Limits

 I think sometimes we put arbitrary limits on ourselves. It may be out of fear, time constraints, or due to injury, among others. How do we know what are limits are, if we don’t consistently push ourselves?

I am currently dealing with injury. I have had injuries in the past, of course, but this one definitely deserves more attention and caution. I’ve dealt with the usual strains, and sprains, and even went to class with a boot on my foot when I fractured my foot and ankle. Smart? Probably not , but I was testing my limits. We are the only ones that know our bodies enough to know what our limits are, and if we proceed with caution, and safely, we can progress and push past what we thought our limit was. 

This past week has been about testing my limits again. Slowly and safely, consistently several times every day. I’ve made some progress, and my swelling has come down some. The days when there is a lot on the go, I know I’ve done too much by the end of the day. I continue to train with what I can do, and proceed slowly in getting back to what I am used to doing. I am also incorporating dietary self defense and eating foods that help with inflammation, which has also helped in my progress. And I’m listening to my physiotherapist by staying off the mats, as hard as that is to do. I’m doing my best to ward off the frustration, and anxiety of falling behind. I train, everyday, just a little differently than I am used to.

In my physio appointment today, the swelling has come down, but still has a ways to go. I have more movement, and she advised she thinks it may be an ACL tear, and possibly meniscus. The good news (I think) is she doesn’t think it is cartilage, as my knee doesn’t lock, but will hopefully be able to tell more with less swelling next week. To my dismay, she also said recovery is 6-8 weeks. I countered with I would like to back on the mats right after spring break. She countered with - next week I can show her some of my moves and she will tell me what I can and cannot do lol. The goal is to get back to what I do normally, and train like I was doing before. But that can only happen if I let myself heal properly. This has been tough, but I am also not getting any younger, and do not heal like I used to. I know this, but it doesn’t make it easier. The good news she said is it doesn’t affect my sit ups and push ups (modified a bit as to not strain my knee). She has obviously had this conversation before lol. 

In a nutshell this is my journey at the moment. I will continue to train, and continue to push myself and test my limits. And I will be back on the mats as soon as I am safely able to do so - AKA  April 3rd. Until then, I will see you online, training from my chair. Keep your limits in front of you, but don’t be afraid to test them either.