape, and hoped the knee would get better so I wouldn't have a limp. I was wrong...on ONE aspect anyway :)

I did stick with it and I have lost off the 'extra' weight and I not only got into better shape, I got into AMAZING shape!! The part I was wrong about...the knee. It didn't get better, so I had surgery. THEN the knee got better, I continued my workouts...then I hurt the other knee. So here we go...

Starting, almost, all over again. I can tell that I am not as bad as when I originially started...I am sore after workouts, but NOTHING like 1000 days ago!! I can only hope the added weight will fade faster then the first time and I won't be here saying I finally got back into shape in 750+ days! Todays workout...

Warmup:
Joint Mobility
then...
25 double Unders (for those of you like me, I did 75 regular jump ropes)
10 Squats
x3

WOD (for time):
21-15-9
Box Jumps (I did step ups)
Power Snatch (I did 45lbs)
Hand release push ups

My time wasn't good, 10:13, but I can only get better! I brought Tony with me today and there were three others there...Dave doesn't know me well and offered me to sit out the rest of the workout. ABSOLUTELY NOT!!

FINISHER:

Like a relay team of the five of us...max distance sled push in 5 minutes. Our team got 1100 yards.

Day 995

CROSSFIT.

So today was my first day back to 'normal' workouts. I had tried Crossfit prior to my surgery and really fell in love with it! I had been keeping in touch with the owner at Crossfit Loomis and the moment I was released, sent him an email!! Today was the first day it worked out for both of us...only 8 days since my full release from knee surgery!

Todays workout (or in "crossfit language," WOD) was called "Jeremy."

Warmup:
Joint Mobility
then...
20 Kettle bell swings
100 meter run (I did 100 meters on the row machine)
10 Pull ups
x3

WODD, "Jeremy":
21-15-9
Over Head Squats (OHS)
Burpees

For those of you that haven't done Crossfit before, it works like this...

They set the time, sometimes is going backwards and you do as much as you can until the timer goes off...sometimes you have to complete the workout for time. "Jeremy" was a complete for time workout. It consists of 21 OHS's, 21 burpees...then 15 OHS's, 15 burpees...then finally, 9 OHS's, 9 burpees. Then you are done.

After "Jeremy", we each grabbed a 25lb plate in EACH had, walked 200 meters. You are done. Head home!!

Crossfit Lingo

AMRAP: As Many Rounds/Reps as Possible
BS: Back Squat
BW: Body Weight
CF: CrossFit
CFWU: CrossFit Warm-up
CLN: Clean
C&J: Clean and Jerk
DL: Deadlift
EMOM: Every Minute, On the Minute
FS: Front Squat
HC: Hang Clean
HSPU: Head Stand Push Up - Kick up into a handstand (use wall for balance, if needed) bend arms until nose touches floor and push back up.
HSC: Hang Squat Clean - Start with bar "at the hang," about knee height. Initiate pull. As the bar rises drop into a full squat and catch the bar in the racked position. From there, rise to a standing position
KB: Kettlebell
KTE: Knees To Elbows (K2E)
MU: Muscle Ups - Hanging from rings you do a combination pull-up and dip so you end in an upright support.
OHS: Over Head Squat - Full-depth squat performed while arms are locked out in a wide grip press position above the head and in line or slightly behind the ears
PC: Power Clean
PR: Personal Record
PP: Push Press
PJ: Push Jerk
PSN: Power Snatch
PU: Pull Ups
SC: Squat Clean
SDHP: Sumo Deadlift High Pull
SN: Snatch
SQ: Sqaut
TTB: Toes to Bar (T2B) - Hang from bar. Bending only at waist raise your toes to touch the bar, slowly lower them and repeat
WOD: Workout of the Day
#: Symbol for pounds or lbs

OTHER TERMS:
The "Heroes" - A Hero workout is a tribute workout in honor of a fallen CrossFitter (either Soldier, Sailor, Airman, Marine, Firefighter, Police officer) that died in the line of duty. They are tough and among the most difficult of WOD's. There are sadly too many of them.
Paleo and Zone - Types of diet and nutrition protocol commonly found in the CF lifestyle

Day 988

I DID IT!!! Three months early, at my six month check up, I was finally cleared and released for full activity!! I was given boundaries, but unfortunately because of the state of my knees, they are boundaries that I will have to live by for forever.

