It has been a bit of a rollercoaster week for me emotionally and physically. I have been having issues with my left foot for...uhh years now. I initially chalked it up to plantar fasciitis and working long shifts in shitty shoes. Over the years it got worse and I made excuses, until finally this week I saw a chiropractor. After doing some tests it has been almost determined that I have posterior tibial tendonosis (although going for more testing soon) . An injury that could take years to heal, and means I need to go to back to the basics in terms of workouts. I don't want to go into detail, but instead of running and heavy squats, the next few months look like foam rolling and glute bridges.
          To say that I am in a panic is an understatement. I have worked very hard for my physique and am at a point where I truly love my body. My workout regime makes me same. Initially I worried that I would not be the same person. That I would be a shitty personal trainer without the same legs. That I would look ridiculous with a toned upper body and flabby backside. And then the rational side kicked in, and a few friends sent me encouraging words reminding me that I would never let such a thing happen. When there is a will, there is a way. And I will let nothing get in the way of a sexy bum.
           I am grateful that I can still train to a minimum, although now I will have to be creative and learn to relax and reactivate my glutes. The injury also forces me to really take care of myself and work on relaxation and stretching, proper diet and rest. It will be exciting to finally have supple relaxed muscles. It is very difficult to put the hard core training on the back burner, and realize that I will have to be patient with results. I keep telling myself that flexible muscles are stronger muscles.
           I have a few clients that have been dealing with weakness and injury, and I must say I can relate to the frustration. When one wants to see weight loss/muscle growth ASAP and one must throw that away to go slowly through the motions, it is a challenge. But with each challenge we become stronger mentally, and learn to trust the process. I will keep updating over the next few months to track my progress. Another inspiration to me has been Ava Cowen. A remarkable athlete that was bedridden after gracing the Figure International Stage, her blog and journey back to health has been constantly on my mind. http://www.fitnessrxwomen.com/life-health/real-strength-with-ava-cowan/journey-back-to-strength-1/
         I am also grateful to have an excellent team taking care of me. My wonderful, intelligent and charismatic RMT to be Kristin Scales, Dr. Ali Kheradmand at the Village Family Health Team, and Dr. Mehra at the East Liberty Health Center are all 100% unbelievable and a true gift to me.
         There will always be something getting in the way of our goals. Whether it be illness, injury, or circumstance, we must make the best of our situations. As I have said before, one will not be remembered for what they look like, but the soul inside the vessel. At the end of the day, it is yourself, not your body shape that makes a difference to others. Appreciate our abilities, and work with our disabilities to the best of our abilities.