Is there anything more motivating than measurable progress? Whether it’s a faster 5K or a new distance PR, progress proves that our hard work, previously an exercise in faith, is paying off.
This week, I’m motivated by progress. That’s both forward progress and sideways—I got to start adding sideways shuffles to my physical-therapy regimen last week! I also got to add weight to my single-leg press, and am now up to 60 pounds on my right leg—the one with the new ACL. I am using the super-tough gray resistance bands for all my exercises now. When I stand on one foot and throw a medicine ball at the trampoline, I stand on a wobbly thing to throw off my balance, and I throw a much heavier medicine ball—like, something you might use on purpose at the gym.
Also motivating me this week:
Signs of spring. Slowly rising temperatures and the flowers peeking out from beneath piles of brown leaves serve as proof that time is passing. I’m still in the winter of my injury now, but I’m about to enter the spring of my recovery.
The beautiful magnolia trees that line my street are weeks away from blooming.
A good day at Whitetail. I had planned to make Saturday my last day at Whitetail this season, as I’ve spent weeks yearning for this difficult ski season to end. But once I left on Sunday morning, I instantly wanted one more day. Part of the change of heart has to do with the fun I had that day, including a big patrol party Saturday night and the Heroes of the Hill ski race that morning. My classmates put together a team for the latter, and acted out our class motto, “drop your drawers” (long story), by skiing in boxers and long underwear. They wore cravats around their right knees in my honor (sweet Steve’s idea). I cheered and took pictures from the sidelines, and when they started racing, I dropped my drawers, too (stay tuned for photos).
A little help from my friends. I have spent a lot of time at Whitetail this season standing around feeling stupid—waiting for patients to populate a quiet clinic, waiting for my class to be done with morning training, waiting to find out if there’s some way I can participate in the afternoon. All that waiting and feeling stupid can create the feeling that I’ve done little but get in the way. Some kind comments from friends have reminded me of this Stephen King quote:
“Stopping a piece of work just because it’s hard, either emotionally or imaginatively, is a bad idea. Sometimes you have to go on when you don’t feel like it, and sometimes you’re doing good work when it feels like all you’re managing is to shovel s**t from a sitting position.”
What’s motivating you this week?
Amy Reinink 
Here’s my motivation for the week: While I was running on Saturday I passed a man who has walking using an artificial leg. He turned to watch me pass with a look on his face which was somewhere between envy and lust.
Amy, if you’re making progress in your recovery, you are in Spring. Nothing moves in the winter. But if you look closely, at the trees and yourself, the buds are already there, and they are growing.
Hooray for more progress! You’re doing so well Amy. Keep the good spirits and the results will keep rolling in.
Just heard a really great piece of advice, credit to someone on dailymile and to “Trail and Error” blog:
“Never make a decision on an uphill” – I’m going to tuck that one in my pocket!
This progress is awesome! Keep up the great work!
amy, i know this has felt like a slow recovery, but you are doing SO well. look at you! look at everything you can do! you are motivation, yourself, girl.
Hmm this drop your drawers sure sounds interesting! I am soo excited about the signs of spring popping up! More daylight, warmth, le sigh.
Ok so for some reason I forget you are near DC. All this snow/mountain talk makes me think of like Utah! I am jealous that you live in a runner-boom area. I’m sorry I forgot you live there – I woulda invited you to meet up at least!