Hot Dam, It's Hot! (When Compared to Winter...not complaining...just an observation)

It is a hot one out there today!!  I waited to go for my 6km walk until almost 8pm and it was still 32 Celsius.... There was a breeze to help but the humidity was high soooooooo....it was a hot walk.

When I got home, I grabbed my stretching mat and went to the back yard. The shad e was right and the breeze was better. 

Even had a fast (for me) 3rd km! Woot woot!!!

Eventually I did put the sprinkler on and run through it like a kid...it was so dam fun. The water was frigid. Make you shiver frigid.  It was just what was needed to I could go sit in the hot tub to relax.  All I. All it was a great way to celebrate 36 weeks of new hip madness! I even dared a leap or two through the water.... Such fun!!!

Until next time, stay cool and keep moving!

Happy Hippaversary

Friday marked my 34 week Hippaversary and today I celebrated by participating in a 5km run/walk. The event was called 'Color Me Rad' (http://www.colormerad.com). It is a non timed event created to raise funds for local charities. At this particular event, you get doused in cornstarch that has been dyed bright colours....you finish the 5km pretty darn messy.  A good friend joined me on this venture, which made it so much more fun. We threw coloured powder at each other and had a blast. 

We had to cover her car seats with garbage bags so we didn't dirty her car. 

Let's get one thing straight....we walked. I'm not running on the ground yet. Just on a treadmill. I'm sure moving to the ground is coming, but for now I will stick to the treadmill and my 1 minute at a time running....I'm adding more time as I can. It's coming along!

This was tons of fun and I'm so glad I am able to things like this now. Perhaps next year I can run the 5k...and get more people to join me!! 

Until next time, stay warm and keep moving. 

New Routines

Now that I am able to move, I love moving! Not from one house to another, but getting up and doing things, walking, outside, to the gym.  Holy shit. Who said that? To the gym? 

It's true.  Three times a week I have been making it to the gym. And I kind of enjoy it.  I keep up with the gym so I can practice the running on the treadmill. I haven't been cleared for running on the ground yet.  On gym days I treadmill for 2 km, 5 minutes of that is the running 30 sec, walking 30 sec for 5 minutes that I started 3 weeks ago!! 

Three times a week, I walk between 5 and 6 km outside. And I really enjoy it.  So let's see, that is 6 times a week I am getting out there and exercising.  Getting my cardio on! Getting my strength on!

Yes, this is a walking at the park selfie....I did 6 km this day!

At this point you are in your right mind to assume my body has been snatched and replaced by some alien life form.  You would be wrong though.  The mere fact I can do these things actually brings a tear to my eyes. Seriously. If someone, anyone, told me a year ago today that I would be able to run on a treadmill next year, I'd laugh in their face and tell them to fuck off. (While waving my cane at them!) This hip replacement really has been a new lease on life. I feel better, I move better, I am doing everything I can to keep it that way.  I even get anxious when plans come up that might interrupt my walks, or my gym time....

New shoes!

In the last few months I have probably have spent more money on runners and work out gear than anything else (besides groceries...I still love food!)

My Sunday morning routine has become my morning at the gym. It is quiet at this time. I can usually get everything I need to get done then I have the day left to do whatever. 

This is my Sunday morning now!

What has changed? Why this 180? Because I can. It really is that simple,  I can do it.  Of course, I still need a little help....

What helps? There's a list of what helps:

1)  Support. Hubby and the Boy are great at making sure I have a car to make it to the gym and to my athletic therapy appointments. They encourage me when I'm frustrated, push me when I need it, and remind to slow down so I don't do too much. I have some fabulous friends who encourage me and congratulate me on my little victories.  Speaking of little victories, I can officially tie my own runners! Sounds small, but it's been years....really. 

2) Athletic therapy. Not just the therapy, but the support and encouragement of my athletic therapist. He seems to know when I'm ready for more weight on the leg press, or to attempt running. (Or when I should take it easy..)  He supervises me, makes sure I do thing properly, and provides the nastiest deep tissue massage. Ever. (Yes, it hurts like a son of a bitch, but you know what? It works.)

3) Proper foot wear.  I have spent a lot of money on shoes lately. First I bought new cross trainers after surgery. Just last week I bought actual runners. Meant for running. They are gloriously comfy. Next pay day, I will buy another pair. 

4) Proper clothing. This may sound odd to some and a no brainer to others but having workout clothes that you feel comfortable in is important. Not everyone wears the same thing. I prefer compression capris and layered tank tops...but that is just me. Rock what is best for you. 

