Temporary Reprieve from Kickboxing Retirement

One of the gyms that I teach at was in desperate need of a kickboxing sub, and after mulling it over for a few hours I committed to teaching it. Was this a good idea? Would I be able to do it? Could I teach without jumping around? Would I pay dearly for it? It's been 13 months since I taught kickboxing. Heck, it's been 13 months since I taught anything in-studio. But I wanted to do it just to prove to myself that I could. I was a little nervous, hoping people would understand why I was modifying my moves and hoping they would still make the most out of their workout. So often participants follow EXACTLY what the instructor does. I mean to the point if I stopped to tie my shoe, they would, too--LOL.

It was awesome how everything came back to me. There were a couple times I found myself wanting to jump and go with the adrenaline rush, but my mind & body were very much aware that jumping around isn't in my best interest. I did however surprise myself with the ease and height of my kicks at times. It just felt natural.

It was good to see some of my former participants. Some have been with me since 2002! I had a great time, I felt great, and I couldn't believe how fast the hour went. I sure hope everyone enjoyed it! They gave me a little round of applause at the end, that made me feel really good. So even though I won't be taking over any kickboxing class, I can sneak a couple classes in a year and get my fix that way!

What's Up Good Hip?

Since when do I have a cranky good hip?! The last couple weeks it's been aggravated. I thought it was from over compensating, or tweaking my back a bit, or maybe the ligaments are irritated from the elliptical? But I really think I've been in denial that something more is going on. It hurts deep in the buttocks, and that is not a good sign. It hurts so bad today that I'm considering bringing out the crutches to take some weight off of it. I am not going through all this again, please let this be temporary. I have to get on with my lift! Ugh.

PAO Video

I was reading another fellow PAO patient's blog and stumbled upon this video of a PAO surgery. Although it wasn't that graphic, I'm glad I didn't watch it before hand. I just don't have a stomach for blood and hammering and bone sawing noises. None-the-less, I think it's worth posting. I'm still very jealous of all the people that got to use a walker, I think it would have made life so much easier than the dang crutches right after surgey. Yes, I'm still holding a grudge about that!

6 Month Check Up

January 19th was my official 6 month post-PAO date, and today was my 6 month follow-up appointment. Things went well. I told him I feel about 75% but have no regrets on having the surgery. As of late I have been having some weird pains when I pivot my foot (like when I step away from a counter), and there has been a couple occasions where I go to stand up and walk only to feel something that stops me in my tracks. It's almost like it wants to stick or lock but then works its way out. He said these things usually work their way out, but he also thinks my gluteus maximus tendon is irritated, possibly from the elliptical. But mostly I say I'm 75% because there is no way I could jump around or run right now, if ever. My son darted off in a parking lot recently and it took everything I had to chase him down. Let me tell ya, there was nothing graceful about my running style. It's like a step-hop-step-hop, and I look ridiculous!

We also discussed screw removal. At last visit he mentioned I could do it under local anesthetic, and remain awake. This time he said he would advise against local and just go for the general. I guess he recently removed screws using local from a double PAO patient who he described her personality as "hard as nails", and she was in extreme pain (she described it as way worse than natural child birth.) Yeah, last thing I want is to be pinned down screaming my head off with the doc standing over me with a drill. I wouldn't want to rattle him while he works, I think I'll take the general. Good news is that it's a quick procedure and only a small incision.

I am also gearing up to return to teaching fitness this Spring. I've started attending some classes to prep my body, but the truth is that you work so much harder as an instructor, so no matter what I'm gonna be sore after I start teaching again. Oh well, it will be a good and welcome kind of soreness.