It’s time for another update regarding my progress in physical therapy. As mentioned in my last post, my recovery from Achilles tendonitis and knee pain has been frustrating. Sometimes it seemed I was taking two steps forward and one step back. Sometimes, I wondered if I would ever fully recover. So, when I say that I felt great this past week, my feeling is tempered with the prospect that I may not feel so great next week.
That said, I really have felt great this week! And, I’m not just talking about physically, but emotionally and mentally as well. I completed a Ramp Test on Zwift, which revealed that FTP had dropped to 265 watts. However, my Garmin reported that my FTP was 279 watts. I suspected that Garmin’s estimation was wrong, and I don’t even know how it came up with that figure.
Not wanting to accept the lower result, at least not without a fight, I set my thresholds based on an FTP of 279 watts. I quickly verified that Garmin’s estimation was incorrect when I attempted to ride for 20 minutes at threshold (Ugh!). Long story short, I ultimately reset my thresholds based on FTP of 265 watts. I then added a training block to my calendar in Training Peaks with power zones based on this threshold value.
Following these mid-week efforts, I had a little swelling in my Achilles tendon, accompanied by low-grade pain and discomfort. At physical therapy, on Thursday, I received further electrical stimulation therapy and mapping of underlying nervous system issues using the NeuFit method. I don’t know how this sorcery works, but I left feeling much improved and looking forward to the weekend.
On Saturday morning, I contemplated riding up to Camp 9, but decided against it because I was concerned that climbing might exacerbate my injuries. So, I opted to ride once again on the river trails. I completed a 3.5-hour endurance ride, and felt pretty good.
Sunday morning, I again felt great, with no noticeable swelling, pain, stiffness, or discomfort in the Achilles tendon. Although I wanted to ride again, my schedule did not permit it.
On Tuesday, I completed the first workout of my training block–a 3×20′ Sweet Spot Tempo ride–on Zwift. The workout went well, and the rate of perceived exertion seemed to correspond well to the power zones that I had set up based on my FTP. Following the workout, Garmin reported my training status as “Productive” with a slight increase in the reported VO2 Max. Most importantly, my legs felt great, with no pain or discomfort!
I am optimistic that I am, at long last, turning the corner. It feels refreshing to be able to think about training regularly again, to get back into the rhythm of making and executing a plan. I am planning to return to Camp 9 on Saturday.
I am looking forward to the climb.
Achilles injuries are horrible like that. Seems like you’re looking over your shoulder forever…
Oh my goodness! It’s the worst!! I’m still trying to get a handle on where I went wrong and what I need to do to prevent re-injury. There are a lot of lessons here, unfortunately, that I am learning the hard way. 😢