SENTENCE PER PICTURE and a question about ACL surgery.

Slept like a champ because I now have a ceiling fan and ceiling fans increase my sleeping levels 84% because I love having a little bit of air blowing on my face at night while I am really warm under my covers.

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Switched things up and put on my PureCadence 4s for 6 miles @ 8:30 average today—> hard, easy, hard, easy training works for me.  

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A song (get the edited one:) that came on while I was running—>  it talks about donuts, treadmills and working out so of course it is right up my alley.

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She is pretty sweet to him.

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Thanks sissy for all of the unpacking help.

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Snack of the day while Brooke had gymnastics… almond butter packets just make life a whole lot more convenient.

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Rocking her bar routine.

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I LOVE podcasts about running and THIS one was EXCELLENT—> I learned so much and felt super inspired after listening to it.

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My dad had my internet and cable working within hours of me moving in (as we all know, I don’t think I could survive without my family).

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My first house warming gift—>  a cookie… Lindsey knows me well.

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Welcome to my office, a desk will sure be nice someday;)

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And the first of thousands of sweet potatoes cooked in our home. 

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My sweet friend (that LOVES to run) was in a skiing accident last week and will be getting ACL surgery.  Can anyone share their experience with this surgery/recovery along with some success stories to help her feel hopeful!?!  I would really appreciate it!

What’s your sentence of the day?

I’m currently loving podcasts—>  please tell me of any good ones that you recommend!

Favorite convenient snack currently?

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96 comments

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Your new place looks so cute especially the kitchen! I’ve always wanted a white kitchen! I have an office with a desk but rarely use it. I like to move around a lot with the laptop for inspiration.

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It sounds like the move went successfully. Truth be told I’m not a huge podcast fan. I normally listen to music when I’m running. I’m going to have to check back here later because I know a ton of people love them.

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New place is looking good – and ceiling fans are the best! We use ours year round!

I haven’t listened to Lauren’s new Running On Om podcast, gives me some incentive to get outside to go run since that’s the only time I let myself listen to them!

We’ve been doing alot of PB on celery. A little healthier than on crackers or bread!

Sentence of the day – Wind, please stop.

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oh my gosh yes. The wind. I’m not even nice about it. I’m just sad. upset. angry. depressed. Name an adjective. I’m that.

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Nothing makes me grumpy than walking outside on what should be a beautiful day and getting hit in the face with 30 mph wind. The. Worst. I hope it gets better for you soon!!

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Yes! I think we’re on like…day four? Wind is at 15mph at least with up to 55mph gusts. I’m so over it. Hope yours improves, too! I’d way rather have hills.

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The wind in Colorado is making me mad right now!

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Yes. Exactly. I’m definitely not friendly about it.

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Your new house looks so nice! I love having a home office. Favorite convenient snack is Greek yogurt and a piece of fruit, or a homemade healthy muffin.

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If you buy the Justin’s 2 pack peanut butter cups-there is a coupon on the inside for free squeeze packets!

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For real?!?! Well, I guess I am forced to go buy some pb cups now! Hope you are having a great day Michelle!

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My brother tore his ACL and meniscus in lacrosse his senior year of high school. My advice would be to really let yourself heal and follow your physical therapists advice! It is a tough tough injury, and while it did end his lacrosse career (he had a few complications and set backs), during his recovery time he fell in love with weight lifting and also met his then girlfriend now fiancé :) He is now fully recovered, actively works out, and says his knee feels good as new! Every cloud has its silver lining! Feel better!

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Thanks for the ACL advice!

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Current convenient snack is definitely always Wheat Thins. Throw some string cheese in there, too, and you’ve got a sure winner! :)

Sentence for today: I need gummy bears before this day ends, and I wish I were poolside right now.

