11 years - Ankleversary!

Sunday - Sep 24, 2023

11 years!

Another year goes by so quickly! 

My go to workout is Turbo Kick, online courses. Safe, no contact, no jumping and weights for my arms and legs.

Picked up kayaking, light hikes, and after work walks.

Another thing I like doing is getting massages and the only thing I am afraid of is when the masseuse forgets that I told them where my ankle surgery scar is to avoid massaging the area because I still have my rod and 9 nails in it.

With hikes and walks, my limit is about 21,000 steps before I start to feel tired and achy and will need to take a break. 

I'm still a weather detector, the arthritis hits when cold and rain comes. 

The painful accidental ankle bumping into things feels just like hitting the elbow. Painful tingle.

Scar looks the same, more easy on the ankle workouts continued.

Doing great! 

Hoping for fast recoveries for you all, you'll get there! Keep at the physical therapy and exercises!

9 years 6 months - Got a Stationary Bike

Tuesday - March 1, 2022

Happy New Year! 

So far I've started the year shopping for new shoes. More thick platformed heels and booties have been what I've been addicted to. I feel that extra support with bigger heels and I'm now all about comfort. I by many booties in this style or wedged shoes.

A friend recently gave me her stationary bike because she's moving. I love it! I use to cycle at the gym and take classes 2-3x a week anyways. With covid and gym closures and regulations, requiring masks for some, I now avoid having to pay for a gym membership and get to cycle at home through video classes! I've also picked up some weights and continue to do at home virtual live or recorded Turbo Kick, HIIT, Body Combat, and Kickboxing classes. 

It rained for a day last week with a few cold days, I still and definitely can feel that arthritis in the ankle anytime this weather arrives. The sudden shock ache. It doesn't bother me much but it does startle me when it randomly hits. 

Onwards and alternate ways to workout! All to best to you all recovering!

9 years 3 months - Barry's Bootcamp

Wednesday - December 22, 2021

I started Barry's Bootcamp! The only treadmill and only time I actually run! The treadmill there provides bounce and cushion into my running step. I actually don't feel pain during my runs in class. No aches after either. So far so good with an hour class and about a 10 minutes total of running.

I've also been doing a lot of hiking during nice hot days. Also a lot of walking. I'm noticing my max amount of steps in a day is 13k steps. Anything more will cause my ankle to ache. I'd feel tired and achy for a day or two after. I'm also making sure I wear good hiking trail shoes so I don't slip.

I look forward to more hikes and workouts to come in the new year! More Body Combat, Turbo Kick, Hiking, and Barry's classes! I haven't been back to the gym and so far continue virtual at-home workouts. Next is to get into cycling, which I will soon pick up a bike from a friend.

Best of luck to all in the new year! Happy New Year!

8 years - Ankleversary!

Today marks 8 years since the day I broke my ankle (fibula) and had surgery two days later and came out with a plate and 9 screws, still in there! Looking at it from an angle, you can see the nails protruding, and can definitely feel it when I run my fingers down the scar. Since covid lock down, I recently started taking weekend city urban hikes. I can now last as long as 4 hours max with some sitting breaks in between. I did find myself with a little limp and some aching. I think 3 hours is my limit really, because I do feel tired and sore. No pain. No pinch, or well I do get a random pinch here and there still. And when it rains or gets cold, I feel the arthritis kick in. The hard ache pinch. It’s like a gnawing Pressure feeling. I’m much stronger now with the walks. 

I’ve also started minimum 3x a week Turbo kick live Zoom classes, which has been fun and a great workout. I’m able to do the Jumps, and burpees fine. However, I still am careful and don’t do full air jumps, just slight smaller jumps for my safety. Still nervous to roll or land wrong. I am able to lay on the ankle in bed, still haven’t or needed to wear heals but I do find myself buying more wedge shoes. 

Midyear sale and I bought myself 5 pairs of shoes! It’s been a few months and ai haven’t worn any! 3 wedges, and 2 sneakers haha. Ob yea, I do now buy sneakers with great cushioned insoles and support. 

My scar looks the same, sometimes it still gets a bit itchy, and this time I got a mosquito bite.

