Wow folks, it's been a few days, er weeks even maybe, since I last blogged. Lots and lots has happened since then.
First of all, I have signed up with a personal trainer. I went this past Friday for an evaluation. He measured my height, weight, blood pressure, heart rate, and body fat percentage. Then he had me do situps and pushups. I also did a step test and several flexibility tests. From the data he took down, he will create a personalized workout for me. We also set some goals for the next few months. First off all, I want to increase my overall strength. Secondly, I need to decrease my body fat percentage. Finally, I am going to work on increasing my flexibility and core strength. The trainer who did my eval will probably not be my trainer. His schedule is booked for the times that I am available, but he was going to find another trainer who had slots available and call me this week to set up my first session. I am looking forward to trying this out. It is something I have never done before. I decided to do this for two reasons. I seemed to have hit a wall with my workouts on my own. I am not seeing any results and that has caused me to lose some of my motivation. Also, I want to start working on my upper body strength as well. I am hoping that seeing a personal trainer will get me back motivated and increase my overall fitness level. Football season is right around the corner and I need to work harder than ever if I am going to be able to play this season.
It has been over 2 weeks since my strength test. I have not kept up with my workouts since then due to the depressing results. You would think that not doing well would have motivated me even more, but for a while it just made me mad and angry. I'm getting over that now and getting back in the right frame of mind to get back to working hard. I will be calling my doctor this week to schedule another strength test for the middle of December. Until then, I will be busting my butt so that I pass this time! I am ready to be released and able to play football again!!!
Speaking of football, I tried out officially for the Dallas Diamonds on Saturday. I think it went really well considering my limitations. I thought I threw the ball well for the most part, much better than when I attended their mini-camp. So, now it's just time to wait for the phone call. Then, it will be decision time- Diamonds or Mustangs????
Until then, I'm going to keep working hard. It's now or never!
QB13
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Another Week in the Books
Thank goodness tomorrow is Friday! This week has felt soooooooo long!!!
I got back into my workout routine this week, but am going to change it up starting on Monday. For the past 3 months, I have been doing weights on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and cardio on Tuesday and Thursday. Now that I am doing more and more exercises, with increased weight/resistance, two days is just not enough for my legs to "catch up". For instance, I worked out hard core weights on Monday, did 50 minutes on the elliptical on Tuesday, and then tried to do my weight workout again on Wednesday, but my legs were way too exhausted. Today I did 25 minutes of cardio- 10 elliptical and 15 bike.
So, beginning next week I am going to change it up- I just haven't figured out how just yet. I am thinking of breaking it up like this:
1. Hamstring-specific exercises and elliptical
2. Cardio- Jogging/Sprints
3. Quad-specific exercises and bike
4. Cardo- elliptical
5. Combo: hamstring and quad exercises
With this plan, my hamstrings, which are way weaker than my quads, get to recover for 3 full days. It will also be beneficial to add in cardio 2 extra days, even if it is only 20-30 minutes a day.
Now that I see it written down, I think this plan will work. Tomorrow I am going to make my softball girls run the "route". It is an almost 2 mile run around our school and surrounding neighborhoods. I am going to run it with them. It's been a few days since I went for a run, so I think it will be a good end to my workout week.
I am in a little better mood than last week, other than the fact that this week has been rough at school. I am so ready for a week break for Thanksgiving! It's getting to that time of year when the kids start pushing my buttons, on purpose.
Keep working hard,
QB13
I got back into my workout routine this week, but am going to change it up starting on Monday. For the past 3 months, I have been doing weights on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and cardio on Tuesday and Thursday. Now that I am doing more and more exercises, with increased weight/resistance, two days is just not enough for my legs to "catch up". For instance, I worked out hard core weights on Monday, did 50 minutes on the elliptical on Tuesday, and then tried to do my weight workout again on Wednesday, but my legs were way too exhausted. Today I did 25 minutes of cardio- 10 elliptical and 15 bike.
So, beginning next week I am going to change it up- I just haven't figured out how just yet. I am thinking of breaking it up like this:
1. Hamstring-specific exercises and elliptical
2. Cardio- Jogging/Sprints
3. Quad-specific exercises and bike
4. Cardo- elliptical
5. Combo: hamstring and quad exercises
With this plan, my hamstrings, which are way weaker than my quads, get to recover for 3 full days. It will also be beneficial to add in cardio 2 extra days, even if it is only 20-30 minutes a day.