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Advice for your friend:
I tore my ACL in high school playing basketball and was/am an avid runner. While it was really difficult to be patient with the recovering and not run for several months, I am SO glad that I just stuck with my physical therapists advice and not rush the recovery. Since, I have had next to no issues with my knee and it’s been over 10 years since my surgery. I’ve run several marathons, many half marathons, I still ski, waterski, trail run, and the fact that I’ve had ACL reconstructive surgery hasn’t slowed me down. It was terribly hard during the full years worth of recovery- but I started doing short jogs about 3 months after surgery (per advice of my PT). It may take longer to get back into other activities, like downhill skiing, but the non-lateral movements, like running, probably will come much quicker.

In the meantime, find some good shows on Netflix, read some great books, and use that stationary bike as much as possible to get some exercise in if it’s killing you to sit still! Your PT will probably love that!

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This is great news!!! Gives me hope! Thank you for responding.

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My PT had ACL surgery and was back to running marathons in, what seemed to me, a pretty fast recovery time

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Had that nasty glucose test today. Blah! My favorite snacks right now are mostly just fruit easy and healthy.

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I love that song! Let’s Eat is the official theme song for our running team! Aptly named: Team Let’s Waffles ?

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Hi!

I had my ACL/meniscus repaired in 2008 (after a snowboarding accident and MID training for Boston – so sad) and my biggest advice is PT PT PT!! That’s really the key to success physically, and then patience/friends/other fitness goals while you’re rehabbing are clutch. Reminder him/her that it’s only temporary and that he or she might even feel stronger after all is said and done because with a good PT you’ll learn new balance/lifting/strengthening techniques- I think I am!

Sentence of the day: Spring please come to stay.

I LOVE podcasts too. Top choices: “RunnersConnect” and “Confidence on the Go” by Trish Blackwell

Snacks:
2% Fage greek yogurt with 1 weetabix biscuit and frozen berries (kinda breakfast)
carrots with parmesan melted on it- yes sounds weird, but TRY IT!
kettle corn

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Hip hip hooray for a recovered PT! Thank you for sharing!

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I second the PT! I work part time in a PT clinic, and I see lots of patients recover well after surgery when they follow the advice of their PT. It’s frustrating, I know- I see lots of exercise-starved faces in our waiting room, but watching them start to run again is so exciting! The break from running will be hard, but it will undoubtedly make you so thankful for running once you return. Many patients find themselves with better muscle balance as a result of all the PT exercises. Good luck with everything, I’ll be sending you good vibes! :)

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Podcasts: RadioLab, This American Life, The Moth, Note to Self, Serial, Criminal, The Longest Shortest Time, Invisibilia, Hidden Brain… so many!

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Oh…I only knew about five of these…I’m going to steal the rest. Note to Self sounds good but maybe that’s because I say that all the time! ha.

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We have a lot of the same favorites! Check out Snap Judgement and Freakonomics one day when you have a chance- I highly recommend them!

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I love your new apartment! It is so cute! Family really is the best when it comes to moving. My hubby is still in college and I swear we move every two seconds ha! I really need to start eating sweet potatoes. You always make them look so good. I love some type of nutritional bar for a snack, they are just so convenient and I don’t have to prepare anything. :)

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Favorite snack: snack packs of Trail Mix from Costco. So good, filling, and just enough sweet to fight the sweet tooth!

I tore my ACL 19 months ago (FYI, I’m 41). Didn’t get it looked at/surgery for 2 months after the fall. I thought the 4 months of no running was going to be torture, and I’m sure at the time it was. But between PT and general recovery, it flew by. I only missed a week of work (teaching, standing all day) after surgery, and used my leg/knee as much as possible right after surgery.

My husband and I discovered spin classes for my recovery and it was one of the best possible things to get the range of motion back and build strength. Since the surgery, I have come within 20 seconds of my 5K PR and tied my 15K PR with less running than I was doing before. My knee feels 100% (with an occasional click/pop) and my strength is better than it was before. My muscle tone is still a little lacking, but I didn’t follow the strength training as faithfully as I should have right after surgery. Once I was cleared to run, I spent about 1-2 months SLOWLY rebuilding (starting with walk/jog) to make sure I did it right. Now I don’t even think about my knee when I’m working out. And I’m doing hard boot camp classes with a ton of lateral motion.

