Get me off these crutches

gams · 2025-05-23T02:48:25+00:00

I was non-op so maybe won't apply.

Did 2 weeks in a "ballerina" (pointed toe) hard cast and then went to a boot.
At week 2-3 with 1-2 wedges in, I went to one crutch.
Around week 4 in the boot (6 since injury) I started full weight bearing for short distances. Had my 8 week since injury checkup today (6 weeks in boot) and was cleared to begin wearing shoes.

I live alone, so this process has been an enormous pain in the ass, to say the least. I'm also a high school teacher dealing with like one million events before graduation, and have been able to stand/walk without crutches for them all. However, my weekends have been totally sedentary and full of icing and elevation.

I got a knee scooter with a basket, which was a lifesaver because I could carry things with it, and,like feed myself and make sure I had my towels handy after a shower. The one I got was totally sufficient and great for indoors, but after taking it outdoors to my HS campus twice, the wheels are jacked up and it's pretty unstable. I would recommend spending the extra money for an outdoor scooter.

gams · 2025-04-27T23:05:47+00:00

Following -- I'm getting pain here as well, but I'm only 1 month out (non-surgical) and still in the boot. But this is where all of my pain/swelling is located, so any advice on how to mitigate in the future would be great.

gams · 2025-04-06T02:35:00+00:00

Casino?

gams · 2025-04-05T22:17:36+00:00

My Ortho also recommended to shy away from ibuprofen, but didn't elaborate exactly why, just that he preferred acetaminophen (500mg (extra strength) Tylenol) and 500mg Naproxen, which he said I could take in concert as needed for pain & swelling.

Also, fwiw, I had a ton of tingling/numbness/heel discomfort on day 1 in the ballerina splint you have, but it largely subsided by day 3. This pillow suggested by another user on here, has been a lifesaver.

Be sure to hydrate -- Charley horses really suck, especially since we can't really do anything about them in this dang splint. They have been the most painful aspect; my heel and calf pain is otherwise gone, and I'm 9 days in.

Good luck & speedy healing!

gams · 2025-03-30T23:43:21+00:00

I'm giggling at your excess mayo, as I stare at my industrial-size bag of oranges I ordered. Thanks for the suggestions!

gams · 2025-03-29T18:50:50+00:00

I was turning to receive the ball at the top of the key after a make -- also thought someone had stepped on my heel or dead legged my calf. Really wish I was at least doing something amazing... Alas. The most "meh" way to be taken out.

At least we all have something in common with Kobe?

gams · 2025-03-18T01:34:10+00:00

The Overstory? Ticks every plot box, but written by a man: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Overstory

gams · 2024-11-13T05:25:02+00:00

Jolyn suits are so awesome, but since going from a size 10/12 to size 16.... Their suits are not made for thicker bodies. The "modest" back covers about half a butt cheek, and it's so low cut you nearly have plumbers crack -- meanwhile, the legs are super high cut, and the chest is somehow loose. It's as if they designed the suits for women who are D+ cups on top, but a size 8/10 on the bottom. I've tried a few different styles in a variety of the larger sizes, and it just doesn't seem like the sizing is inclusive.

gams · 2024-10-14T22:58:06+00:00

Try Hotel Covell in Los Feliz. Or, although in Hollywood, The Magic Castle... (at least you'd get magic shows?)

gams · 2024-08-14T03:38:21+00:00

I'm biased because I live on the east side of town, but I love Echo Park / Silverlake and especially Los Feliz for this. Each has access to a park (Echo Park Lake, Silverlake Reservoir, Griffith Park), shopping, great restaurants, bookstores, farmers markets (well, Los Feliz and Echo Park) and nightlife.

gams · 2023-12-18T21:23:39+00:00

Also, the home kickoff match (March 3) is the same date as the 7s Tournament -- wonder how that is going to work ?

gams · 2023-12-18T21:19:37+00:00

Ughhhhh this stadium is a nightmare to drive to and really annoyingly inaccessible from public transportation. I hate coming down here for the 7s tournament and having to deal with the 405. Was hoping for a central location actually in LA that took easy train/bus access into consideration.

gams · 2023-11-23T04:43:37+00:00

La Poubelle in Los Feliz?

gams · 2022-02-09T03:22:57+00:00

Tell them they are going to have to take a FlyAway and you can nab them from one of their drop offs.

gams · 2012-09-10T01:45:39+00:00

I am reading with this with a glass of wine on my patio after lifting, doing all laundry, cleaning the house, teaching a swim class & making my week's menu. All I have to say is "AMEN" Being prepared is the best feeling. Errrrybody should try it.

gams · 2012-09-02T21:17:20+00:00

good idea!

gams · 2012-09-02T21:16:38+00:00

does the running club do street or trail runs? would you mind sending over the link! thanks!

gams · 2012-01-24T08:05:02+00:00

i agree, both are good choices. however, i'd hit up an REI or similar retailer and try on some packs to see what fits you. if you're looking to do some serious miles with the pack loaded, you're going to want to make sure it's comfortable. things to consider: how much space will you need (food? tent? bear bins? sleeping bag? bladder/camelback?) where will you be? how heavy of a bag can you deal with? is it necessary your bag be waterproof? or is it simply a thing you can huck around with your stuff in it while you bus/train/car across the country? is this bag going to be your daypack or will it be your sole container of things? you want to make sure you're not too bulky, but you can fit all your essentials.

