I am now the proud owner of a gym membership. Me. The one who had a 10 punch card and used one visit in a year. Even though the doc said I could be running fairly soon (I'm up to 2 cups in the 8 cup challenge! See the last post.), I need to do the rehab work. After using up my free passes to every gym in town, Steve and I finally signed up.

The things I like about this particular place is the women's only center, which has a lot of cardio equipment and a strength circuit, the cheapest price for two people, the status drop option so I don't have to pay during the summer months, a pool (for when I get the courage up to try swimming), easy starting point for great running routes, and truly good customer service. The membership lady came in on her day off to sign me up since we couldn't coordinate our schedules. Nice.

The gym makes it easy to switch things up during rehab so I don't get bored. I'm rotating between the recumbent bike, elliptical, treadmill and strength training. After today's workout of 30 minutes on the bike, weights, and 15 minutes power hiking - I set the incline at 8 -I slathered on the sunscreen and ventured outside for my first trail adventure in several weeks.

In the picture below, you'll see what I'm calling my "rehab trail." It's fairly flat with some rolling hill sections. One of the goals, in addition to strengthening the ankle, is to get out and move it as much as possible. The longer one waits, the harder it is to regain flexibility and complete range of motion. The trail is a good place because the uneven ground re-develops the brain/body signaling system. It also challenges all of the foot, ankle, leg muscles to increase stability.


It was a beautiful day, 52 degrees and sunny. It was quiet and peaceful with only the sounds of snow melt dripping from the trees, the scrunch of snow underfoot, the birds, the wind. I was just so happy to be outside. It took me awhile, but I completed two miles. No pain, but the small, short downhills were a little tricky. Each time I encountered one I had to stop, evaluate and figure out the safest way down. It was probably quite funny to watch as I was so focused and slow. Most amazing to me was how I had forgotten such dramatic surroundings. Everything was so big. The sky, the hills, the trees, the sunshine. I got a little dizzy just taking it all in.

I took the picture above because it was great seeing it almost snow free.

My feet resting during the hike back. Notice my step down safety brace. Not nearly as ugly as the boot!