I hope all goes well with your friend’s procedure. The sooner she gets off of crutches, the better!

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Oh my gosh…..this is SO great! Thank you for sharing! Gives me hope!

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My dad ALWAYS installs the cable and internet for me. It’s like his number one job whenever I move.

I love the Limetown podcast…it’s the fictional story of a community built around a scientific experiment that just disappears and the journalist who is trying to uncover what happens (it’s kind of spooky).

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I had ACL repair surgery after a skiing accident last April! If your friend wants to email me id be happy to chat with her/him! It is a rough process but I’m back to a new normal now:)

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Sometimes those mountains chew us up and spit us out!

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I have read your blog for years and I’m not sure if I’ve ever commented! I tore my ACL skiing in November. I was in the best shape I’ve ever been in, which proves that it can be a total freak thing! My biggest advice would be to start PT early. My surgeon recommended that I do pre-op PT, which makes a huge difference in how well the operation goes (the more extension you have going into surgery, the better). I started post-op PT two days after surgery, and while getting there was hard, I know it made a big difference. Don’t doubt anything your PT tells you about the importance of extension/flexion in the first few weeks after surgery…it’s huge! I’d also highly recommend keeping up good nutrition (mainly protein intake) after surgery. I had very little appetite in the first few weeks, and I think my lack of protein consumption contributed to the amount of atrophy I had, particularly in my quad.

I have been in PT 2-3 times a week since December, and have been going to the gym since about 2.5 weeks post-op. Getting into the gym and doing what I could (even when it was hardly anything) made a huge difference in my mental state. As a runner, skier, biker, yoga-goer, I thought I’d be going crazy not being able to do some of those activities, but I have found that every milestone (first revolution on a bike, the first time I could bike more than a few minutes, the first time I jumped) has felt monumental in the recovery process! It can be incredibly frustrating, but the improvements you see each week are so helpful in keeping you feeling strong!

Also, find a gym with a stationary bike or get a bike trainer. It’s such a huge part of the recovery process and having a bike trainer has helped a ton!

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Thanks Sarah! What kind of graft did you do….hamstring/patellar/donor?

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I had a hamstring graft. I live in a ski town and that’s actually all my surgeon offered. Someone told me going in that people underestimate the pain associated with the graft, which I’ve found to be true. I know others who have had very little pain with hamstring grafts…there are definitely benefits and drawbacks to all! Please feel free to email me too! :)

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My husband also had the hamstring graft ACL repair surgery. He started hard core PT right away and is better than ever. He hurt himself playing basketball. Good luck!!

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2nding the pre-op PT. Get as strong as you can before surgery and it will make it SO much easier to come back post surgery.

I’ve had 3 knee surgeries on my left knee, including an ACL reconstruction and the biggest part of recovery is finding a good PT that will work with you to get back to your goals. My first PT post ACL reconstruction told me I would never run a marathon again so I found a new one. Since then I’ve run about a hundred half marathons, 3 full marathons and now I’m training for my 2nd Ironman tri.

The kneegeeks forum has tons of info and is good if you’re freaking out about anything: http://www.kneeguru.co.uk/KNEEtalk/

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I’m a huge podcast fan. Some of my faves are Another Mother Runner, Jami Dulaney Plant Based Wellness, Dear Sugar Radio. The Chalene Show, Zooma Life Radio

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Hey! My ex-husband Jason tore his ACL playing soccer way back when we were in University. First of all, feel validated that a torn ACL causes SERIOUS PAIN. For you to cope with that pretty much puts you in superhuman status. He’s a tough cookie, and he barely hung on to cope with it all. He was literally green.

Surgery was tough, recovery was long, frustrating, but the one thing I will never forget is when his surgeon gave him the all-clear to play soccer again, he told us this: That just because Jason was physically all-clear to play, doesn’t mean he’s okay to play and in fact the greatest factor in re-injury is being emotionally and mentally unsure. So if Jason held back out of fear or post-trauma (understandably!) then he’s going to get hurt. So he even suggested some emotional therapy before J went back into it, which he declined, and then the first game back? He shattered his tibia.

