Good progress

Its always good to be positive and last week was positive in so many ways. 

Tuesday afternoon I managed to go swimming in a friends pool. First time since early March and the first opportunity to test the hand out.  It is a tad odd, and i need to do a lot of work.  Working out how best to front crawl with a strange “catch” part of the stroke. Breast stroke is no longer an option as my hand/wrist won't bend, I would like to say I am upset about that, but I never seemed to go anywhere when I did it, more of a doggy paddle than breast stroke. 

As gym’s and swimming pools are still closed UK wide, I went to Cliff Lakes at Tamworth on Saturday. It was glorious, really wanted to build the confidence, getting back into the lake and it didn’t disappoint.  Changing rooms and showers remain shut, so getting changed in the car park after swimming, and remaining dignified is a bit of a challenge, but I eventually managed it 😱

Thursday, the Physio said I could try cycling outside, really! I could do some short rides,  and, need to be aware of the vibration on the wrist, but I don't care, short ride or not I'm happy.  Very nervous about going out, so 2 good friends came out with me on Saturday afternoon. Not sure why I was nervous as I didn't damage the hand/wrist cycling, but who knows how the subconscious works sometimes.

Rishi Sunak the Chancellor says we need to get the economy going and I  like shopping, and, for those of you that know me and have been on this journey with me, you will know I can’t resist, so I’m doing my bit to boost the economy 🤪.  So a new pair of padded cycling gloves are on their way. Shock absorber type of gloves to protect the wrists. It's amazing what you find when you search google 🤦‍♀️  

I also bought a water bottle for the new bike (see below) it has a Leicester City logo on it. I'm not a football fan in anyway shape or form. My OH is, so its a tribute to him and all the help he has provided. I did buy him a new shirt as well, be rude to visit the local fan store and not to treat him really. 

One of the friends I am cycling with, has changed the brakes on my Focus Cayo bike. The brake levers are now in the middle of the handlebars. A game changer for me, I wouldn't be able to operate them at the moment if they were still on the drop bars. The pull and grip on my left hand isn't there or strong enough. It may never be, who knows. 

Also it just so happens that my new bike has arrived, although the local bike shop have been so busy they haven't had chance to make the brake alterations yet. I went in on Monday and there it was, it’s a Liv Avail Advanced 2, a lovely plum colour. For the time being and to get used to it, I’m keeping the 32mm tyres but will change to 28mm eventually. 

Unfortunately I don’t have any clothes to go with it....... 🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️ 

Running never was my favourite activity, however, I have been looking at my stats on Strava and have been pleasantly surprised. I have started back, more or less where I left off, which is a big surprise. I thought my pace would be way back on the field. 

I was lamenting that I could no longer do push-ups, the OH, who is ever practical, pointed out that I have not done them for the last 59 years, so nothing really is going to change. Ho Hum...

Ironman sent through emails stating that we as we had all been deferred from this years event, we had to register for 2021. So June 13th 2021, I am expecting to be at the start line 😁 my objective is to finish it, regardless of speed. It would be nice to do it on my EnviLiv bike, but if that isn’t possible then the Avail will be the steed for the day 🙃

Exciting times ahead, now must go shopping for some plum coloured shoes ........

Physio and weights 🏋️‍♀️

It’s 10 weeks today since my accident. The ribs are healed, the arm cast has gone and the physio has started. I was surprised to find that after 8 weeks with the cast on, when it was removed my hand was still swollen. 

My hand is also a very strange shape, and it doesn’t function like my hand should and it aches quite a lot.  It also looks like it belongs to someone else....not sure who, but not anyone I know. 

The physio manipulated it and it improved a lot. I have exercises to do, so do those every day. This week I have started lifting some weights, well 1 kgs, to start improving the strength in the hand, next week the weights will change to 1.5 kgs. 

Because I have a shopping habit.......I  bought a cute set of weights from an online retailer. So the conservatory is now a gym 😁 it has the turbo trainer, a Pilates mat and the weights. A 10 minute video is now done everyday, to try and build up my arm muscles, and the weight I can lift. 

So running has started, swimming will start this week - hope that goes well, not sure how you swim without bending your wrist, but if you don’t try, you’ll never find out. Fingers crossed 🤞 

I might be able to cycle outside this week. A good friend has changed my winter bike so that the brakes are in the middle of the handle bars, this is good as I should be able to brake, which will prove useful 😳🤔. I am soo looking forward to going out on my bike, although a tad nervous. 

My Garmin watch has had to go back to Garmin as it’s being uncooperative! Garmin have very kindly offered to send me a replacement. I feel lost without it.  

Although at the present moment, I would swap anything for a haircut.....I’m starting to look and feel like a yeti which is no fun. Although did you know that grey hair is officially on trend at the moment, who knew 🤷‍♀️ It’s very comforting to know that I am finally trendy at the age of 59 😂😂