Also, Sunday mornings, getting dressed in my work out gear when I get up helps get me out the door. I'm already dressed for the work out, may as well go do it!

  

5) Tunes. You got to have the right tunes for you, with ear buds or headphones that you like. Seriously. Once I found the right earbuds, it changed how I listen to my tunes. I can't use the apple earbuds, they are too uncomfortable. I like the Boes earbuds. They cost a little more, but I love them. 

6) a Mantra.  Find one. Stick with it. Find a bunch of mantras. Stick with them.  This one is my favourite

Thanks for reading and for all the encouragement and support you have given me!  Have a great week!

Until next time, stay warm and keep moving!!

Time for a Jog!

Hi everyone! Where does the time go? Busy times are happening with this new hip! I returned to work mid February and am adjusting the days. Learning to incorporate my walks and exercises into a work day along with dinner and household things really started to kick my ass. At times I still get so fatigued I need a nap, stat. That's normal, I ad surgery. At the same time I am learning to push my limits enough to get stronger, but not too much to drain me. March proved to be quite difficult emotionally for me due to losing one of my best friends to cancer. Fucking cancer. I did get a chance to let loose over spring break with my friends in Las Vegas. That was a blast and needs to happen again! I It has definitely been a mix of tough times and triumphant times. I am not feeling like talking about the tough times right now, maybe later.  For the time being let's talk about what happened last week. 

 This coming Friday will mark my 30 week hipaversary, which makes last week, 29 weeks....

Last Tuesday, I jogged for the first time in 15 years!!! Yes, you read that correctly. Jogging, running, faster than walking...... That was so freaking exciting!!! It was was scary too.  I didn't want to try it at first. I'm a bit of a baby like that.  So scary. I have to trust my new hardware (and my athletic therapist)! He was right there beside me, encouraging me every step of the way (and ready to hit the stop button)! Of course, at first I thought he was crazy for even suggesting it! After a brief warm up walking, I ran for 30 seconds, walked for 30 seconds...and so on for 5 minutes. In total it was only 2 1/2 minutes of running but it felt like a marathon. Felt triumphant. 

I think the smile (and messy hair) says it all!

 It felt like the best thing in the world. I celebrated with high 5s all around and some tears and texts in the car. Since then, I've run 2 more times. The most recent one being this morning. Still feels good. 

You know you worked hard when your hair looks like this after!

So that's a peek at what has been going on, getting into routines, adding new things, and keeping on!

Until next time, stay warm and keep moving!

Back To Work

Today I returned to work. (Gross)

 I dragged my butt out of bed in the wee hours of the morn, showered, did my hair AND make up, for dressed, ate my breakfast, and walked to work. I am starting back half time so I did get to leave at 11:30 but I also had to go see the mean athletic therapist this afternoon. (I joke, he isn't all that mean, he is just pushing me and add new scary things to my routine...like going back to work and hopping).

Hopping? WTF?? Yes you read that right. I get to hop on one leg and that includes my new hip leg! I have to trust my new hardware. (I told him 'I trust the hardware, it's my muscles I don't trust')... I did ok considering I haven't jumped, hopped, or skipped in YEARS!!!  Forward, backward, step/hop.... So much with the hop.... I will let you know if something snaps.

With the waking up early, working, therapy, and new exercises I am pretty tired. I used skip the dishes to order dinner, cuddled with the cats and watched a movie tonight. (House to myself, yo!)

Another exciting thing? Today I registered for the Colour Me Rad 5k at the end of May.... I don't have to run it. It is a non timed fun event.... I'm so excited. I registered just because I can! Eeeeeee!

Until next time, keep warm and keep moving!

I Over Did It

Today I learned 4 km on the treadmill and all the new fancy exercises the athletic therapist have me to do is most definitely too much for me to do in one day. I seem to have some swelling tonight. My toes even fell asleep (I had checked with the surgeon before and he said that was a sign of swelling inside my leg and pressing on a nerve). I also have some swelling around the scar from the incision. It's  all good though. Now I know to save the long walks for non strengthening days. 

What's that you ask? That is me using the leg press. How much weight is on there? 100lbs!  (AT started me at 90 on Tuesday!) Legs are stronger than you think!

Some other strange strengthening exercise the AT made up.. 

There's more but I can't take pictures of me stepping and hopping... It looks bad enough when I'm concentrating.

