Quit Wading the Same Waters

It's been awhile since I shared an update on my ankle and my recovery progress. Well, so far so good, but it has been slow going. My doctor thinks I am healing well, but maybe a bit slower than anticipated. That is ok, since I was able to time things with my winter off time, I still have plenty of time to strengthen up more before training season hits!

I am still going to my physical therapy sessions each week, which are invaluable. I have gotten so lucky to have a great physical therapist that not only encourages me, but also pushes me to try harder. I can say, physically, I am the strongest I have been in any of my previous off seasons, and am only continuing to improve.

I had struggled in the beginning of my recovery, with all that sitting and no moving, I ate more and made some poor choices that put on the pounds fast (like 10+ pounds OMG). It took really looking at what I wanted my future to be, and what I imagined myself becoming successful at, to realize I needed to make some major changes.

So my focus has been the up and coming training season, being the strongest and healthiest I can be for my horses. Over the last three months, I have changed my eating habits dramatically by cutting out sugar and cutting down on my carbohydrate intake. I am working out at the gym 3 times a week and drinking my 76fl oz of water each day. I have lost 16 pounds so far and am building more muscle. Grrrrr... Feeling pretty good!

What is funny to me, now that I am to this point, is the hardest part was just making up my mind to do it, and STICK to IT. AND a lot of what I am doing is exactly what I do for my horse! Feed my horse more fats, work him in an aerobic state so he learns to function off oxygen and fat reserves... Days off and less is more, is a good thing and gives your body time to adapt to the new stress. ect. It almost all transfers!

I am more motivated for this season than ever and have a head start getting strong and fit months beforehand. The horses will benefit from me not fatiguing early on in the season and instead I can help my horse when the going gets tough rather than rely on him to carry us through.

I am sure there are others out there that can relate and maybe have a story of your own. I would love to hear about it! Something has to give, or else we keep wading in the same waters... Time for a change!