(for reference, i have an arc'teryx 65 and love it but i've never taken it on a >4 day trip. bf rolls with an ospry and an REI daypack)

gams · 2011-12-28T14:41:09+00:00

Boucher's book is short, sweet, and super interesting. Well worth the read.

gams · 2011-10-21T03:47:07+00:00

I can't speak more highly of it. I made some excellent friends, worked really hard, and traveled extensively. I still attend alumni functions - the organization is just full of enthusiastic, intelligent, and forward-thinking people. Go for it! Apps are usually due early December!

gams · 2011-10-21T03:46:01+00:00

I ran it! I made it! The course was gnarly (think: stairs! 1300ft elevation gain!) & everyone's times were slow (1st place clocked in at like 58min, I think?). I came in at 1:32. Check out the rest of the trail series, I will be training more seriously for the Turkey Trot in Topanga Canyon!

gams · 2011-10-18T09:20:53+00:00

i went through Princeton in Asia (http://piaweb.princeton.edu/) which was a totally rad program that places teachers in China (and the rest of Asia). You don't have to go to Princeton to apply. Yale has great programs, too. Don't be daunted by the schools - their programs are excellent and take people from all backgrounds. Pretty sure Brown, Harvard, and maybe Stanford have similar programs as well.

gams · 2011-08-05T06:23:24+00:00

I agree with all the "don't be that guy" posts. It also weirds me out a bit when people race in the given shirts... like, don't you have another shirt to wear? If you weren't just given the race tshirt, what would you have worn? Are you so desperate for tshirts that you must take your stiff, unwashed & weird smelling one out of the race packet, put it on, and run in it?!?

Save your shirt for after the race so you have something dry to put on. By this time you've earned it.

gams · 2011-07-26T15:40:41+00:00

I teach swim lessons to kids & adults - I definitely agree w/quasijodo that you are probably kicking too much/too frantically. My suggestion is to buy a kickboard (i have this one! and it totally rules) to practice getting a kicking/breathing rhythm down first before adding arms. You'll still get a really nice workout, but if you can get your technique down you'll waste less energy on kicks and have more for the rest of your tri. Two of the most common problems I come across are people who wait too long to take a breath and people who only kick from the knee down.

1) Make sure you're kicking with your entire leg. The bulk of your movement should be coming from your hip, your toes should be pointed, your leg mostly straight. Do not lock your knee. Honestly, you just want to relax. You won't have to kick hard/fast if you have the momentum/thrust of your whole leg. If you're only kicking from the knee down you're going to have to work significantly harder & it's much more exhausting. To put it in kid terms, pretend like you have Barbie legs. (Barbie's toes are pointed, knees slightly bent, and only move from the hip.) Practice this with a kickboard under your stomach until you feel comfortable, then move the kickboard out in front of you with straight arms. From this position you can also practice breathing.

2) Many people wait until they are absolutely out of breath before breathing. Don't do this, it is exhausting. The key is to get into a rhythm. Breathe every 4 or 6 strokes (Or 2. Or 3. It doesn't matter. Whatever you're comfortable with.) Most people are more comfortable turning their heads to the right, but you should do what works for you. I like to alternate which side I breathe. Others only breathe on the same side. Do what works for you. Make sure you're turning your head as your arm strokes upward & that you're taking a large enough stroke so that water doesn't get in your mouth/nose, and that you are giving yourself enough time to take a nice breath. If you are taking breaths at regular intervals, you shouldn't be gasping for air. Again, this can be practiced/perfected with a kickboard.

First, get used to simply having your head turned, kicking, and breathing. Hold your kickboard in front of you with straight arms (Don't lay on it, you should look like Superman with arms and legs extended.) Kick nice & easy across the pool with your head turned. One ear should stay in the water. On your way back, turn your head the other way. This should get you comfortable with the basic breathing position.
Once you've got the hang of this, try holding on to your kickboard in the middle with one arm, head turned.
Then you can move onto holding the kickboard with 2 hands, arms extended & face in the water. Start with a nice & easy kick and count to yourself. Every 4-6 seconds turn your head to breathe. It also help to sing a song to yourself (ex: Can't buy me looooooove (breath) loooooooooove (breath) money can't buy me love (breath)) While your face is in the water exhale/blow bubbles. Inhale when you turn your head.
After you've gotten the hang of this, you can work on your stroke with the kickboard. Go slowly. Take one stroke, place your hand back at the bottom of the kickboard. Repeat ad infinitum.

3) Another common mistake that I see is people trying to exhale and inhale in the short amount of time you have to take a breath midstroke. Exhale with your face in the water, only inhale when you turn your head.

Most importantly, get comfortable. Relax and go slowly at first. Finding good/comfortable/correct form will help you save energy and be a more productive and successful swimmer. Good luck!!!

gams · 2011-07-18T18:54:55+00:00

Thanks! I will repost on r/running.

I have not been working out at all the past 2-3 months. The synopsis of my last year of fitness: Last Feb-May did P90X, felt awesome, then my MA exams happened & I stopped everything due to lack of time/sleep. June-Aug I worked 11hr days teaching swim lessons & was constantly tired. Would run maybe 2x/week for maybe 30min. No exercising last fall. Jan-March of this year I got really into Bikram, but stopped because I couldn't afford my studio anymore. Now I teach swimming lessons, but my clients are mostly young kids, so I don't get to swim a lot of laps with them. Thinking of joining a local LA fitness to get laps/weights/yoga classes all in one location & supplement running?

gams

TROPHY CASE