So there we have it. I now know and knowing is half the battle. (Listening to your body is he other half)

Until next time, keep moving and stay warm! 

All Of Them?

Today I have a dentist appointment for my check up and cleaning. Exciting stuff.... Because there's a risk of infection with a simple cleaning (if the gums bleed or weird things happen) I have to take antibiotics. This is because if an infection occurs, it will go to my new hip and cause all sorts of issues.... This is my exchange with the pharmacist this morning:

Pharmacist: 'so, take all 4 pills an hour before your appointment'

Me: 'all of them? Is that going to cause bowel problems?' (Will it make me shit my pants?)

Pharmacist: 'ummmmm, it's a lot at once so take it with food. Everyone is different ....' 

Soooo yeah.... I just ate and took all 4 of these...

My belly is already making gross rumbly noises..... 

Stay warm and keep moving!

Big Changes

I am sad to announce this is my last week of freedom.... Oh wait, that may not have come out right. Next week. I return to work!  What??? That's right, apparently I'm expected to return to work.... I'm sure I will survive. 

Recovery is moving along nicely. I'm able to walk 4 km, stairs are getting easier, and I am generally feeling awesome. (Except the being tired thing...I'm still sleeping lots. I'm not napping as much but last night Fitbit tells me I slept 9 hours and 41 minutes....

Yesterday' walk happened at the gym because the wind was still high after the blizzard ended. Oh, there was also extra snow sooooo.....treadmill it was!

M

Yup! That says I walked for just over 50 minutes.... 2.5 miles (x 1.6km/m) and you get 4 km. Woot woot!! 

I'm back at the gym this afternoon to see my Athletic Therapist. I was told last week things would be changed up this week. New things to do and work on! Yay!  Not going to lie to you here, increasing cardio is both exciting and scary.!  

My muscles on the new hip side still gets angry and tight. I've been reminded that the reorganizing of those muscle groups wouldn't be easy but come on now!  Still not at bad as pres surgery pain but it is frustrating. The front inside of my quad and the groin are the areas protesting the most. There's a couple of specific spots that ache and get all tight and knotty on a regular basis. I get some pretty purple bruises from the deep tissue massage....sooooo purty.... Well, not so purple today but still there. 

You may wonder why I keep going back....the reality is this. I move better after.  I do bruise easily to begin with (I'm a ginger) and the difference in how I feel after is quite incredible. I absolutely swear that my athletic therapist. All the time. Potty mouth central. The end game is so I can move better than ever and for that, I'm willing to go through the deep tissue massage.

All in all I'm feeling awesome. I think I said that already...oops. I'm going to have to work my walks and exercise in around work starting next week so I'm trying to get more organized around the house.  Lucky for me it looks like I will be starting back half time then working up to full time. I still have a month or so of saved sick time to use should I need it so I'm not too worried about returning.  

This is going to be good.  Get me moving even more! 

Until next time, stay warm and keep moving!

Change of Scenery

This week I am staying at my sister's place two provinces away. I wanted to get in a visit before I return to work and this seemed like the perfect time.  The change of scenery is nice. Literally because there are mountains here! Not like in the prairies! My sister's neighbourhood is fairly new and not only do the houses all look similar, the streets all have the same first name but different endings... Place, street, common, gate, heights, circle.... You get the idea. 

I only got lost once on a walk yesterday. As a result, my walk was longer than usual. That's quite alright because I can actually do that now! Today I walked even further, just because I could. It was an awesome feeling! My hip and the surrounding muscles felt a little tired and achy, but a god achy. Definitely not the old 'holy shit that creaking hurts I have to go lie down' achy.  

It's kind of funny but I feel like I climbed a mountain today. Ok, it was a hill, but still. While I was walking, I saw a hill in the distance with benches at the top, a sure sign there's a path to the top! The neighbourhoods here all have ponds and recreation areas with groomed paths around them. It is quite nice. The warm weather brings around more ice than back home but I brought my spikes with me and they are working well. 

Look at that hill! I got this!

Ta da!  Go me!

The view of the mountains was well worth the effort!

Of course the walk need ended with a stop at Tim Horton's for a tea....it is on the way home....

All in all, I think this was a great walk!

I definitely could not do that before the hip replacement! Of course all the stairs at my sister's place ,it's be helping my leg strength.... This house is 3 levels and there are stairs a plenty!

The rest of my time I spend helping my sister wrangle this cutie...