Don’t mind my sock tan. I still have my forever bruise on the inside of my ankle from when it was also dislocated with torn ligaments. That darker area on the inside ankle point. I’ll never forget how long it took to heal ligaments. That’s now twice with torn ligaments. First time I tore ligaments was from rock climbing and an ankle fracture. The surgeon said he’d have to look inside when it was open for ORIF to know if he needed to reconnect my ligaments, which he didn’t need to do. That’s just my normal now. 

I’ll continue my favorite weekend beach walks and hikes! No brace needed! As long as I have good sneakers with foam, I can walk comfortably. Running is still something I prefer not to do because of the hard stomping on concrete is really uncomfortable pressure I can feel. Unless I’m at a track, but I haven’t gone to ine in a while. Beach walk hikes it is. And turbo kick classes. Stay safe all!

7 years 7 months - Shelter In Place Exercising

Hi there, it’s been a while since I last wrote. A lot has happened and we’re all living through a moment in history. Here in California, we’re all under Shelter In Place orders. Working from home and trying to stay calm and sane. Hang in there, we’ll all get through this together. Stay safe everyone!

I’ve started exercising through the 24golive app from 24 Hour Fitness. I’ve been taking the Zumba, Cardio Core, and Yoga classes. The cardio had a lot of jumping jacks and jumping type moves which tired my ankle a bit. I felt the heat and soreness, even some pressure and a bit of pain pinches. Definitely needed to adjust to the modified versions where I don’t jump and do the modified squats and steps instead. 

New on the schedule is Body Combat, which is one of my favorite classes to take. So far working out has helped my mood while sheltering in place. I may try other classes to change it up. So far Ive been working out almost everyday. Every class has about 173k people, which is motivating. Must keep it up and build my strength. Until next time. Take care!

7 years - Ankleversary!

Tuesday - September 24, 2019

 It's my 7 years Ankleversary!!!

I am about 2 weeks late on this post! I can't believe it's been so many years since I've had my surgery.

I am feeling great! Still the occasional weather changes and random arthritis, sometimes cramping, and the continued tiredness after too long of a walk. My range in motion is great! No more braces needed.

Must get good supporting shoes and I can wear heels! I've also been buying better athletic shoes with cushioned support and cute sandals that also have more cushioned support. Still sticking to the 2-inch heels to feel safe but at least I can wear heels. Also to be able to walk without discomfort.

As for exercise, I've been doing a lot of steps at Lyon Street Steps and Tiled Steps, more walking, and hiking. Lately just more steps. I still haven't run, just too much impact from what I last remembered.

Winter is coming and I always look forward to going up north to play in the snow! However, my sports have changed since I can't snowboard anymore since wearing boots irritate my ankle. I now go snowmobiling. Buying snow and water boots was also a challenge. I had to find shoes that didn't lay on the ankle. It had to fit under the metal and ankle parts to feel comfortable. Got myself a few pairs already and waiting to wear them.

I'll update again in a few months when I get up there to play in snow!

6 years 7 months - Working out, Steps

Tuesday - April 16, 2019

Spring is here! Time for some outdoor workouts. I gotta change up some of my routine gym classes. Now that the rain is gone and the sunny warm weather is back, it's time to go back to my outdoor workouts. Steps! Enjoying the outdoor views of the city and working out is refreshing. Especially enjoying the fresh air. 

Filbert Steps

Fun Fact: Netflix TV series "The OA", Season 2 house is located at Vallejo and Taylor St. At the top of Filbert Street Steps. 

Lyon Street Steps

I feel like I am still out of shape every time I'm back at working out at these steps. My ankle feels fine. I don't run these steps, I just walk it. Once I get tired, I do feel the heat around my ankle. No pain, no limping, no pinching. Mostly just heat, possibly due to inflammation or overworking the ankle. I'll just have to continue working out gradually to make it stronger. I'm back at it!

6 years - Ankleversary!

Monday - September 24, 2018

It's my 6th year Ankleversary! 

I'm doing great! I just came back from a weekend spent in Napa. I went hiking on trails, wore my hiking trail shoes and did just fine. I get the occasional arthritis from the cold weather and rain still. Sometimes when I walk for too long, I do get tired and achy. 

My scar is the same. I haven't used any scar medication to cover it up. I wear it proudly. I don't swell up anymore. I do get tired after very very long walks. Long hikes meaning 3+ hours worth of walking. Sometimes I'll get a tiny itch at the very bottom of my scar, I guess the collagen there still gets inflamed every so often. I do feel the arthritis kick in during cold weather, rain and when rain is about to begin. Fun random spasms also still happen, not often. To this day, I still think about removing the hardware but won't dare to get surgery again if I don't need it or feel any pain. I can live without 3 inch stilettos. 2 inch heals are as high as I go unless I am wearing thick or wedged heels for that additional support. 

