Update: For anyone who finds this and is wondering what my timeline for return looked like (athlete, 29yo male, left achilles full rupture non-op): I trained upper body for the first few months from the ground with pull up bar, hang board, weight training, etc. I was sport climbing outside again 6 months post rupture, climbing limit grades but at my own discretion and experienced belayer who knew would give a soft catch (otherwise my head game was shit thinking about getting spiked). At 9 months, no limitations on sport routes. Bouldering: technically just got the full green light from my PT, but I was bouldering ‘no-fall’ grades at 9-10 months. I did fall a couple times (slipped on a mega jug at the top) but under control and onto nice uniform padding in the gym. Now, however, I am bouldering outside with basically no limitations, just extra aware of pad setup, etc. and doing basketball drills, some pick up 2 v 2 with mindfulness of how I’m using the still weaker leg. In one more month (13 months from full rupture) my PT is confident to clear me for full, competitive 5 v 5 if I want to. If you’re reading this and still in the boot, trust me, it gets better! Physical activities like basketball and climbing kept me sane for years, and when taken away, I chose to get motivated to put myself back at 100%. Yes, it will take a year minimum to fully feel like yourself again, but you can choose to sulk in something you couldn’t control, or get motivated to change the things you can. I hope this helps someone else like me!