Now that I see it written down, I think this plan will work. Tomorrow I am going to make my softball girls run the "route". It is an almost 2 mile run around our school and surrounding neighborhoods. I am going to run it with them. It's been a few days since I went for a run, so I think it will be a good end to my workout week.
I am in a little better mood than last week, other than the fact that this week has been rough at school. I am so ready for a week break for Thanksgiving! It's getting to that time of year when the kids start pushing my buttons, on purpose.
Keep working hard,
QB13
Friday, October 30, 2009
UGH!
Yesterday was my strength test- what I've been working towards for the past 5 months. The results of that test determine if I am ready to progress to the next stage of my ACL rehab- planting and cutting activities instead of just jogging and straight-ahead sprints.
I failed.
I tweaked my hamstring about 3 weeks ago and took a few days off from working out. I don't think that's what caused me to fail, but it sure didn't help. It was finally back to 100%, but I tweaked it again yesterday during the test. Everything was going great until the final 2 reps, when I felt "pop, pop, pop" from my hammy. Great, now I've been set back, again.
The test involved a 10 minute warm up on the bike then 20 reps of flexion and extension on both legs. I knew my left leg would be weaker than my right, but not nearly as weak as the results showed. My left quad has a 12% strength deficit from my right quad and my left hamstring has a 30% deficit from my right hamstring. I can't remember right now, but I think the deficits have to be less than 20% to be able to begin planting and cutting activities. I got my results immediately after the test, but still had to wait for my doctor to call. Thank goodness is he very good about calling with results/returning messages, so I only had to wait a few hours. Sure enough, he said I am I still limited to the exercises/running that I have been doing. He wants me to go back in 3-4 weeks for another test, but I think I may wait until after the Thanksgiving holidays. That will give me more time to let my hammy heal and build some more strength.
Yesterday I wasn't that upset about the results. I knew my hamstring would be weaker. But, after talking to my doctor and having almost 24 hours to dwell on it, I am upset. I feel like I have busted my butt in the weight room for the past 2 months. But, for what? Not being ready to be released? I could have not worked out and gotten the same results, right? If I had not been working out, I would have failed. I worked out hard, and I still failed.
So yeah, I'm upset and mad right now. I am trying to remain positive, but it's so hard.
So here's the positive part. I've talked with my trainer at school and she has lots of hamstring-specific exercises for me to start doing. So, that's what I'm about to go do. Well, I am going to at least try to do them. I am just not feeling it today.
I failed.
I tweaked my hamstring about 3 weeks ago and took a few days off from working out. I don't think that's what caused me to fail, but it sure didn't help. It was finally back to 100%, but I tweaked it again yesterday during the test. Everything was going great until the final 2 reps, when I felt "pop, pop, pop" from my hammy. Great, now I've been set back, again.
The test involved a 10 minute warm up on the bike then 20 reps of flexion and extension on both legs. I knew my left leg would be weaker than my right, but not nearly as weak as the results showed. My left quad has a 12% strength deficit from my right quad and my left hamstring has a 30% deficit from my right hamstring. I can't remember right now, but I think the deficits have to be less than 20% to be able to begin planting and cutting activities. I got my results immediately after the test, but still had to wait for my doctor to call. Thank goodness is he very good about calling with results/returning messages, so I only had to wait a few hours. Sure enough, he said I am I still limited to the exercises/running that I have been doing. He wants me to go back in 3-4 weeks for another test, but I think I may wait until after the Thanksgiving holidays. That will give me more time to let my hammy heal and build some more strength.
Yesterday I wasn't that upset about the results. I knew my hamstring would be weaker. But, after talking to my doctor and having almost 24 hours to dwell on it, I am upset. I feel like I have busted my butt in the weight room for the past 2 months. But, for what? Not being ready to be released? I could have not worked out and gotten the same results, right? If I had not been working out, I would have failed. I worked out hard, and I still failed.
So yeah, I'm upset and mad right now. I am trying to remain positive, but it's so hard.