As I have mentioned before, this was my 4th knee surgery. Two on the left, two on the right. My left leg had this reconstruction when I was a young 15-year-old girl. I thought for sure that after having so many bone spurs, torn meniscus, etc, that my left knee would be by far my worst of the two. I was sadly mistaken.

My knee surgeon wants to see me a MINIMUM of once a year from now on due to the 'dent' that was in the base of my femur in my right knee. He is confident that the arthritis will get significantly worse as time goes on...especially if I do not live within my newly administered boundaries. So, here they are...

*No more running for exercise, only for sport. Which will already be broken...I like to do all that I can for breast cancer awareness and October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In Roseville, there is a small 5K so I'm signing up!!

*No more walking long distances. Awesome. Now THAT should be easy. Or not.

*No deep squats.

*No more deep lunges...unless I am extremely careful on my technique, which I am.

*He asked that I not play soccer, but he and I both know...riiiggghhhhtttt.

And I'm off!!! Back to my workouts baby!!!! I'll be easing back into them, of course...but I can wait!!!

Day 986

Ugh! I am so nervous! Tomorrow is my six month knee appointment...and I am PRAYING that the surgeon releases me!! It could be 3-6 months early, but Dr. Coward never gave me any indication that it isn't going to happen tomorrow. I am so nervous...I haven't been able to sleep...

If tomorrow goes as planned, I hope to be in a WHOLE different place mentally!!! Not to mention...the food and exercise will be back on track!!!

Day 979

So I am feeling pretty low. I worked a solid 18 months to lose the weight, and a solid 6-8 months to tone my body...only to have this full reconstruction, and then some, on this knee and become immobile.

Here I am, 5.75 months out of surgery, hoping for a full release next week (a whopping 3-6 months early) and it is forcing me to face the facts: I'm back to being a tank. Let me elaborate.

I was about a size 20, 224lbs, right after I had Hailee. I worked my ass off to get to 159lbs and a size 8 with 17.1% body fat. I was able to maintain that until this surgery. So, am I a tank in the grand scheme of things? No. But from what I worked my ass off (literally), yes. And its a hard pill to swollow.

I told myself that at the first of the month, I would start introducing parts of my old workouts into my physical therapy. I can't spend my life at the gym, but I still need to do my rehab, so I am added all that I can. Yesterday, I added back and bicep exercises, 6 seperate exercises to be percise, in addition to all leg exercises.

The stationary bike is now my enemy. Yes, it can do wonderful things for me, both for my leg and my body, however, I have been doing the bike since I blew the knee out the first week of December...and I am OVER it. In replacement, I have been making the family go on nightly bike rides. It isn't probably as good, considering I have a beach cruiser without any gears and it isn't tough, but its getting the rehab part done and that is what matters at this point.

Running has been amazing but I am still unable to do it that often. I can't stay on the treadmill that long for obvious reasons. And I refuse to spend time on the track at the high schools since the kids are all practicing football. That is all I need, a bunch of young kids, athletes, who don't know me and what I've been through, to judge me or make fun because I am only allowed to run a short time, then walk, then run, etc.

Day 948

SURGERY UPDATE.

July 17th was my 4-month check up with both my surgeon and my physical therapist. The physical therapist told me I go do quite a bit more...step ups, quad strengthening exercises, treadmill, etc. My surgeon gave the A-ok for some mild, light jogging. I was sick for almost a week after that appointment so my energy level at the gym was basically nill...not to mention, when I get new exercises, sometimes I wonder if they are worth doing since I get so sore and swollen that it limits the amount of times I can actually go to the gym (remember, the physical therapist told me that my knee is the 'boss' and I am NOT to ignore it when it is telling me it needs rest.) I only made it three days that week...and with our family hitting Pismo the second week, only went twice that week. Time to step it up.

The knee is doing great...if you ask the physical therapist or surgeon. Ask me and you will get a different answer. Everytime I think I am past the sore/swelling feelings, they give me exercises that just bring it back for 2-4 weeks. I get it...that is going to happen and I should expect it, but COME ON!!! Today is approximately 4 3/4 months since surgery. In the grand scheme of things (original release date given was 9-12 months), I am doing extremely well and am far ahead of schedule. However, look at it from my point...almost FIVE long months I have been dealing with this leg. I have missed two soccer tournaments, probably a third...4-5 runs that I desperately wanted to do this year...countless fun times at the beach...the list goes on. Would there have been a better time, no...so I guess I should just shut up!

