Putting Me Back Together Again
Wednesday, May 20, 2020 I will go under the knife for achilles surgery, almost two years after completing the 3,142 mile run across the USA.
VIDEO: Adam Warinsky, Run2Heal Road Coordinator, made this video for the fundraising gala event the weekend I made it to Chicago. It’s always touched me.
Broken For Far Too Long
I haven’t been able to run significantly since I finished the run. I tried everything, from traditional physical therapy to ultra-progressive stem cell treatments, and everything in between, but nothing worked. During this period of injury, I learned that there are many more runners and athletes suffering from achilles injuries. It’s a finicky tendon that is difficult to diagnose precisely and treat effectively. Every person, and every situation, seems different, with different responses to all of the various treatment options.
I am blogging my recovery for three reasons:
Accountability. If I put it in writing, I am more likely to adhere to the plan.
Case study. If I am successful in my recovery, perhaps it can help others.
Experiment of one. I have a lot of beliefs around nutrition and supplementation. This is a good time to put them to the test.
Big Goals for Life After 50
I have huge goals to conquer when I can run, again. I owe my friend Sean a 100-miler at Bighorn in Wyoming; I owe Weezy 120 miles through the swamps on the Florida trail; and, I want to run across Tennessee with a bunch of other Laz cult members in the middle of the summer. I want to whoop some fools at the GORUCK Rucking National Championships in DC in November. I want to return to obstacle course racing, journey running, and compete in CrossFit Masters competitions.
I can’t screw this up. This is my last chance. I know everyone thinks I’ll self-sabotage, and I deserve that expectation. I never recover properly. I’m known for being hard-headed, making things twice as hard as they need to be, and not listening to those whom I should be listening …and worse, finding humor in my idiocy.
I don’t have that luxury anymore. So with that…
The Nutrition Plan
Keto. It’s that simple. It’s known as a healing diet and I believe babyKai is on this earth because of keto. I believe, in the past, I have watched my body completely transform, my mind dramatically clear, and my entire respiratory system open up, by simply eating keto, Diet debates aside, no one will challenge the fact that keto is an anti-inflammatory way to eat. As someone who will be healing an inflamed achilles tendon, this just makes sense to me. We shall see.
Smashing Nutritional Supplements
MCT, THC, & CBD oils. I believe in the power of the cannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system. I believe in homeostasis. My goal with these supplements to to both curb the pain, while offering me ample ability to sleep, and helping to keep my body’s systems in balance.
Essential Amino Acids [EAAs] are, well, essential to building and retaining muscle. The product I choose was originally developed for, and used in, hospitals specifically to treat burn victims and help them retain muscle during healing.
CBD Products from Isodiol
THC products from Trulieve
EAA Products from REAAL
Isodiol International offers a wide array of CBD products and delivery methods to ensure I am maximizing my CBD intake. Targeting 300-500 mg per day.
A Training Plan?
I mean, I have to train, right? Wrong. At least not for a few months. No weight-bearing activity at all for six weeks after the surgery, and then I get to learn to walk again, they say. I find that hard to believe and overly dramatic, but we’ll see.
I will, however, do as I am told, work with real trainers, and ramp up my PT and physical activity responsibly. Like a real athlete. I owe it to myself, to Lindsay, and to babyKai, to be the best I can be. Not an idiot.
it’s time to go to bed. Tomorrow, sh*t gets real.