When I DNF'ed on 5th of May due to a severe pull in my right calf muscle at Km 3 of the Avenue of Giants marathon, little did I imagine that I would be unable to run again for next 4-5 months. Even when writing the previous post after returning to India and undergoing treatment in consultation with the ortho, the possibility of significant change in trajectory of life in the latter half of 2024 was far from my mind. Things changed when the MRI on 14th June showed a fairly significant tear in the achilles tendon. Subsequent multiple consultations (part of a dozen visits to doctors/hospitals in a space of 6 weeks inclduing visits to see my dad who was hospitalised ) revealed the (partial) tear at the point of insertion of the tendon to the ankle bone. All optinions unanimously suggested a surgical repair as the only way forward specially if one wanted to return an active physical life. Shifting the focus to which surgeon/hospital? After some consideration went ahead with Dr HK at Manipal on 27th June.
Now in the midst of 4 weeks recovery which will be followed by 4-6 weeks of rehab. All going smoothly hoping to start cardio exercises(slow short runs/indoor cycling) in the 2nd half of September. Meanwhile trying to maintain some muscle strength with simple (non weighted) LB excercises in lying down position and seated upper body dumbbell workouts. However, as I am still imbibing the same amount of calories as I used to while doing 3-5 cardio workouts per week , the weight and waist are slowly inching up . The challenge is to maintain them around 60Kgs and 34" respectively in what is turning out to my longest break from cardio since 2004. Another challenge is to avoid getting mired in a spiral of negative thoughts about life and its future course.
Some general life musings during this period - nothing very profound:
a) Life is unpredicatable - so live it as purposefully as possible
b) Painful decisions can often have hidden benefits - the clot may not have been detected on time if we had not abandoned our holiday plans and returned
c) Be thankful for what you have - zillions are going through worse situations and may not be economically as well off to handle the costs
d) Good relationships provide invaluable support - partner, family, friends, neighbours...
e) Important to stay positive when going through an adverse phase in life
f) Hospital/doctor visits are avoidable but maybe inevitable
g) Aging is inevitable and needs to be managed both mentally and physically
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