On the positive side...I am starting to jog. I have been holding it to 30 seconds. Not long, but still jogging! I do the bike, treadmill, and elliptical at the gym now. I use the 18-inch step for my step-ups. And, my personal favorite, the agility ladder...no real forceful movements laterally, but to be getting my feet moving, quickly again, its been WONDERFUL!!

Luckily for me, I am on the downhill portion of my journey...fully on my way to full release at six months...and I have yet to fully lose my motivation! I have my days, occasionally, that I lack motivation BIG TIME, but all-in-all, I am doing just fine!!

Day 901

14 WEEK CHECK UP.

This morning was my 14 week check up following surgery. It went well...I guess. My physical therapist is happy with my leg, but wants me to 'stick to the current weights without adding any' for THREE WEEKS!!! WTF!? I don't get it. I did exactly what he asked me...added small amounts of weight in a timely manner. Sometimes I was able to add weight every couple days...sometimes I didn't add weight for a week or more. I am up to 200lbs on the leg press...he was a bit upset because its much more then I weigh and I should only be at that weight at this point. No offense, but why didn't he give me a 'cap' then?!

I told him I am sick of riding the bike 45mins a day, five days a week. His response? Ride it longer. SERIOUSLY?!?!

My surgeon seems VERY happy with my progress. I am still about 3-4 weeks, or more, ahead of schedule. They claim release after this surgery is usually 9-12 months...I'm on course, per Dr. Coward, to be released at 6 months. Woot, woot!

Day 895

Woot, woot!!

Woke up this morning...no swelling!! I had two FABULOUS days with the leg in a row!! I kicked ass in the gym and in the pool with my physical therapy...if there was a time where the knee would swell, it would have been this morning. NOPE!!! No limp, no swelling...I think I have hit another one of those 'moments' my physical therapist told me about...

"People find that just one day they wake up and they are 'better'. They can do more and something that hurt just a few days ago, no longer does. We don't know why this happens, but it does. And I just try to go with it."

Yup. Thats me. I had yet another one of those moments. However, this is by far, the most significant one that I have had!! I was beginning to feel like I was destined to be one of those people that limped off and on every day, the ones that say "oh, I can't do that, its my bad knee." I wouldn't settle for that, but I was really worried that it would be my destiny. No more!

Good, bad...not so sure. But it had taken me a SOLID 12.5 weeks to get to this moment. The moment where my knee went from killing me every day...to me finally killing IT everyday!!!

Day 893

WOW! The difference only a few days makes!! It was literally just a few days ago when I wrote that I couldn't do so many things...and believe me, I tried them, or some level of them, and it HURT. Not this time!!!

I went to the gym today, as I usually do. I felt no better, but definitely no worse. I hopped onto the stationary bike and BAM!! I KILLED it!! Not only was a flying, the resistance was up and there were absolutely NO issues in my bending. Usually, it takes me about 5 minutes to get my leg warmed up enough to bend and even then, I usually point my toe a bit at the peak. NOT TODAY!!! I went right into a full pedal, no need for adjustments!! It was the best, most solid 45 minutes on the bike I've had since surgery!

Then, I jumped onto the elliptical machine. This machine usually gives me trouble. Not in the bending and such, but it is my first stage of beginning walking as exercise. It has always gone fine, but the knee usually feels...funny. I don't know if it is stiffness, soreness, or just pure fear. Today was a different story! I hopped on, it felt normal, and I flew on it!! Its only 10 minutes, so I have nothing to lose!! ;)

I went straight to my weight machine exercises. It isn't much, but I was easily leg pressing 170lbs, 3 sets of 30 (just like every machine) as I am told to do. 70lbs on my calf raises. 130lbs/120lbs on my adductor/abductor machines.

I came home, iced as usual, then got into the pool for more exercises. I kick with a kickboard a few laps, then tried the exercises that Georges St. Pierre did...and they didn't hurt!!! I did 5 more exercises, got out, iced again.

Best part...minimal swelling tonight and it genuinely feels AMAZING!!