He loves to stand on a chair in the kitchen and help. Here he is helping eat the sushi....

He also likes to listen to music on my phone...

And get his free cookie from the bakery....

I'm still a little apprehensive about taking care of him on my own.  I still fatigue quickly and i am worried about keeping up physically with him. He is a busy guy. I think I might keep him home on Thursday from day care and have a hang out day! 

Until next time, stay warm and keep moving! 

What's Next?

Lately I've been working on doing more during the day. I get out of bed early (well, earlier than 10am... Ok, I aim for before 9....don't judge me). I get my walk in, stretch, eat, shower, clean up, invent errands to get me out of the house and try to keep going.  I aim to walk at the gym on the tread mill 3 times a week to vary up my routine and work different muscles.  Why they heck would I try to keep myself busy like that? 

Apparently they want me to go back to work! What? Yes. It is true. I am aiming to get back to work mid February. I know that will be tiring so I'm working up my stamina. Still working on balance, strength, endurance and that but hey, I had a freaking hip replacement. 

 I am very fortunate to have a mediator or case worker through work who is working on a return to work plan with me and work. He is awesome. Final decisions won't be made for a couple of weeks about specific details but the guy is helping to take all the worry out of my return to work. He can arrange half time, ensure my duties are acceptable and appropriate for me in regards to my current abilities and limitations.  

I am most definitely nervous about returning to work. I've been away since The beginning of September. I hope it isn't too exhausting. I hope I can keep up. In the mean time, I'm off to Calgary to visit my sister and little nephew for a week! Let's hope the 2 year old doesn't tire me out!!

I will bring my cane just so he has something to play with!

Until next time, stay warm and keep moving!

Brrrrrrrr Cold Rewards

Sometimes, when you brave the cold weather, you get rewarded with sun dogs!

 Cute little rainbows on either side of true sun! 

Ice crystals are perfect for sun dogs!

You also get rewarded with frostiness!

Even on your eyelashes!!!

Wear enough layers and you hardly feel it. Move enough and you even break a sweat!!

Stay warm and keep moving!

Everyone Needs a Boost

Yesterday I got one of the biggest compliments ever.  I was making the treadmill my bitch, I mean walking on the treadmill, and my athletic therapist comes over to check in and introduce me to the student AT working with him. He says "I know you can't tell from looking at her now, but Lori has just had a hip replacement."   She looked impressed!! Yup. That happened!!

This is week 14 since new hip day and I somehow really needed to hear someone say that.  My leg muscles had been feeling tight and not stretching well.  I was feeling down a bit about still using a cane and still not being able to do a leg lift with that new hip... Blah, blah, blah....pity party ensued...

You know what? It has only been 14 freaking weeks! Time to check my unrealistic expectations at the door and look at the facts and the accomplishments!

1) I have a new hip. That means a surgeon has cut through my muscles, sawed out a piece of my bone, hammered in a titanium replacement, drilled into other bone to make an acetabulum, lined it, used 2 giagantic screws to hold it in place and sewed and stapled me back together. I think it is just fine to be where I am right now. There will be days the muscles are angry and feel weird.  There will be days I want to be able to do more and not get tired doing. Calm down! It will get better. (Turns out walking in the softer snowy surfaces causes shorter stride lengths which most likely contributed to the tightness I was feeling.  I will have to get on the treadmill a little more often to keep my stride length longer) 

2) I am able to walk over 2 km every day, and I do! Just. Because. I. Can. Sure, I'm using a cane outside or the rails on the treadmill, but I can walk! Today I posted my fastest km in ages while walking outside! The second split time is 12:55!

3) I can stretch and move in ways I haven't been able to for years and it feels awesome. Seriously. To get a hamstring stretch, or bring my knee up to my chest (getting closer)..... AMAZING! Yesterday, I put a sock on my left foot, without help or using the sock aid! WHAT? (Before the sock aide, I would have gone sockless if Hubby or the Boy weren't home....)

Look what I can do!

4) I still sleep lots. Lots. Fit bit told me I slept 9 hours and 41 minutes last night.... I still nap too... But hey, recovery! Sleep means healing....or so I'm told.

5) I am trying to get back into the kitchen more. Today I made soup! It was a tasty chicken and wild rice soup.... So good. 

6) I have some of the nerdiest drinks around, thanks to some AT AT ice cubes!

Feeling pretty good today! 

Sometimes we need to be reminded how amazing we are!

Until next time, stay warm and keep moving!