Triumph.

The past three weeks have flown by like a whirlwind; there has been so much going on - hence the late blog post. But what great news to tell!

My return to work has been fine. Although I suffered the first few days with stiffness in the joint due to not being able to walk around and do my exercises as much. However, I’ve managed to adapt to working life again, making little routines to get up and stretch. It has made the world of difference.

On the 8th of September, my Uncle David got married. From the day we found out the surgery date, I set the goal for myself that I would be strong enough to be able to dance to at least one song that night. I was on the dance floor for the majority of the night, knee brace strategically hidden under my dress. Another goal conquered.

I saw Ruth again on 10th. We managed to progress my exercises again, with some of the main focus falling on single leg raises and mini squats. Squats have been my nemesis since my knee injury first flared up in 2015. Anytime I tried loading up a bar to squat my knee would pay the price in the following days, and as my injury got worse, even bodyweight squats would leave my knees in agony. Adding squats into my rehab program was a test for me - a test of trust. "Am I really ready for this?". I took it on, and as the day went by the reps increased and my confidence grew. Yes, there is still work to be done on my technique, but that is sure to come with time and strength. For now, I am happy to best the basics.

My single leg raises also saw progression day by day. I couldn't manage single leg straight away, so it went from double leg raises, to single leg raises with my right foot down for balance, to single leg raises holding onto the windowsill, to straight up single leg raises. They're a little shaky but hey, I'll take them!

Ruth had promised me that if I could master all my exercises AND be walking properly before our next appointment on the 21st, she would take my brace off me. You best believe I started walking as much as I could for the practice. Getting drinks for my colleagues at work, getting off the bus at a different stop so I could walk a little bit further - little things that would allow me to practice more.

It was hard to not get my hopes up going into the appointment with Ruth. Although I knew I was doing well, I didn't was to have all my hopes riding on getting my brace off, as I didn't know what Ruth was going to say. However, I am delighted to say that the brace is off! THANK YOU, LORD! I was getting sick of the bionic woman jokes! Not only that, but we have been able to add new exercises into my program. Balance work, more single leg exercises (including single leg squats and step ups - nemesis 2 and 3. Let's see how these go...), and CARDIO! I can now start biking and rowing; working towards that base fitness I need for when I am ready to get back onto the track.

One year ago TODAY I was out at my school in the US, just having been put on crutches and debating whether or not I could carry on with the heartbreaking relationship I was having with athletics. Now, I'm 7 weeks on from surgery, and I am surpassing goals. I can't help but be proud of myself, and I'm so thankful to those who helped me in getting here. We have more nemeses to face and so much more to conquer. I can't wait to take it on.