I continue to go to the gym to attend Cycle class, Body Combat class, Zumba Strong class, and use the elliptical machine. 

I debated this year on joining a 5k run but backed out. I know I can't run, it's uncomfortable for me. I still choose not to run to avoid any type of stress or injury. I also haven't joined any competitive sports since. I go to Costco to help my family buy rice and carrying a 25 lb. bag of rice up a flight of stairs is getting better. I'm still working on strengthening my ankle doing more walking and hiking. My Fitbit motivates me. I haven't had to wear a brace for a while now.

Maybe I'll be more brave this year and will try something new. Updates to come! 

5 years 7 months - Hiked 12 miles and now my ankle has a pinch pain

Saturday - April 14, 2018

It was a perfect sunny day for a hike at Sweeney Ridge Trail! We had planned a 7.7 mile hike and it became a 12 mile total hike instead because we also headed to Mori Point! There were steep hills coming back up. I felt fine and tired. My ankle did feel a bit tired and no limp! Once I got home, I started feeling a random pinch pain whenever I took a step. I guess a 12 mile hike was a bit too long. It would've been better if we stuck with the original 7.7 mile hike. Time to rest up my ankle. I'm proud that I was able to walk about 22,000 steps without a brace or poles. Just trail hiking shoes! But more hikes to come! 

 

 

 

5 years 6 months - Weekly Body Combat Class, I sometimes hold back on my jump kicks.

Monday - March 5, 2018

I love my weekly Body Combat classes! It's a great workout for the entire body. However, there are parts of the class where you do air kicks, jump kicks, jumping jacks, and side planks. I find myself still having trouble balancing on my right ankle/foot when holding a kick stance. Sometimes I can hold it when I focus, but other times I can't and topple over. I can definitely feel the pressure on my ankle after using it so much throughout the class. When it comes to jumping jacks, knee highs, and jump kicks I either do a baby jump or I hold back and stay on the ground to do a squat as an alternative move to jumping. The pressure of landing on my ankle with all of my weight feels straining. Sometimes I will get a sharp pinch when I land from a jump, or a quick pressure pain. It's uncomfortable when I do land or lean towards the outside of my ankle and that's when it gets painful. My ankle doesn't bend that way. So this is the downside with certain exercises for me me where I get a bit nervous jumping. I'm still nervous about twisting an ankle. But it doesn't stop me from trying and continuing my work to make my ankle stronger.

5 years 4 months - Happy New Year! I hiked Koko Head!

Tuesday - January 9, 2018

Happy New Year! 

I just got back from spending new years with my friends in Hawaii! I had such a great time, minus catching the nasty cold that's been going around. 

I went on one hike called the Koko Head, my first time hiking this with the hardware in my ankle. I was nervous but ambitious. I was curious how I felt afterwards. The steep upwards uneven steps was never ending. I had no problem going up. 

I finally made it to the top without issues! No pain! No soreness! No problem! I felt so accomplished and happy I made it! Even better, my ankle was happy! From 100 to 1000 steps! It took about an hour with my slow pace and many breaks for the view and water. 

After a break at the top, coming down was a different story. The steps were big, steep, and uneven. My legs were tired. Jello legs. At the beginning I started out with my right foot stepping down. The pressing stepping down was a bit much. It started to pinch at the wrong angles when I stepped down. Then my body weight was adding to the stress on my ankle while stepping/hopping down. Some parts of it I even had to crawl down because the steps were too far. It then got a bit too much. I changed sides and had to step down with my left foot first. By the time I reached the end, I started to limp a tiny bit because of the soreness. I wasn't in pain though. Just tired and the few times I felt the pinch pain while stepping down with my right ankle. My foot wasn't meant to bend that way stepping down with the hardware on. It felt awkward. However, I did it! I'd do it again! Probably once I'm in better shape. I'm more aware now how I step with the hardware in my ankle. I love hiking and it's always been a challenge to get back to it. But it is the greatest workout to stretch out my ankle! I love it! I look forward to my next hike! 

Happy 2018! 

