9 years 10 months - Started playing Tennis

Monday - July 4, 2022

Happy July 4! I finally have time to write an update post!

I bought a tennis racket and recently started to play tennis for the first time since I broke my ankle! 

The first time I played I wore the wrong shoes, running shoes were too soft to grip the floor when playing. It almost felt like I was running around in socks and got really tired. No pain, no soreness. My ankle held up!

The next time I played, I wore the right workout shoes that were more stiff and sturdy to support the entire foot for when I sidestep. This time, with stiffer shoes, I did notice my side stepping while playing, I feel a stiffness in my ankle where the metal is on my outer right ankle. I did notice leaning over to the right, it feels as if I can't bend my ankle/body to the right as I use to. It was a bit uncomfortable but not painful in the ankle. Felt like the rod was in the way but it was just against my bone and I can feel the pressure. But it's not bothersome to the point I need to stop playing. More tennis to come! So much fun and I'm so happy I can play!

                                       

I continue cycling at home virtually for workouts.

I've also started cycling outdoors around the city!

I am buying shoes with thicker heels! Also needs to be comfortable and avoid all hard ankle coverings against my ankle with the metal. So this is all fabric, sock-like material.

Even sandals I buy all now have ta o have cushion! And platform for extra security and support! My style for shoes has definitely changed over time, I've retired from stilettos and any heels past 2 inches high. What shoe will I buy next? Updates to come.

5 years 1 month - Toe cramp, muscle spasms, and other weird cramps

Thursday - October 5, 2017

I just got a toe cramp! I'm noticing now that I have more frequent random cramps then I did before breaking my ankle. Last time, I had a weird cramp around the bottom of my ankle and surgery site. Then I notice random muscle spasms on my right lower leg. I have even spasmed myself awake a few times! I still have my plate with 9 screws in there, 5 years in. I now wonder about my circulation... 

Anyone out there, has this happened to you?  

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 11 months - I wore 2 inch stiletto heels for the first time and on grass!

Monday - August 22, 2016

I wore 2 inch stiletto heels and on grass for the first time! I went to a wedding yesterday and needed some shoes to match my dress. Found these 2 inches I had and wore it with no issues. Even in grass, I wasn't nervous at all. My heels even dug into the grass and I felt fine. Definitely progress! I was so happy! No pain! I may need to shop for more 2 inch heels!

! 

3 years 3 months - First time taking Kickboxing class!

Saturday, December 3, 2015

It was my first time taking Kickboxing class since my broken ankle! So much fun! Lots of air kicks, jump kicks, and ugh burpees. The jumps made me nervous and I didn't make full jumps. It was a lot of pressure coming down when I landed. I felt the intensity against my ankle. I made it through the entire 1 hour class! Non stop cardio. I made sure to stay in the back row as I was so uncoordinated. So much fun though! Towards the end of class, I felt my ankle getting tired. Probably from all the steps and jumping. After class, my ankle was sore. No ankle brace needed! I had so much fun! And happy I was able to take it!

It's December already, and excited to see what the new year brings! Maybe trying more new sports or exercise programs. 

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 11 months - Took a Yoga class and ran for a few minutes on a treadmill!

Tuesday August 11, 2015

I went to 24 Hr Fitness and took a 1 hour Yoga class and ran a few minutes on the treadmill! No ankle brace! My ankle held up! I only ran for a few minutes and walked the rest on the treadmill. I did feel a little tingle up my leg to butt. Then went to the Sauna to relax after. I'll find out tomorrow if my ankle is sore. Feeling great!

2 years 11 months - These shoes hurt my ankle!

Saturday August 1, 2015

I found my Pumas in the closet and wore them with my workout clothes. Come to find out the right corner of the shoe tongue irritates my ankle. It is right against the metal parts on my ankle. So sad. They were comfortable too. Good thing I had an extra pair of atheletic shoes in my trunk. Which shoe next? 

2 years 10 months - Found my high school track cleats, back at the track for a run!

Monday July 27, 2015

I found my high school track cleats for rehabbing my ankle on the track! It's been over a year since I last ran. Found it, I wrote about June 29, 2014 which was the last time I ran on Lake Merced. I won't forget it, came out limping that day. Shortly after, I went to get an MRI which I wrote about on June 5, 2014 to check on the clicking action, swelling, soreness, and heat that was going on inside my ankle. Found out it was inflamed tissue and that I may have ran on cement a bit too soon and aggravated it. I was definitely nervous. Didn't have an ankle brace either. 

I lasted my first lap running ok, after that I alternated running and walking on every lap. I didn't want to overdo it and hurt myself. I was just happy and excited to be back on the track for a run! Did 2 miles to start and started feeling tired at 1 mile point. Giving that it's been over a year since I last ran, I felt great! No pain! Just a bit of soreness but nothing I can't handle. I'll wait a day to rest and continue running. I'm ready for more! So happy!

2 years 9 months - Cabo San Lucas, came back to hotel with a sore swollen ankle!

Wednesday May , 2015

I went to Cabo San lucas for a bachelorette party and walked all day! Went down to the Marina to shop. I was in my flip flops, flat, and with no ankle support. We walked for about 3 hours? Came back to the hotel with a sore and little swollen ankle. View from my room.