So here's the positive part. I've talked with my trainer at school and she has lots of hamstring-specific exercises for me to start doing. So, that's what I'm about to go do. Well, I am going to at least try to do them. I am just not feeling it today.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
5 Months Post-Op
Wow, did I really just type "5 Months Post-Op"??? That's right, believe it or not, tomorrow will be 20 weeks since my ACL reconstruction!!! Boy, oh boy, how time flies, but not necessarily because I've been having fun.
For a little over a week, I have been nursing a strained hamstring. Today was the first day that it has felt completely back to normal. After taking most of last week off, I slowly eased back into my workout routine this week. I did my weight workout on Monday and Wednesday and did a cardio workout today.
12 years ago when I tore my ACL for the first time, I was back to playing softball at 5 months post-op and was fully released from my doctor. Of course I was 16 then and now I am 28, so things have gone a bit slower this time around. Also the type of graft must be taken into consideration- patella tendon then vs. hamstring now. However, I'd say I am pretty satisfied with my progress so far. Sure, I would love to be released and back to "normal" right now, but I know that my knee is not ready yet. When will it be ready? I'll get an idea next week when I have my strength test. That just gives me a few more days to hit the weights hard and hope that my left leg strength is close to my right leg strength.
I am also ready to get back into my sprinting program. It has been 2 weeks since I was able to sprint- due to my hamstring injury and the nasty, rainy weather we've been having. I will start sprinting again on Monday.
I hope everyone has a great weekend. I'll be watching my MSU Bulldogs take on the Florida Gators Saturday night. GO DOGS!
Also, you need to watch "Forever Strong". It is one of the best sports movies ever. I'll write more about it later.
Keep working hard,
QB13
For a little over a week, I have been nursing a strained hamstring. Today was the first day that it has felt completely back to normal. After taking most of last week off, I slowly eased back into my workout routine this week. I did my weight workout on Monday and Wednesday and did a cardio workout today.
12 years ago when I tore my ACL for the first time, I was back to playing softball at 5 months post-op and was fully released from my doctor. Of course I was 16 then and now I am 28, so things have gone a bit slower this time around. Also the type of graft must be taken into consideration- patella tendon then vs. hamstring now. However, I'd say I am pretty satisfied with my progress so far. Sure, I would love to be released and back to "normal" right now, but I know that my knee is not ready yet. When will it be ready? I'll get an idea next week when I have my strength test. That just gives me a few more days to hit the weights hard and hope that my left leg strength is close to my right leg strength.
I am also ready to get back into my sprinting program. It has been 2 weeks since I was able to sprint- due to my hamstring injury and the nasty, rainy weather we've been having. I will start sprinting again on Monday.
I hope everyone has a great weekend. I'll be watching my MSU Bulldogs take on the Florida Gators Saturday night. GO DOGS!
Also, you need to watch "Forever Strong". It is one of the best sports movies ever. I'll write more about it later.
Keep working hard,
QB13
Sunday, October 11, 2009
A New Direction and One Step Back
Now that I am on the downhill side of my ACL reconstruction surgery, I have been getting alot more questions about my future in women's football. This is where I stand as of right now: I don't know. I am undecided for several reasons.
I first became interested in women's football when a new team, the East Texas Saberkats, formed just minutes away from where I live. I tried out for the team in May 2008. We practiced throughout June, July, August, and September in preparation for the 2009 season. Towards the end of our preseason workouts, I became upset with the team management due to some issues I had with respect towards the players. I began exploring other possiblilities for playing women's football. I came across the Shreveport Aftershock. After a lengthy decision making process, I decided to switch to the Aftershock in December. I wanted to play football, even if it meant driving an hour to practice and games instead of just a quick trip across town. The Saberkats ended up folding before the 2009 season, so my decision was a good one as far as getting the chance to play football. From late January until mid April, I made the one hour trek to practice as much as my schedule allowed- sometimes once a week, twice a week if I was lucky. Sure, the drive got old and monotonous, but I wanted to play football so I did it with very few complaints. I was looking forward to returning to the playing field for the Aftershock in 2010 after recovering from my injury. But, it's not working out quite that easily. I learned a few weeks ago that the Aftershock will not be fielding a team in 2010. Some of our coaches and several players have lost their jobs and/or insurance and will not be able to afford to coach/play in 2010. The owner of the team decided it would be best to take a year off and let the economy rebound. So, what the heck am I supposed to do now as far as playing football???
