An Ordinary Odyssey

I wanted to give a quick update, because I am 100% still working towards my R2R goals! They’ve just had to shift a bit!

My knee set me back right away and I had to take a few weeks off of any direct training. Through the MRI, it turns out that while I didn’t tear my meniscus (yay!), I almost tore it! It was technically a really bad meniscus sprain, which puts me at risk for a tear while I am healing. So doctors orders were to rest fully for another two weeks and then continue with my training schedule, being sure to limit some specific motions and activities for another month or so while it fully heals. I saw a physical therapist for a consult and have some specific stretches and exercises that I am to do for the next 2-3 months to aid in healing and strengthening my knees as well as my lower back and pelvis area. All things I really should be doing anyway. It’s just more imminently serious now.

I’m generally a capital letter Excellent Patient. I do my research and come with questions and all the answers to what I know they will ask, typed up and prepared. When I am given instructions or medications, I follow them to the letter. But, instructions to completely rest for two weeks was just so incredibly hard for me. Anyone who knows me knows that I am a constantly on the go person. I have so many hobbies and most are physical. I didn’t go to the gym or for any hikes and that really started to take a toll on my mental health. It’s crazy how fast that happens for me. I got out for a few small walks though, to at least enjoy the weather and be outside.

One thing I did do while I was out of commission was to research a personal trainer. I’ve tried this before and, spoiler alert: it’s a nightmare. The fitness industry seems to love its gatekeepers. Try finding prices online, and it’s like you’ve stumbled into a secret society. No one posts their rates. No one. And that drives me crazy. Why can’t I just know what I’m getting into before I book a free consultation that inevitably turns into a sales pitch? If I could’ve found a trainer with transparent pricing, clear packages and schedules, and bios of all their trainers and what days they actually work on their website, I would’ve signed up in a heartbeat. I mean, if you’re not transparent, what are you really saying about how you value your clients? You have to know that the bottom line for most people is cost, and second is schedule. Not putting that information transparently on your website is just a waste of everyone’s precious time.

But I digress. Rant over!

Unfortunately, I couldn’t find a trainer with all that transparency within a 30-minute drive. So, I set my budget and my schedule and booked a consultation with the most convenient place near me. Before we even talked about training, I made sure to have the budget and schedule conversation. If they were a dollar over my budget, I would’ve walked. Straight up. But they were within my range, so we moved forward with the consultation and I booked a session. It was a bit of a gamble, but so far after four sessions, it seems solid.

As for how those sessions are going….not sure yet! They definitely have me doing weight training moves I would not have done by myself. But after two 1-hour sessions a week, I’m not feeling the burn or soreness I expected. I think they’re just easing me into things, testing my limits before ramping up the intensity. I actually signed up for group personal training package, where we all are doing our own training plans but in a group setting. I like that because, let’s be real, I don’t need someone constantly hovering over me for a full hour. I prefer to work through things on my own, and then ask for help when I get stuck. Even in pole dance, which I absolutely love, I don’t like the constant watchful eye. I want to be shown once or twice, then left to figure out the rest. The group setting feels like a good balance—guidance when I need it, freedom when I don’t.

That said, the studio is a little chaotic. There’s always a lot going on, and I feel like I’m interrupting when I ask a question. The sessions are only an hour long, and there’s a new group coming in quickly after us, so the pace is a bit rushed. But it’s only been two weeks. I’m sure I’ll get into the groove and start feeling more comfortable with the rhythm and my fellow classmates.

Looking ahead, I’m aiming to keep a solid routine: two pole dance nights a week, two group personal training nights, Saturdays for hiking, and Sundays for meal prepping. The goal right now is to focus on building habits, getting into a rhythm with the gym, and, if I’m being honest, working on my nutrition a little more. It’s been a bit lackluster lately. I’ve been good about prepping my breakfast and lunch on Sundays, but I’ve started skipping the dinner prep to avoid spending more time in the kitchen, and that’s led to more “convenient” (a.k.a. less-than-ideal) choices. And don’t get me started on my snack habits! I’m definitely guilty of over-snacking throughout the workday. So, my plan is to take meal prepping more seriously on Sundays and actually lean into a routine. On top of that, I need to dial in my hydration because, let’s face it, I don’t drink nearly enough water. I also want to build a solid stretching routine for the morning and night to keep things loose and limber. Small steps, but it all adds up. I’ll work on my targeted physical training for the Grand Canyon and my interim goals (Fight for Air Climb and Manitou Incline) once I get through the wacky holiday schedule and then get the all-clear on my knee.

So, onward! Progress is progress, and I’m feeling good about where I’m headed. Stay tuned for more updates!