Things aren't perfect but I feel like they've gotten so much better.
I started going for walks on the trails around my neighborhood; they used to be my old running trails. It's beautiful - there is a lake nestled in with a gorgeous view of the Wasatch and Oquirrh Mountain ranges. This has been the first time that I've gone for a walk on my own for any extended period of time. I was a little discouraged the first time I went out. I walked my 5k loop, and it took me 1 hour & 14 minutes to complete it. But, since then, I've done that loop a few more times, and I've already gotten my time down to 1 hour & 2 minutes, and I feel each time I go, I am getting faster and better.
I find that going uphill is actually the easiest thing to do. Followed by flat ground. Going downhill is the worst though. It's still slow going, and that is where I get most of my discomfort from walking.
So, after walking 3.2 miles at a respectable pace, my foot is a little sore for the rest of the day (my limp is probably a little more noticeable too), and first thing the next morning. But, it's not nearly as sore as I expected it to be. I actually find that it feels better when I go for walks, than when I don't. So that's really exciting!
I also have been wearing some of my cuter shoes without my Superfeet. Swelling isn't much of an issue anymore, so I can fit into my old shoes again! It feels really nice to not be confined to my tennis shoes anymore. Today, I'm wearing a dress with a pair of cute flats! My surgery scars are exposed, and I can't help but look down and be proud of them, and what they represent for me.
Also, hiking season will be starting soon! I'm so very excited for that, because I've been so pleased with how much progress I have made over the last month or so. I have not felt ready, but I AM READY NOW! Most of the trails are still snow-covered at this point in the season, but we should start getting some slow melt soon. Nate has promised me that we are going to do all the hikes this summer. We are going to have to start really slow and easy, but I'm totally OK with that. Some snaps of my favorite hiking memories! I assure you I will be posting updates once I start again - Hiking with a Lisfranc Injury :)
(White Pine Lake - 10,080ft)
(Doing Yoga at Gobbler's Knob - 10,246 ft)
(Mount Raymond wildflowers)
(Lake Blanche - 8,920 ft)
(Reynolds Peak/Dog Lake - 9,422 ft)
(Bells Canyon)
(Waihee Ridge - Maui)
I am finally feeling so great about things! 8 months later :)