My closest options are teams in the Dallas/Fort Worth area- a 2.5 hour drive from where I currently live. That's twice as far as I was driving to Shreveport. If practices were just on the weekends, that would not be a big deal, but most teams also practice during the week and I will more than likely not be able to make a majority of those practices. So that is something I have to consider- is getting the chance to play football in 2010 worth a five hour drive, round trip, for each practice/game? or should I just wait a year and play again with the Aftershock in 2011?
The next predicament is which team? There are two teams- The Dallas Diamonds and The Lone Star Mustangs. They are in different leagues- the Diamonds in the IWFL and the Mustangs in the WFA. For me, it has nothing to do with the league the team belongs to- I am looking for the team that best suites me and my personality, regardless of the league affilitation. As a member of the Aftershock, I played in the IWFL so I know more about that league. The WFA just completed its first season and I think it was very successful. The IWFL is the longer-running league, but the WFA has made a name for itself in just one year.
I recently attended an event for both teams. Two weekends ago, I went to a mini-camp for the Dallas Diamonds. While this was not an actual tryout, it was set-up much like their tryouts will be. This past weekend, I went to a tryout for the Lone Star Mustangs. At this point I am just considering all options and keeping an open mind. There are things that I like and dislike about each team as of right now. I will continue to weigh my options and consider the pros and cons of both teams.
I still have at least 2 months of rehab left before I will commit to playing. I want to know that my knee is 100% before I make my final decision. But, now is the time that teams are having tryouts for the 2010 season, so I wanted to introduce myself to both teams. I did not want to wait too late and not have a place to play in 2010.
With that said, I did suffer a minor setback today. I strained my hamstring on my left leg. My legs have been sore since early last week as a result of increasing the weights and beginning to sprint. They were still somewhat sore Saturday at the Mustangs' tryout. Even Sunday they were still stiff and sore, although I did not do much at the tryout Saturday. Today during my workout, I strained it pretty good. While jogging, I felt a few instances of it pulling and tightening up, but didn't think much about it. I finished my 10 minute jog then headed to the weight room. There I did my squats, single leg squats, and calf raises with the same weight as last week. I experienced no pain whatsoever while doing those exercises. When I began to do hamstring curls on the Total Gym, I felt a sharp pull behind my knee. So, I stopped right there and went to see the trainer. I explained everything to her. She said it sounds like a strained/pulled hamstring. She said she could feel that my left hamstring was a lot tighter than my right. So, I iced it down and stopped my workout for the day.
I debated on whether or not to call my doctor. I ended up calling and getting them to squeeze me in on Thursday after lunch and asked for them to leave a note for him to call me. He called me early this evening. I explained to him everything that happened. He does not seem too concerned about it, at least not concerned enough to want to see me Thursday. He said it could be a pulled hamstring or scar tissue breaking up, but that since I used the hamstring tendons to replace my ACL, I would be more likely to pull my hamstring and that is very well what could have happened today. I think I am going to take it easy the rest of the week. However, he did say it would be okay to continue working out, but I need to stay away from hamstring-specific exercises until it heals. I think this is my leg's way of telling me it's tired and needs a few days to recover. I've been pushing it hard for the past week, and I have upped the intensity of my workouts. For the next few days I am going to back off and give my legs time to catch up. Hopefully by the weekend everything will be back to normal.
Keep working hard,
QB13
I first became interested in women's football when a new team, the East Texas Saberkats, formed just minutes away from where I live. I tried out for the team in May 2008. We practiced throughout June, July, August, and September in preparation for the 2009 season. Towards the end of our preseason workouts, I became upset with the team management due to some issues I had with respect towards the players. I began exploring other possiblilities for playing women's football. I came across the Shreveport Aftershock. After a lengthy decision making process, I decided to switch to the Aftershock in December. I wanted to play football, even if it meant driving an hour to practice and games instead of just a quick trip across town. The Saberkats ended up folding before the 2009 season, so my decision was a good one as far as getting the chance to play football. From late January until mid April, I made the one hour trek to practice as much as my schedule allowed- sometimes once a week, twice a week if I was lucky. Sure, the drive got old and monotonous, but I wanted to play football so I did it with very few complaints. I was looking forward to returning to the playing field for the Aftershock in 2010 after recovering from my injury. But, it's not working out quite that easily. I learned a few weeks ago that the Aftershock will not be fielding a team in 2010. Some of our coaches and several players have lost their jobs and/or insurance and will not be able to afford to coach/play in 2010. The owner of the team decided it would be best to take a year off and let the economy rebound. So, what the heck am I supposed to do now as far as playing football???