The End. He hasn’t set foot on a soccer pitch since.

So anyway, don’t let that discourage you. Let it humble you, and then empower you. His story is rare, but I felt like I should share it. Stay strong! :)

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Running on Om has SO many good episodes. I love all the ones with Lauren Flehsman. Other favs on that Julia has interviewed: Andrea Duke, Amanda Nurse, Garrett Heath, Sally Bergesen, Abbey D’Agostino. Even the ones that aren’t about running are great conversations! And then Real Talk with Nicole Antoinette has been a great long run podcast for me lately.

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When did you get that white ‘run happy’ Brooks hat?!!!!!

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I only just started listening to podcasts while running, but I really like Stuff You Should Know. There are sooo many episodes and they vary in length so it’s easy to find one that is interesting AND fills your entire workout!

Archer Farms Milk Chocolate Covered Cashews….I can’t buy them anymore because I’ll eat the whole bag in one sitting. But they are amazing!

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Ahh I’ve never heard of this podcast so I’m gonna check that one out! I love Here’s the thing with Alec Baldwin, Marathon Training Academy, Serial, Undisclosed and a few others I can’t remember haha.

My favorite snack on the go right now is the apple cinnamon Lara bars! I wish they came in packs of like 20 haha.

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Congrats on moving in!! Hard boiled eggs are huge in my house. I make them ahead of time (and peel 3 at a time).

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Regardless of what race goals, I LOVE the Marathon Training Academy podcast. They have fun while sharing great info. Also love Another Mother Runner, Happier with Gretchen Rubin, and Serial. Enjoy :)

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If you aren’t familiar with Ultra Runner Podcast I highly recommend it! I’m a half girl, not even marathons but this is my favorite running podcast!

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Larabar Peanut Butter Cookie!

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I am currently also obsessed with PodCasts! I can’t get enough! My favorites right now are Run to the Top, The Conscious Runner, Another Mother Runner and The Running Lifestyle. I also love Serial! I am going to subscribe to Running on OM and see what I think!

Happy Running! (Justins Maple packs are my go to long run fuel instead of Gu or something else! Delish!)

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Sentence of the day: mid morning miles allowed me to survive work today. Also. Make up your mind Wisconsin, snow or sunshine?

Convenient snack – bananas. hard boiled eggs. dark chocolate.

Welcome home Janae & Brooke!

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Ahhh… the good ole’ ACL. Unfortunately I have lots of experience. Both knees. Three surgeries with the last being complete reconstruction on the left.Both the ACL and PCL were torn. Right knee still torn but has been for over 15 years.
Best advice? DO YOUR PHYSICAL THERAPY. I went to therapy three times a week for four months. There’s no way I would have followed through with the exercises on my own. I am way too stubborn and would have convinced myself I was healed:)

I didn’t start running til after my surgery. And haven’t stopped since! Healing will come and she will be stronger in spirit and determination!

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Thanks for the advice! PT it is the magic ticket!

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PT it is :) I’m a physio and, in my experience, the surgeon expects recovery to be 9 months from surgery before you are back to full/fine form returning to sport. That doesn’t mean you can’t start sports till 9 months(!), rather you have to be cautious, follow your physio program progression and be able to achieve certain tasks/tests that can indicate how strong you are/if you’re ready to go back. Don’t overestimate the strength of you knee/ligament if it starts to feel good after 3-4 months – that’s when you’re at risk of reinjury by trying to get back to fast. Of course, timelines differ for anyone and between different surgeons/rehab.

Don’t fear it! Your rehab should keep you interested and you can do more than you think as the months pass. And back to all (or most all, depending on the person/age/activites) the things you did before the tear :)

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Thanks Jenni! I’m a firm believer of making weak things strong!

