Mar 9, 2019

Ava Up and Running (and especially climbing!)


photo showing bare feet and climbing shoes



I CAN CLIMB NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!! I sat at my computer for a few minutes trying to find the right words to capture the emotion I have when saying this, but it's really just this simple. I now have what I've been working towards for the past 18 months — a body strong* and coordinated enough that I can focus on footwork and balance, rather than "will my leg collapse in this position" or "will I hurt myself." 
*(still have to wear a brace on the wall)

Let's recap:

photo showing a swollen left leg and unaffected right leg
8/20/2017
T +2 days
This is when I was wishfully hoping I had just sprained my knee.
Then I learned I would need two surgeries and a whole lot of work.

video clip of the author taking small walking steps
8/29/2017
T +10 days
Relearning how to walk!

video clip of the author jogging but swinging her arms as if preparing for a sprint
9/03/2018
T + 1 year
Really derpy running; the muscle power's there but I can't move my legs fast enough to actually run.

video clip of the author running a short distance
3/09/2019
T + 1.5 years
Gonna start working on that 10min mile.

I still have a long way to go before graduating from PT and being completely back in shape — and fending off arthritis and strengthening my leg will be a lifelong project — but I'm excited about the progress I've made. My list of "things I can't do yet" is getting smaller and smaller each month (trying to get approval for pivoting/cutting sports like frisbee and skiing next) and I'm ready to be outside doing things!

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