My closest options are teams in the Dallas/Fort Worth area- a 2.5 hour drive from where I currently live. That's twice as far as I was driving to Shreveport. If practices were just on the weekends, that would not be a big deal, but most teams also practice during the week and I will more than likely not be able to make a majority of those practices. So that is something I have to consider- is getting the chance to play football in 2010 worth a five hour drive, round trip, for each practice/game? or should I just wait a year and play again with the Aftershock in 2011?
The next predicament is which team? There are two teams- The Dallas Diamonds and The Lone Star Mustangs. They are in different leagues- the Diamonds in the IWFL and the Mustangs in the WFA. For me, it has nothing to do with the league the team belongs to- I am looking for the team that best suites me and my personality, regardless of the league affilitation. As a member of the Aftershock, I played in the IWFL so I know more about that league. The WFA just completed its first season and I think it was very successful. The IWFL is the longer-running league, but the WFA has made a name for itself in just one year.
I recently attended an event for both teams. Two weekends ago, I went to a mini-camp for the Dallas Diamonds. While this was not an actual tryout, it was set-up much like their tryouts will be. This past weekend, I went to a tryout for the Lone Star Mustangs. At this point I am just considering all options and keeping an open mind. There are things that I like and dislike about each team as of right now. I will continue to weigh my options and consider the pros and cons of both teams.
I still have at least 2 months of rehab left before I will commit to playing. I want to know that my knee is 100% before I make my final decision. But, now is the time that teams are having tryouts for the 2010 season, so I wanted to introduce myself to both teams. I did not want to wait too late and not have a place to play in 2010.
With that said, I did suffer a minor setback today. I strained my hamstring on my left leg. My legs have been sore since early last week as a result of increasing the weights and beginning to sprint. They were still somewhat sore Saturday at the Mustangs' tryout. Even Sunday they were still stiff and sore, although I did not do much at the tryout Saturday. Today during my workout, I strained it pretty good. While jogging, I felt a few instances of it pulling and tightening up, but didn't think much about it. I finished my 10 minute jog then headed to the weight room. There I did my squats, single leg squats, and calf raises with the same weight as last week. I experienced no pain whatsoever while doing those exercises. When I began to do hamstring curls on the Total Gym, I felt a sharp pull behind my knee. So, I stopped right there and went to see the trainer. I explained everything to her. She said it sounds like a strained/pulled hamstring. She said she could feel that my left hamstring was a lot tighter than my right. So, I iced it down and stopped my workout for the day.
I debated on whether or not to call my doctor. I ended up calling and getting them to squeeze me in on Thursday after lunch and asked for them to leave a note for him to call me. He called me early this evening. I explained to him everything that happened. He does not seem too concerned about it, at least not concerned enough to want to see me Thursday. He said it could be a pulled hamstring or scar tissue breaking up, but that since I used the hamstring tendons to replace my ACL, I would be more likely to pull my hamstring and that is very well what could have happened today. I think I am going to take it easy the rest of the week. However, he did say it would be okay to continue working out, but I need to stay away from hamstring-specific exercises until it heals. I think this is my leg's way of telling me it's tired and needs a few days to recover. I've been pushing it hard for the past week, and I have upped the intensity of my workouts. For the next few days I am going to back off and give my legs time to catch up. Hopefully by the weekend everything will be back to normal.
Keep working hard,
QB13
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Feel the Burn
My legs are SORE! Since seeing my doctor on Monday, I have stepped up my workout intensity and my legs are definitely feeling the effects.
I was busy on Tuesday, so I did not get in a full workout, but did manage to squeeze in ten 100-yard sprints. I was completing them in around 24 seconds each. It was much harder to complete the sprints than it is to jog for 10 minutes.
Yesterday, I did my full weight workout, a 10 minute jog, and six 100-yard sprints. I started off with the jog. In the weight room, I upped the weight on squats, calf raises, and leg press. Then, I tried to complete the sprinting program, but tired out after 6 and could not finish.
