Therapy, Rehab and Work

Time has been flying away since the last time I penned down a few words. This last week has probably been one of the happiest weeks in the longest time. I strongly believe that time that flies by is easily the time that is spent well. Currently reading a book which speaks about ‘flow’ and a state of active meditation which tends to throw your performance and consciousness both to the next level reinstates those beliefs and possibly solidifies them even more.

But let’s keep philosophy for another day. With my physio well underway, I found in myself some confidence to take a small step further and start some visits to the gym. So finally, in the longest time, I am back to my routine of rising with the sun and going to bed shortly after it, after contributing my twenty cents worth of existence to this planet and my environment.

My first visit back to the gym was rather warm and welcoming. Most of the trainers were surprised to see me back and the girls who usually work out while I am around came and shared the biggest hugs, warmest smiles and the most supportive words with me. Off course, as expected, in response I told them they were slacking off and not putting their backs into their workouts. One sentiment was common and through those words and gestures I felt it – I was missed, immensely – nothing in specific, just the presence. It feels normal to be back where I belong. Initial workouts have been very light- they start with my beloved foam roller, lots of stretching, followed by a very light (non-weight bearing) cardio to start building my endurance all over again. This is followed by very low weight strength sessions. Generous sprinkles of stretches are spread right across the workout.All strength sessions are currently limited to machines only so that there is no unnecessary weight the legs have to bear which may delay the healing process.

In for the next consultation with Dr. Renu Arora. I love going and speaking to my doctor – she is a storehouse of information and a lady who has a constant thirst for knowledge and lives the motto of – “I will learn until the day I die”. An initial diagnosis of my legs bought a smile to her face – I knew that things were actually looking good. But before she said anything further, she asked me to do some squats in front of her followed by a few steps of duck-walk. At the end of this session, she confirmed that it indeed was great news. For those that are not aware, this is a jewel that you should grab onto and utilize every chance it is required.

When you squat (barefoot), look at your feet. A person who pronates, will automatically go into a pronation stance that they use when they run. Its all about how your body takes impact as per your body weight. So if you overpronate, your feet will tend to push inwards, if you underpronate, they will tend to push outward and if you have a neutral foot, well, your foot will take equal weight. When I had visited doc initially,my muscles had been so tight and so extremely cramped that I was overpronating to an extent that a certain threat of custom made insoles may have been made. Off course, after this consultation, everything seems to be in place and there is hope that in-soles may not be required.

So, next steps – Now, doc has given me the go-ahead to start hitting the gym and slowly start bringing up the intensity. Effective this week I will start some free-weights as well. The boys at my home gym Cubo Fitness are fabulous and are giving me the right amount of support and push that I need. A part of me is afraid that I may overdo things so I tend to take it a little easy with the weights and that’s where the boys come in and give me that little push saying : “No, just a little bit more – and you will be ok”. This is for the upper body workouts. Specifically from a rehab point of view, I still go to the lovely Sweata who is now helping me build strength in my toes, make the arches of my feet strong, give the tibia strength and specifically work on my overused muscles to recuperate them and make them stronger than ever before.

Its also great to see the enthusiasm of the Proton Trainees, I see them arrive in droves at each event, spreading their energy wherever they go. The most heartening sign has been that 90% of the trainees who had got done with their quarterly membership have renewed it and made it an annual commitment – they love being part of the Protons and wear their colors PROUD. Our older runners are showing marked improvement in their performance and are learning to strategize in races, and most importantly execute those strategies – it sure is a proud time for all of us.My Zumba girls are also making me proud, they have gone ahead, become certified instructors and started their own classes and one has also just conducted a Zumba party this weekend gone past.

As race day of Bengaluru Marathon approaches and and in the build up to the event,things are picking up pace. I can feel the excitement in the air – Each of our promo runs and training events have bowled away the runners. New parameters of event experience are being set with this event AND we believe we are doing it right- walking the talk. As runners, we understand the runners psyche and what they need so we aim to do just that. We are not comparing ourselves to anyone, we only want to be better than what we were yesterday. With every passing event, we want to improve, be better than what we were before – and do it in style. As people are getting excited, so are we and everyday is a great day to be alive.

Our last event was held at The Art of Living Ashram – This was an event and venue very special to me because it represents the truth of what running is to me – Active Meditation, one step in front of the other, not away from anything, but towards a better stronger YOU. Sadly, I was not able to make it to the event because I fell sick the day before. Those who know me should know that I was absolutely in no condition to be there cos I honestly wouldn’t miss it for the world. A part of me was satisfied because I got to spend a fair amount of time at the premises the day before, but this wish is still unfulfilled and there will definitely be more to come at this end.

Everything was not positive though, I received my first anonymous “HATE Mail” with a lot of harsh words and baseless allegations. I felt anger at first but then realised that someone being unhappy with my existence is not really my issue, so I have no comments and have decided to not let this bother me in my chosen path. This fortnight has been lovely – I have interacted with some new people, strengthened current relationships, rekindled some older relationships all the while doing just what I love. I have become even more sure and confident of myself. Like I said at the beginning – “This has been the one of the happiest weeks in the longest time”

#TimTimSharma #Protons #ProtonsRunning #zumba #bengalurumarathon #Rehabilitation