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Your poor friend!! That’s exactly how I did mine in Jan 14 skiing in Japan (I’m from Austalia). I was devastated as I had started training for my first marathon in April that year but had to pull out.
Had surgery in March and also had some stitches in my meniscus so delayed me getting up and about, which they liked to do as quickly as possible. Was in a brace and crutches foe 2 months and it was REALLY tough.
Followed the surgeons advice and I can’t stress enough how important physio is and doing all the exercises as much as possible.

Good news is that I entered the same marathon the following year and finished my first one ever. Felt like such an amazing accomplishment after all I’d been through. Haven’t stopped running since and my knee is getting stronger and stronger. Went skiing again in our winter last year.

Good luck with it and get some great books to read while your laid up.
One recommendation is ‘Stronger’ by Jeff Baumann who is a survivor from the Boston Marathon. Amazing dedication and challenges in his recovery.

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Crutches for 2 months…..whoa! Glad to here you are back! Gives me hope!

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*hear*

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I’m obsessed with podcasts!!! I listen to them to and from work everyday and basically whenever I get a free second! My current favourite is Fat Burning Man (sounds weird, but I love it ha!), I also love Happier, The School of Greatness, and The Healthy Moms Podcast!

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My sentence. ..I need a new job!

On the go snack, usually a banana and 11 peanut butter m&m’s.

I’m glad you’re enjoying your new digs! I love your appliances. They are so pretty!

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Congratulations on the new place!!! So happy this place is a better fit!!!! 4th floor is rough!!!!

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Your new place looks so cute!! And I love the Macklemore song you found–sounds right up my alley :) Congrats on the move!

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Hello! I am still going through my ACL recovery! Actually, 5 months post op as of yesterday! I tore my ACL during a recreational flag football league over the summer. I thought it was no big deal, figured the swollen knee would go away until 3 weeks later I went out for a run and I couldn’t even propel myself forward. I decided to get it looked at and sure enough it was torn. I had the surgery October 15. The first two weeks are the worst because its difficult doing everyday activities like showering, getting a glass of water (crutches), you are easily fatigued, etc etc. However, the best advice I can give is staying positive! I looked at the injury as “hey I get a brand new ligament and my knee is now 1 day old, imagine how good it’ll feel when I am healed”. After the first week post op I was cleared to begin physical therapy. Physical therapy is the best/worst thing. I was able to start strengthening my new knee, but being able to bend my knee was painful. Another advice is DO THE PT EXERCISES AT HOME. Each time I went to physical therapy I would increase the angle my knee can bend by 15-20 degrees. This was drastic, but I was determined to get to the 90 degree bend. I did PT until December because I was headed home for the holidays (I’m from NJ but in Houston for my dietetic internship). Once I hit 3 months I was cleared to jog (11min/mile). At my 5 month check up I am still not able to do “cutting movements” such as playing tennis, basketball, squats with weights, trampoline, but I am able to run short distances. It was such an achievement to hit 2.3 miles two weeks ago.
To recap:
1 week: stay positive, the crutches are temporary, non weight bearing
2 week: start PT, walking with crutches/brace
3week: off crutches, can only bend knee slightly
4 week: brace at all times (minus shower/sleep) but increasing the bend and working towards 90 degree
5-10: PT, work towards removing the brace, ride stationary bike, PT exercises
3 month: elliptical, 1 mile run
4-6: elliptical, slow jogging
6 – forever: BE CAREFUL

everyone progresses at the same time, but I wanted to share my experience since I am still going through the recovery. Also, ICE ICE ICE after surgery (it was my best friend)

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Thank you! Thank you! This SO helpful to have the details. Glad to hear you are on the mend!

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Girls Gone WOD podcast is amazing! I’m biased since I love CrossFit, but this podcast is so much more! Joy and Caire are hilariously delightful and the best thing about Thursday. I also love Anna Farris’s podcast Unqualified.

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Have your friend go to http://fitblondeyogi.com – she had ACL surgery last year (?) and goes into detail about the surgery AND the road to recovery and running again!

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Perfect! Thank you!

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I tore my ACL and thought I’d never get back to playing soccer and running – since then, I’ve run 4 halfs plus my first full marathon! And I got back to being just as good on the soccer field :)
And definitely consider all of the options for grafts – I did hamstring allograft!

