Category: Trials - #whatwouldBillysay?

Achilles Rehab Day 175 - 213

3/12/2011

Although I'm still a few months shy of my actual predicted recovery date I've been back on the Honda for quite a while now, and have even managed to rack up quite a few wins. Not bad considering in May I was sat on a Scottish rock holding my leg wondering when or if I'd ride again.

The big test was always when I'd be able to make it back on my Inspired 24" biketrials bike. Biketrials is a pretty explosive sport and considering my demos are pretty much all based on one wheel whilst hovering the front wheel over some willing victims nose, or spinning 360's in time to a violent house track. Wednesday saw my first ride on the bike, not only was it my first ride it was also a very public ride ride outside the Ted Baker store.

I'm over the moon to report it all went well, I can still do it all and despite some aches and pains the following few days I think I'm defiantly back to my best. Thanks to everyone who kept me smiling on the shorter than expected (but still a long time) road to fitness. Not long till May, where I intend to compete again and finish without an injury. :-D

Achilles Rehab Day 139 - 174

26/10/2011

Been a while since my last achilles rehab update, it might seem that not a lots going on but its the opposite. Things have been progressing well, and as I approach the point where I was supposed to be fit to ride I've actually been riding for 8 weeks.

Saturday was a miserable day as I sat watching the Scott Time & Observation trial rather than competing. I feel pretty good and theirs no doubt I could of started, it just wasn't worth the risk to my damaged lung, heart and possible risk to the actual achilles. Still hurts to miss such an important trial especially as my new Montesa Honda would of been a dream to ride.

174 days seems like a lifetime ago, and a lot has changed since then. Most notably I am now 126 days (or 133 days depending on whose estimation you use), into the journey that is parenthood. Achilles injury, lung and heart injury aside, it shows that the miracle of nature still works it magic. Either that or I had too much time in bed recovering :-) My prediction is that we'll have a girl, so we'll see what happens next March.

Other notable things since my injury occurred have been the relocation of the healthCHEK empire to a new building, the start of my MSc in Psychology and my new path of nutritional study with a certain US Doctor. It just shows that what initially seemed like a devastating injury has actually given me a whole new path.

More Toni Bou

4/10/2011

More of the genius in action.

Toni Bou, Cesar Canas & Gerard Trueba - Future, Past & Present!!

1/10/2011

Words can't describe how good this is!! Gerard is a talent for the future, Toni Bou is simply awesome high up on some huge posts. Cesar is hardly the past, he was just making his name in the world of biketrials as I started riding world rounds. He was super talented back then and nothing has changed.

Watch it...

Achilles Rehab Day 133- 138

20/9/2011

My advanced rehab continues, last Sunday has felt like the first time I had no real restrictions when riding. While it was yet another easy trial, they have all felt difficult enough with my lack of bike fitness, lack of right lung function and lack of flexibility in my right lower extremity. Its the most normal (yeah right), that I've felt since early May so its a good sign that I'm mending well.

Off the bike I'm progressing well and am able to do fairly well controlled single leg calf raises, once that works perfectly it will be time to work on power such as single static leg jumps.

Its all looking good for a return to some big trials fairly soon, sadly I'm going to miss my favorite trial though as its just too soon to risk, or so Jen tells me.

Achilles Recovery Day 97-103

17/8/2011

I've been out of my boot and able to walk for just over 2 weeks now. I'm feeling pretty good and whilst I still can't do a single leg calf raise I can feel the strength building. I rode a bike on a turbo trainer last week and I tested a Montesa Honda 4rt last Saturday, everything felt good so I've been out riding the specialized around the streets.

On Friday a Honda Montesa 4rt should arrive from Pidcock Honda so I can continue my rehab. It may seem a little early to ride given the nature of the injury, but I'd rather use it as a form of rehab and start carefully riding the easy route.

Pathfinders Pidcock Honda Montesa Round 4 - 16 July 2011 at Clifton

17/7/2011

Photos viewable in full size or downloadable for free from Fotki.com at http://public.fotki.com/MACC-MAN17-CNWTRIALS/trials-2011/other-clubs/pathfinders--derby-mc/pidcock-honda-rd-4-/

Achilles Recovery Day 37

13/6/2011

After a hectic weekend I'm almost glad to be back housebound again for the start of another week. I did quite a bit of walking (sort of) during the weekend and despite managing fairly well, it was seriously hard work. Although I'm now allowed to put my foot on the floor and carry weight on my injured leg, the ground at Saturdays competition was far from the flat stable ground I've become used to over the past month.

This led to me suffering quite a bad headache on Sunday morning due to the tight muscles in my neck, shoulders and chest from using the crutches.

My delivery has arrived from the states today so expect more details on the mystery products ASAP. Also on its way is a new t-shirt that I selected from my range.

I've also swapped my camera lens to upgrade the one I use on my Canon 60D, hopefully I should get some good photos while I'm unable to ride. I've wanted to get a new lens for a while but could never justify it due to the fact that I'm always riding and not on photography duty. I took a few shots at the Saturday evening trial which can be viewed on the Macc Trials Club page. I gave up trying to get the exposure etc correct as it was far too difficult trying to hold myself up whilst using the camera. Some dodgy looking shots but I just wanted to try and get as many riders as I could.