This morning my legs were feeling the pain of the increased workout. Today though, I pushed through it and completed ten 100-yard sprints, all in less than 20 seconds. After that, I rode the elliptical for 10 minutes and the bike for 20 minutes. Then, feeling energized, I completed my entire weight workout, minus the squats and calf raises. Whew! I was tired. My legs are still feeling the effects of the past two days, but it's a GREAT feeling.
My strength test is in exactly 3 weeks, so from now until then, I will be busting my butt every single day to continue to build the strength back in my left leg. If I continue at this rate, I will be close to 100% in about a month.
Keep working hard,
QB13
I was busy on Tuesday, so I did not get in a full workout, but did manage to squeeze in ten 100-yard sprints. I was completing them in around 24 seconds each. It was much harder to complete the sprints than it is to jog for 10 minutes.
Yesterday, I did my full weight workout, a 10 minute jog, and six 100-yard sprints. I started off with the jog. In the weight room, I upped the weight on squats, calf raises, and leg press. Then, I tried to complete the sprinting program, but tired out after 6 and could not finish.
This morning my legs were feeling the pain of the increased workout. Today though, I pushed through it and completed ten 100-yard sprints, all in less than 20 seconds. After that, I rode the elliptical for 10 minutes and the bike for 20 minutes. Then, feeling energized, I completed my entire weight workout, minus the squats and calf raises. Whew! I was tired. My legs are still feeling the effects of the past two days, but it's a GREAT feeling.
My strength test is in exactly 3 weeks, so from now until then, I will be busting my butt every single day to continue to build the strength back in my left leg. If I continue at this rate, I will be close to 100% in about a month.
Keep working hard,
QB13
Monday, October 5, 2009
4 Months and Counting....
I saw my doctor today for another check-up. It has been a month since my last check-up. In that time, I have progressed from jogging for 1 minute to jogging for 10 minutes and even being able to run a mile in 10 minutes. I even took a week off from working out during that time. He gave me the clearance today to begin the sprinting part of the running program. Beginning tomorrow I will be attempting to run 10 100-yard sprints instead of jogging for 10 minutes.
In other news from my appointment, he gave me two DVD's for a BOSU Ball workout. I am going to check them out tomorrow and see if that is something I should invest in. My doctor is a firm believer in building core strength, so I will give it a try.
I am still unable to plant suddenly, pivot, and/or change direction on my knee. I go for a strength test in 3 weeks. The results of that test will determine when I will be able to begin agility and cutting drills. From the way my doctor talked today, after that strength test it will almost be time for me to be "fired" from him, meaning I will be close to being fully released. I can't belived that I am on the downhill side of the rehab process. It feels like I just started!
Everything else checked out great. My flexion and extension are the same as they have been. I have no swelling and my scars are healing and beginning to blend in more with my skin. The other tests he does by moving my knee around checked out good as well.
So, pretty much it's a waiting game now- just waiting until my strength is back to 100%. Of course waiting does not mean just "waiting", I will continue to bust my butt in the gym everyday so that I exceed my doctor's expectations on the strength test.
Remember, if you're not working hard, someone else is working hard to kick your butt!
QB13
In other news from my appointment, he gave me two DVD's for a BOSU Ball workout. I am going to check them out tomorrow and see if that is something I should invest in. My doctor is a firm believer in building core strength, so I will give it a try.
I am still unable to plant suddenly, pivot, and/or change direction on my knee. I go for a strength test in 3 weeks. The results of that test will determine when I will be able to begin agility and cutting drills. From the way my doctor talked today, after that strength test it will almost be time for me to be "fired" from him, meaning I will be close to being fully released. I can't belived that I am on the downhill side of the rehab process. It feels like I just started!
Everything else checked out great. My flexion and extension are the same as they have been. I have no swelling and my scars are healing and beginning to blend in more with my skin. The other tests he does by moving my knee around checked out good as well.
So, pretty much it's a waiting game now- just waiting until my strength is back to 100%. Of course waiting does not mean just "waiting", I will continue to bust my butt in the gym everyday so that I exceed my doctor's expectations on the strength test.
Remember, if you're not working hard, someone else is working hard to kick your butt!
QB13
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