my right foot...

it's been two weeks since i had a prp injection in my right achilles.  its been extremely painful, annoying and humbling.

i finally get to take off the walking/cast boot, and put on regular shoes.

i began physical rehab, which hurt a lot, and i have 2 more sets to complete today.

i'm not allowed to bike for another week or two, which is troubling.  the 56 miles seems to get longer and longer.

i'm not going to run until may 12 (god willing), when team aluminum boy competes in the pa tough mudder.  then, i wont be running until june 1.

i am swimming, which i am grateful for.  being stagnant for a whole week was difficult.  and actually, i am swimming much better than i was before.  the swim (life) coach kept telling me to keep my knees locked before, and now, i am so afraid to hurt my foot, that i am doing as told.  maybe thats why she's the coach, she knows.

this 'return to play' is not for weak of heart.  it will take so much determination.

also, i wanted to express my gratitude to the people that have been involved and helping me these past couple weeks.

to my brother and sister (team aluminum boy personal docs)... thank you for listening to me complain, answering all of my questions, hooking me up with doc singh, telling me that the boot was stylish, and continuing to have that unwavering faith in everything that i do.  i love you both (1&2)

to doc singh... at first i wanted to strangle you for causing me so much pain, but you explained everything so thoroughly and believe in what you did and continue to do.  just like those autographed photo's on your walls from the pro athletes you helped, my photo and herbie hancock will be hanging on that office wall.

to my parents... you haven't stopped me yet and i am truly grateful for that.  you have always been there to  comfort me and provide that unwavering faith.  i will do it all.

to rachel and the girls... i appreciated that you called me out on my slow moving, hobbled walk.  you waited for me, said my cooking actually tasted good and laughed at my super funny jokes.  you kept me positive.  rachel, thank you for being there on day one.  you listened, talked and joked with me when i needed it the most.  sorry my jokes stunk until i popped the perc's, but you laughed anyways.  STEPHEN!!

in response to all the comments and messages on fb... thank you all for your support.  i am so proud to post my achievements online, and even prouder that my friends 'like' it so much.  i don't think you realize how powerful your comments can be... thank you for all of them!

to that monkey on back... i thought that i had just about everything i would need in conquering my goals with docs on the team, but having a personal rn is amazing.  a simple 'thank you' would never suffice for everything you have done.  you have heard the brunt of my complaining, and rolled it off with positive thoughts.  you helped this old man to put on his socks, pain patches, shoes and forced meds down my throat, probably because i was too much to bear without.  (still waiting on that sponge bath though) we joke about how 'johnny's got it', but, really, it's always been you whose got it.  ikaw lang