Let’s face it recovery sucks. But looking at where you were before vs where you are now will feel like a relief.
Six weeks after my MISHA surgery, I finally feel a glimmer of hope as I make small, determined steps back into training. Despite some ongoing pain and challenges, I’m ready to share my progress and the exciting goals I’ve set for myself.
Back in the Pool
Last week marked a significant milestone: I got back into the pool! It’s been slow—painfully slow, honestly. I’m probably swimming at the slowest pace I’ve ever swum. But the important thing is, I’m in the water again, pulling stroke after stroke, rebuilding my strength and endurance.
Right now, it feels like I’m crawling through every 100 yards, but I’m confident I’ll hit my goal of swimming 100 yards in under two minutes within a month. My eyes are fixed on the bigger picture—an 8-mile open-water swim around the Mackinac Island in Michigan this August. That’s right, 8 miles! Just thinking about it gives me goosebumps, but it also fills me with motivation. Step by step—or stroke by stroke—I’m working toward that goal, and I know I’ll get there.
Spinning My Way Back Into Cycling
The other half of my training comeback story this week has been getting back on the bike. Oh boy, if I thought swimming was slow going, cycling was an entirely different struggle. At first, just getting my feet to rotate around the crank felt like a Herculean task. My muscles were stiff, and my legs felt almost foreign, unsure and wobbly.
But the tide has turned! I’ve now built up to cycling for almost an hour on Zwift, and I couldn’t be prouder. My next goal is to take things outdoors once the frost finally decides to make its exit. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of wind on your face and the open road ahead—I can’t wait for that first ride outside.
I signed up for back to back Olympic Aqua Bike events this fall with EventPower LI. I also signed up for two smaller sprint triathlons.
A Mental Shift Towards Hope
While the physical recovery is tough, the mental game is where I’m starting to see the most improvement. Six weeks ago, the pain was nearly unbearable, and the road ahead felt endless. Now, though I still feel pain, it’s manageable—and it doesn’t define my entire day anymore.
More importantly, I’m starting to feel hopeful. Hopeful that I’ll swim under two minutes for 100 meters. Hopeful that I’ll rack up more hours on the bike. Hopeful that I’ll eventually hit the pavement running again.
A New Training Partner
Speaking of running, I’ve been given a little extra push this week—thanks to my daughter’s dog, Daisy. I’m dog-sitting, and I swear this furry little bundle of energy is determined to get me moving more. Walks have turned into quick trots as she drags me all over the neighborhood, and I joked with a friend that she’ll eventually get me running again. (I just hope this dragging all over the place doesn’t set me back.)
Looking Ahead
As I reflect on this week, I’m reminded of how far I’ve already come—and how much further I can still go. Whether it’s the pool, the bike, or those unexpected dog-powered sessions, every little moment adds up to something big.
It’s easy to feel discouraged when progress feels slow, but the key is to keep showing up. I’m learning to celebrate each small victory along the way, knowing that each stroke, each pedal, and even each dog walk brings me closer to the athlete I want to be again.
Here’s to week 7 and beyond—may it bring more milestones, more movement, and even more hope. If you’re facing your own recovery or training challenges, keep going. Every little effort matters, and you’re stronger than you think!
Stay tuned for the next update—there’s plenty more to come.