Achilles Recovery Day 36

12/6/2011

Visited my first trial since my injury at the SSDT in May yesterday. Took a trip to a local club Pathfinders & Derby at their Clifton trials venue. Getting around was hard and I'm in a fair bit of pain today, mainly due to using crutches causing my shoulders and chest tightening up making me shift in to a forward head posture (sore neck and headache time).

Having a relaxing day today and hopefully going to the cinema later to get out of the house again before I spend yet another week housebound.

Confidence to Complete or Compete ~ Diet & Sport

7/6/2011

I've studied a great deal in to the psychology of competing in sport (I'm always psychoanalyzing myself). It struck me that those competing in sports and those attempting to change diet and lifestyle habits have similar emotions.

Athletes experience moments of doubt and fear, and so do newly educated healthy eaters. Athletes worry about the outcome of a game or competition, equally those engaging in healthy eating plans worry if they will accomplish the goals they set. Both often doubt their training and wonder if they have done it well enough.
Our confidence is built by our past experiences which defines how we perceive ourselves against our ideas of success. This is very individual, as an example I may think I've not competed or eaten particularly well based upon my previous experiences, yet another individual may be perfectly happy with my results. Equally another individual may be disappointed in my efforts. We set our own goals and are defined by our own experiences and expectations.

In the nutrition world I come across a lot of negative perceptions, people seems to focus on the fact that they "can't eat well", or that they "still haven't lost weight." I've lost count of the times I've educated someone about food, only to have someone focus on the negatives such as "its too expensive to eat well", "the results are too slow," or they may even blame everyone else or everything surrounding them. This is also common in the world of sport, from athletes claiming success costs too much money, or their progress is too slow. I've seen people at my sport blaming their bike and literally abusing it.

Its too expensive ~

From a nutrition point of view, it takes no more cash to select healthy foods than it does to select bad foods. I've seen people with very little actual food on their shopping bill, prioritizing computer games, DVD's, crisps, sweets, new clothes, Coca Cola and various other non essential items, above the food that they need to be healthy and vital. Do you drive your £30,000 BMW through the McDonalds drive through, yet complain about not being able to afford good food? Do you buy new clothes to cheer yourself up rather than buying the food that would get you the health that would keep you happy? When people actually make proper food choices and buy from a farmer or butcher, not only do they escape the temptations of the supermarket but they also realise its cheaper.
Yes sport is expensive and its often the case that to reach the top, you need money and lots of it. You have to sit back and analize why your doing sport in the first place. To reach the absolute top you often do need financial support, but for most of us sport is about fun (or it should be). Take a look at this little video of Guy Martin talking about his passion for his sport. Guy is someone who is truly focused on doing what he loves.

The results are too slow ~

From a sport perspective, results take time and effort to achieve. To reach your goals you have to become dedicated to the cause. You don't get there by simply buying the equipment and entering the event.
Similarly from a nutrition perspective we need to engage in achieving results. I've lost count of the people that have wanted instant results despite spending years eating and living badly. People often expect to be given a diet sheet and not have to work at it. For the past 8 years I've used Metabolic Typing clinically to help clients learn about themselves, lately I've advanced upon the Metabolic Typing method using more advanced techniques to make it easier for clients to understand how to assist themselves. The one failing of diets (even metabolic typing) is the dependancy of clients to interact and engage with it.

Using excuses ~

Confident people have a "can do" attitude and focus on the positives. Both with sport and health, they look for something positive, even when there does not seem to be anything. A confident person will admit when they make mistakes and will learn from them. If your failing in competition sit back and look honestly at what is going wrong.
Equally if your suffering from being overweight, diabetic, or a whole host of other problems, do not sit blaming others or claiming to be unlucky. Sure, your suffering but its probably needless and if you engage yourself in tackling the problem you'll be surprised at the results.

When people lack confidence they tend to focus on the negatives, and struggle to acknowledge when things do go well. I've often seen this in clients who despite making many improvements in their health will dwell on the negatives. They may point their finger at everything and everyone else for their perceived idea of poor results. Others often dismiss the idea of even trying to improve when offered a solution. Why would they do this? Why would someone dismiss a chance to regain their health because its too hard or too expensive? Its confidence, they lack the confidence to even try and are frightened to risk possible failure in the quest for success.

So, how do we become confident?

The only way to start is by beginning to focus on the positives. If its in sport, drop back a level and focus playing for fun rather than being so competitive. I know that when I ride at national level I can loose focus on the positives, so from time to time I make sure I drop back to club level and ride somewhere I know I'll probably win. I call it a confidence boosting event. With your diet focus on the things you did well and that went right, even when the end result wasn't what you wanted. Drop back a level and don't set the goal so high. Take small confident steps towards success.

Offering nutritional consultation, dietary and health analysis, CHEK practitioner, exercise coach, personal trainer, and neuromuscular therapy services worldwide via online consultation but based in the East Midlands, Derby, Nottingham, Burton areas. Cover all areas including Willington, Repton, Findern, Milton, Duffield, Allestree, Darley Abbey, Littleover, Mackworth, Quarndon, Mickleover, Alvaston, Chellaston, Chaddesden and the surrounding areas. I have clients that travel from all over the UK and Europe so please get in touch to discuss how I can help you.