5 Years Ankleversary!

Sunday - September 24, 2017

Happy 5 years Ankleversary to me! 

I can't believe another year just flew by. I've progressed and met a few more milestones this year! I'm still bionic with a plate and 9 nails, retired from wearing 3 inch stilettos (but I can wear 3 inch wedged shoes!), and my scar is still 3.5 inches long. 

For the first time in years, this was the year I was finally comfortable enough to sleep on this ankle. Full ankle against the bed! This was something I've waited for a very long time! I've always felt sensitive before and it took this long for me to finally get use to laying my ankle onto a surface with weight! However, some boots that cover up to my ankle still bother me if it is too tight. Even shows with ankle straps bother me if it's too tight so I avoid them completely unless the straps are under my ankle. Just nothing on it feels good. So yes, I am still sad about retiring from snowboarding. I just can't do it. 

While I also miss running, I've completely retired from that as well. It was too much to run. Before my accident, I use to run about 4 times a week. I miss it so much! Now I'm adjusting to getting older and the weight gain because my activity level isn't as active as I was before with all that running. However, I have increased my gym visits. I do take a lot of classes. Twice a week Cycling, Zumba, Body Combat, and the Elliptical machine on days I don't have a class. The best class for my ankle is Cycling. Sometimes ankle does get tired from all the jumps and steps from Zumba and Body Combat. 

I finally bought a Fitbit this year to encourage myself to walk more. I did over 12K steps today! It's always a battle with my friends so it's definitely a motivator. I'm just cautious about getting older and wanting to build a stronger ankle. So I've been walking more. Walking to work, hiking, and taking the stairs instead of the elevator.

                  

Once in a while when I walk a bit too long or carry things that are too heavy, I do feel pressure in my ankle. I'll walk and randomly feel a tiny pinch or my ankle just buckles in a quick spasm like pain. It's weird. But the most important part is trying to stay healthy and working out when I can to make my ankle stronger. I can wear 2 inch heels but nothing higher. However, I can wear wedges if I want more height. That extra support really does help me feel confident in walking safely. I'm excited for this new year to see what new things I'll try. Updates to come! The cold and rainy days are near. I'm curious to find out how my arthritis will feel. Winter is coming! I also can't wait to watch Game of Thrones haha!

4 years 4 months - Took my first Full Body Barry's Bootcamp that involved running on a treadmill!

Saturday - January 21, 2017

Happy New Year!

It's the new year and you know how it goes, working out to get rid of the holiday pounds for the new year resolution. Way to start off this new year!

I took my first Full Body Barry's Bootcamp that involved running on a treadmill! 2 sets of treadmill workout that equals to about 25-30 minutes of running. Here's the full information:

25-30 minutes of cardiovascular treadmill intervals and 25-30 minutes of strength training utilizing weights, resistance bands, medicine balls and other equipment to target a variety of different muscle groups followed by a short stretch and cool down.

I got there nervous. I wasn't sure if I was able to make the entire run. I haven't ran in months! When it came to the treadmill session, the first session started at a Level 4 Speed and some incline to a Level 3 to begin. I was able to do the minimum and went up to the most at Level 5.5 Speed and at max incline at Level 4. I stuck with it and was able to run without issues! After the second session, I was getting tired. I didn't push myself too hard just in case of reinjuring and worried about the pressure I was putting on it. I loved the treadmill though, it was so bouncy and supportive, not like the other gyms I've been to.

Here's what it looked like inside. I loved their treadmill! The tread was made of actual tire like treads. I felt comfortable and not in pain at all when running! However, my ankle did feel tired. Great start to this new year!

3 years - 3 Years Ankleversary!

Thursday, September 24, 2015

Happy 3 Year Ankleversary to me!!!

It's been exactly 3 years since I've broken my ankle! This year came even faster then last! Maybe because I've been more active this year.

I went from crutches, splint, cast, and surgery to a plate with 9 screws. Now back on my feet wearing wedge heels, hiking, yoga, and now biking! However, I am still unable to carry heavier items, standing still for 30 minutes straight, feeling the cold weather and rain come, and noticing random cramping in my leg closer to the ankle area. When I sleep now, I am still sensitive to laying on this ankle and so I don't. I am getting more use to laying on it but it is still an irritating feeling. 