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Hooray for being back at it! Thanks!

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First I love reading your blog it’s so fun and makes me happy. I tore both of my ACL’s skiing like 20 years ago. And the healing process was so hard having both knees done at the same time. And when I started running about 10 years ago I kept worrying my knees would never let me run distances but I have been blessed with good genes I guess because I’ve had few injuries none major. I do know that healing time is so much shorter now because of how things have changed with modern medicine. I couldn’t run for a year. And now it’s a just a few months and your at least jogging slowly of course. Hope that helps:)

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Longtime reader – first time commenter
First things first – you are the realest! I love your blog and I feel like you are a friend. :)
Sending good vibes your friend’s way, wish I had some advice.

Podcasts – Real Talk with Marie Antoinette (so good!)
Stuff you Missed in History Class
99% Invisible
Infinite Monkey Cage
Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me

Snack – String cheese or Jelly Beans!

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Your new place looks nice!! I have a random question. Are you still using your Apple Sport Watch? If so, how do you like it? I’m thinking about getting one, mostly for running. Thanks :)

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I listen to Another Mother runner regularly. The Shaun Model podcast is also very enjoyable. I have learned a lot bout over all health, especially the importance of sleep! Serial was also one!

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I tore my ACL in Nov 2011, then had a reconstructive surgery in Jan 2012. Did all the PT in the world (super important…don’t be lazy about it, ever) for about 6 months of almost 3x / wk the entire time. Then I got into marathoning. I was always a runner, but never a superlong distance runner, but after recovering from all the PT, I was ready for something new/challenging. I became obsessed. About two years after that I discovered rock climbing/indoor bouldering and fell in love with that too. In July 2015, however, I re-tore my ACL while bouldering and am having a two-step surgery to repair it: the first one was in October 2015 (so about 6 months ago), in which they just went in, took out the screws that were in my bones from the last surgery, and packed the “holes” left there with bone graft (donor bone…so weird they can do this). Anyway, then I had to let that heal for 4-6 months. Cue…now! I’m getting my next surgery at the end of this month. Apparently doing it this way is the best option for a 2nd time ACL tear, to guarantee 0 future tears. My second tear was a freak accident, and so strange because I do strength training more than anyone I know, esp. on my legs (I did 100 squats a day 6x/wk, mixing in lunges and jump squats…you name it, I did it). I’m told that 7-9 months after my surgery, I’ll be able to run again, and that marathons will definitely be possible, if I do my PT/heal properly…which I plan to! Anyway, long story short…ACL surgery sucks for the first 1-2 weeks, and then gets significantly easier! Just try never to tear it again…

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Love your new place! So bright and fresh! Congratulations!!

I tore my ACL two years ago, teaching aerobics!! (What?! I know. I am lame.) The recovery is a bit rough at times, and really challenges your mental and emotional strength. The first days and weeks seem slow, grueling, and painful. It is important to stay optimistic, and take pride in the minor accomplishments along the road to recovery. Your body will respond to the therapy, remember how to function, and regain the strength you once had! The little strides are so rewarding! The first time you walk (without limping or crutches!), the first time your leg makes a full revolution on a bike, and the first time you are allowed to run! It feels so good! It was helpful to continue to stay active, as much as possible, to maintain sanity. I would crawl down on the floor, braced leg and all, just to utilize body weight for exercise. Lots of upper body moves! Just to feel alive!! I feel completely whole, now…sometimes that leg even seems stronger! Was able to return to everything I love!
I had an amazing PT experience, the very, very best. Highly recommend Seth Kelson and team, with American Fork Physical Therapy. His patience and guidance literally saved my life. He genuinely cares for his patients, and is a master at rehabbing ACL reconstruction.
All the best to your friend! Sending my prayers and strength, from the far PNW!!
PS. Give Megan a big hug for me…that girl is my soul sister! XOXO

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PS. I had a hamstring graft, with Dr. Cooley in Park City. Fabulous!!