Luckily I brought my gel pad which I left in the freezer just in case I needed some icing. I should've worn my athletic shoes to walk. Next time.

2 years 7 months - Alamere Falls Hike, came home with a sore ankle!

Saturday April 4, 2015

Alamere Falls was one of the most beautiful hike's I've ever done. Minus the poison oak along the trails. There were wide and narrow trails.

Towards the end of the trail, we had to do a bit of rock climbing down to the beach. There were also a few beautiful waterfalls! 

The final part down to the beach was almost a 90 degree climb down. There was a lot of loose rock too, so everyone had to becareful and wait for people to go up and down.

Down by the beach, there was this big waterfall where everyone went to take pictures.

This time I didn't wear my ankle brace or bring my hiking poles. Mostly because I misplaced the brace and forgot to bring the poles. It was a quick last minute rush decision to go this morning. I was definitely feeling tired by the time I got to the beach. We walked along soil, uneven paths, gravel, rocks, acorns, leaves, and sand! The entire hike was uneven pavement. It was a workout for sure for my ankle. Waterfall was our reward at the end, with a vietnamese sandwich for a late lunch.

By 3/4 of the way back, I was slowing down and starting to limp just a bit. The next time I come back, I should really wear my ankle brace because I slipped a few times. Luckily with my left foot. 

Once I got home, I put on a Icy Hot wrap. I realized I wore it inside out, as shown in the image below haha. Sore but happy! I'll be back and more prepared next time!

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!

2 years - 2 Years Ankleversary!

Wednesday, September 24, 2014 

Happy 2 Year Ankleversary to me!!!

It's been exactly 2 years since I've broken my ankle! I still can't believe another year flew by just like that. I'll never forget the time I was in a cast for close to 3 months and another 5 months of physical therapy.

I went from crutches, splint, cast, surgery, and a plate with 9 screws. Now back on my feet wearing heels, hiking, yoga, and playing grass volleyball! The top of my scar is just a bit itchy today.

2 Years later, my right ankle scar looks not much different. I 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. Some day's I do feel 100% and forget I even have the hardware in my ankle. 

I played grass volleyball for the first time bare feet a few weeks ago with some friends and felt no pain at all! Just a bit sore and tired of course. No limping either! I was of course nervous because of some uneven grass but had so much fun! I was so happy! 

Went to the beach last week for a walk and felt 100% for the first time! 

I have taken a break from running since the last time I ran on cement and stressed it out. I still continue cycling on my stationary bike at home at least 3 times a week. Yoga has really helped with my balance! I'm hiking more, now with trekking poles so it gives more support. I do wear an ankle brace for hiking so I don't get so sore after or aggravate it.

I'm so excited! Can't believe still how fast time flew by and to remember what I went through. I'll never forget how the beginning was so tough. I've made it through and now I'm here extremely happy and able to do my everyday normal things again. =) I'll see how I feel in another few months. I definitely feel improvement as the days move forward. I still continue my stretches and some of the physical therapy exercises most days. To another better year of recovering!

1 year 9 months - Hiked Crater Lake, Oregon on July 4th!

Friday, July 4, 2014

Happy 4th of July! 

A friend of mine and I did a road trip up to Klamath Falls, Oregon to stay with a friend and to hike Crater Lake on July 4th weekend! I had so much fun! We hiked up Garfield Peak Trail, narrow, windy, rocky, and picturesque! It was sooo pretty! Saw snow, water, lots of trees, and fresh air!

This time, I purchased a hiking stick to aid me. I also put on my ankle brace since I've learned my lesson hiking in Tahoe the week before. 

Along our hike, I came across this rock to sit on with the most gorgeous views! My friend snapped a panoramic shot of me. It was the bluest water I've ever seen in my life! 

It was a great 4th of July! Fun fireworks show! 

I got to purchase and light my own fireworks too! It was my first time and it was too much fun haha. 

The next day, my friends and I went back to Crater Lake! This time for the boat tour inside the lake! I was prepared again with my hiking stick and brace. It actually made all the difference! I wasn't even sore that much. What a difference compared to not wearing a brace! 

The hike down to the boat was only about a 25 minute hike. It was so exciting! 

The tour itself was about an hour and a half total. The water was unbelievably clear and blue. Everyone was just so mesmerized. The guided tour was great! We learned so much, so much history and beauty of the changing seasons.

I still couldn't believe there was still snow on the crater and we're in shorts in 80 degrees weather. Something I've never done before. 

After the tour, we went for some scenic drives and stopped at Cloudcap overlook with the view of Wizard Island in Crater Lake! My ankle was happy and surprised to still be able to hike for a second day straight! 

The final hike after, was to Pinnacles Trail. It was an amazing straight, and flat trail with views of the volcano spires. It was a great trip! I'll never ever forget it! Though after the second day of hiking, I did feel more tired in the ankle. Surprised I wasn't crazy sore. Yay! I want to do more hikes! 

Here's a beautiful view of Crater Lake from Garfield's Trail.