                              Last Year                                                     Today

 

3 Years later, my right ankle scar looks not much different. Once in a while, the top of my scar area gets itchy. That's the collagen from my scar tissue doing some funny things on the ankle. I still haven't used Mederma (Scar removal cream suggested by my doctors) to remove my scar because I want to keep it as a memory and to tell my story. Like my last ankleversary, I consider myself still recovering. I am not completely 100% as expected. I would say I'm about a 98% today after a 48 minute workout at Lyon Street Steps. It was a nice day out, 75 degrees F to work out after work. 

I went to Big Sur for the first time to camp with some friends and did some hiking at Salmon Creek Falls Trail the first weekend of this month! It was so beautiful and relaxing. We hiked for a good 4 hours, about 6 miles worth of gravel, rocks, and uneven soil trails. I had no hiking poles or an ankle brace. By the end of the day my ankle was sore, and felt a bit achy and swollen. I definitely worked out my ankle. I tripped and fell twice, this time twisting my other ankle. Luckily my other ankle was fine, I wouldn't know what it would feel like to twist my right ankle with the metal inside. It makes me nervous to think about it. I may just retire from these types of hikes for a while or I'll need to make sure I wear an ankle brace next time for just in case. I did end the day walking with a very baby limp. But it was so much fun! 

Look how far I've come from just a year ago with the below picture of me hiking.

I'm so excited! Again, I still can't believe how fast time flew by and to remember what I went through. Since my healing has progressed this year, I've been in a life is short type of mood lately and want to be out and about doing everything I can when I can. On to continued healing and more adventures to come! To another better year of recovering!

2 years 6 months - First time biking outdoors!

Sunday, March 15, 2015

It was my first time back at biking outdoors! I was so excited! I wasn't nervous anymore like I was before. I was so happy to be out because I am so out of shape right now! It was a beautiful day to bike around Crissy Fields. Other then my flat back tire, I had no issues biking at all! It just felt like it's been a while, more like about 3 years ago since I last biked outdoors! Wow, didn't realize it was that long!

We biked to Picnic at the Presidio for lunch! It was also my first time there and it was fun! So many food trucks and stands to choose from. I got a bloody mary with my skewers. So yum! 

We ended the day a bit early for grocery shopping. I didn't realize I rode about 4 miles worth. We did go up that steep hill in the presidio that gave us that big leg burn. It was a great workout. I realized I was more out of shape then I expected. I'm excited for next week to bike across Golden Gate Bridge! My ankle did feel sore after when we went to shop in Chinatown. More biking to look forward to!

2 years 5 months - ~10 mile hike at Mission Peak, sore and tired!

Sunday, February 1, 2015

It's Super Bowl Sunday and my friends and I went hiking at Mission Peak! Go Patriots! 

NFL Super Bowl XLIX

Final - Sunday, February 1, 3:30 PM

University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Arizona

We've all never been and live som close! It was only about an hour drive up north from San Francisco. Bought some delicious vietnamese sandwiches from Sing Sing for breakfast/snack. 

We drove to the other entrance which turns out to be a longer walking route. It was relaxing and still beautiful! 

We walked on cement, gravel, soil, grass, and a tiny rock trail to the top! A lot of uneven paths which was indeed a great workout for my ankle. Because I was told it would take about 2 hours to get to the top, I decided not to bring my walking poles, and to not use my ankle brace. The ankle brace was in my bag! 

It was defnitely a lot of uphill walking. Towards the top, it was a steeper incline. I wished I did bring my poles then. It would have given me that extra support for sure! Next time I'll bring it. 

I made it to the top without any issues! No pain! Started to feel sore and tired though. 

Going down was dangerous, I was so happy to have my trail shoes on. It had great gripping. Going down hills have always been a bit weird for me. I always find myself leaning/walking down towards the left. I'm guessing because of the metal in my right ankle is so straight against the bone, it doesn't really let my ankle bend correctly when I take steps down hills. And when I go uphills, I find that it is more comfortable for me to walk up diagonally versus straight up the hill. By the time I got all the way to the bottom, I definitely felt sore and exhausted. My friends wore their fitbits and recorded their steps. We hiked about 10 miles! I was sort of limping by the end. I'd do it again for more my ankle because I felt great at the end! New Years resolution is to hike more this year! Will bring my poles next time. So much fun and a great workout! I'm ready for the next hike at Muir Woods next week! I'm excited!