Day 888

12 weeks since surgery. As of today! Tomorrow is my first day back at work. Okay, lets not forget that I have a meaningless, fun job at Gap Body...one that I work barely 3 hours a week at...one that I really only have because of the fabulous discount! I am pretty excited to feel a bit more 'normal' though, and going back to work will help me to do that. Too bad the girls are out of school tomorrow...because work might not happen after tomorrow :( I am feeling good about my leg and its progress...finally. However, it is hard to watch videos of Georges St. Pierra (the UFC fighter) that had ACL surgery the first week of december. Although I am quite aware that he has not only more money then I do to pay of special facilities and physical therapists, I also realize (per his interview) that he had a completely different injury and surgery then I did. He ONLY tore his ACL...he had no damage to anything other ligaments, muscles, etc so he only had to repair his ACL...and he used a allograft patella tendan (aka cadavor ligament). As I think I stated before, I not only tore my ACL completely at the bone (his was shredded at the middle of the ligament, much like my first ACL injury) but I also needed a repair to my meniscus that was sewn and reattached in some places and parts were just removed. Still, I can't help but feel I am far behind when I see him sitting on the edge of a pool, ankle weight on, and thrashing his leg back and forth. There is no way I could do that today, at exactly three months, like his video stated he was at. He also had a roller on the ground and was pushing it inside and out...I don't think I could do that today, either. He was still on crutches, last I saw, at 4 weeks...I had neither a brace or crutch. I did like to see though, that he was like me, and used a CPM machine. I see my doc in a couple weeks...don't think I won't be asking him all this stuff!!!!!

Day 887

Today was a WONDERFUL day for physical therapy!! Today was the first day that I felt AWESOME!! I took a much need, forced, four day break off of physical therapy...and I really think that was the reason I did good today! I was able to easily complete my 45 minutes on the bike (20 minutes on the recumbant bike, 25 on the stationary bike), I was able to do my leg press, calf raises, adductor and abductor machines (all machines are 3 sets of 30) with ease. So I threw in 10 minutes on the elliptical...and it did great on that too!!! I usually leave the gym limping, sore and swollen. Not today!!!

Day 820

REHAB. Today was the first day on the bike. I tried the stationary bike, but I am too short to reach the pedal or when the seat is lowered, my knee just isn't bending enough to get it to rotate. I did 15 minutes on the Recumbant bike...I get to add 5 minutes per day, assuming the leg handles it okay...

Day 817

PHYSICAL THERAPY. Don is extremely happy with my progress. So much so that he has given me the okay to only have one crutch, no brace while in the house. Outside I still have to have both crutches and the brace...he SAYS its because of the rain and possibility of me falling...I'm not so sure! It makes sense, so he gets away with it...THIS time! :) He has given me two more exercises to do during the day...that is a total of five exercises, three times a day. The knee is going to be EXHAUSTED. This sucks...but I can do it!

Day 810

DOCTOR APT & PHYSICAL THERAPY. Today, I had an appointment for both. Day six out of surgery. I am doing well...or so they tell me. I am sure not feeling so good. I am finally off most of my pain meds and just on Tylenol and Tylenol PM. Dr. Coward is extremely happy with the amount of swelling (or lack there of?) and Don, my physical therapist, gave me three exercises to do a minimum of three times a day. Its on!

Day 804

SURGERY.

Today was the day! Surgery is done and I am on my way to having two, yes TWO, healthy knees! Tony picked up my CPM machine so I have that helping to keep my leg moving. The femoral block should wear off sometime tomorrow afternoon...then, let the pain begin... Dr. Coward tells me that my knee, overall, looked better then he had anticipated. Probably because my left knee looked so bad! Anywho...he said he had very little 'cleaning' up that he had to do as far as wear and tear. The ACL was gone, as expected, but I also had a tear in my meniscus that he sewed and reattached. I had some sort of 'divet' in my femor...god only knows how I did that to myself!

Day 760

SURGEON APPOINTMENT. Finally got in to see my doctor! Good news...I'm not crazy, there was SEVERE damage to my knee and I was right, I completely tore my ACL and need surgery. Bad news...I need surgery. Scheduled it for March 14th...I'm pretty nervous. The last time I had a full reconstruction on my knee, I was a mere 15 years old. The first week after surgery sucks...BAD. Rehab hurts...LIKE HELL. And this time around, I have two kids in school, sports, karate, and girl scouts...