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First, Justin’s packets are the best thing ever. I can just eat them stand alone. I don’t have an acl story, but I have had experience having surgery after a break (pins) and some tearing. Like everyone said above, physical therapy, some faith and a great attitude! Praying your friend recovers!

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oh noooo!!! ACL tears and recoveries feel like complete and total devastation! I have torn both of my ACL’s (left my senior year in high school and right my junior year in college) playing lacrosse both times!!! I had hamstring grafts both times which I would highly recommend but I behaved just a little bit differently during both recoveries I’m ashamed to admit. The first knee I rehabbed perfectly – every single instruction and every single frustrating detail of the intensive PT I followed meticulously and that knee is in amazing shape! The other knee, I’m embarrassed I let up just a little bit of my former rule following intensity thinking I was an ACL recovery pro and I was in great shape and know my body etc etc…..that knee is in good shape but weaker then the other I’m horrified to admit. Get a great PT that is used to working with athletes – make your goals really clear about your post recovery athletic fitness plans ( I was really clear about how much I wanted to play college lacrosse and I think they really worked hard to help my get there during my first recovery) and then stick to the rules and the plan the PT gives you religiously – even when you are tired or think you know your body better or think they are being to conservative – you will be back in fighting shape and might even feel better then ever!! It’s hard though and an emotional blow ( my recovery took 9 solid months when I did it right)

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Love the new kitchen!
I had several soccer teammates tear acl. One tore her acl and mcl. She really worked hard at pt after her surgery and came back (a little lighter) the next season.

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Favorite go to snack right now is date rolls. It’s just pureed dates rolled into some coconut flakes! (2 ingredients!) If I’m feeling frisky I’ll add a smear of almond butter!

I have no experience about ACL surgery but I’m wishing your friend a quick recovery #positivevibes

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Hi Janae,

Just wanted to respond regarding your friend and ACL surgery. I tore my ACL while I was skiing when in college (many years ago!). I had ACL repair/reconstruction. Back then the surgery was a lot different. I had the tendon from the side of my leg re-routed to where my ACL was. I know the advancements today are amazing and there are all types of techniques to fix this now. However, I will say that even though I had my surgery over 20 years ago, I regained my full range of motion and my knee has been great! I am so glad I had the surgery to repair it. I really have no restrictions, I exercise everyday and it feels great! I made sure to do all of the PT which I’m sure your friend will do and she will be fine! It will take a bit of time, but she can be as good as new!

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The Rich Roll podcast is awesome!

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My little sister tore both ligaments a few years ago skiing – her ACL and MCL. Her recovery was longer than others as she had to wait a few months for the MCL to heal before they could operate on the ACL. Afterwards, she was hobbling around for quite some time but could walk a little pretty quickly after the op. She then ended up breaking her kneecap just as she heeled and so was basically back to square one! So she had a much harder road of it than hopefully your friend will. I’d recommend taking it really slowly and letting go of any race running plans for this summer until she is properly healed. Slightly worrying as I am off skiing now!!

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I love Running on Om and Another Mother Runner. I also listen to Serial…last season was really good…this season is just OK.

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Congrats on the new place!! The Limetown podcast series is pretty good. Like a fictional Serial. I recommend checking it out.

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I tore my ACL in college. While it’s obviously not an easy thing, the recovery (like many injuries) can be really dependent on how YOU handle it. I was on crutches for a while, but when it was time to start physical therapy and work on strengthening again- I was really good about it and the recovery time was much better. It’s an annoying and frustrating process but patience and doing what they tell you to do will go a long way.

My go to mid-day snack at work lately has been peanut butter filled pretzels. They’re easy to grab and I can run with them in my stomach after work and have no issues.

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I had ACL surgery 8 years ago, when I was a freshman in High School. I was trying out for varsity as a little baby freshman and I tore it right then and there- I was crushed. BUT…. the surgery is so smooth because it’s so common nowadays. I would recommend waking up every 4 hours in the middle of the night and standing up (to get the blood moving) because if you don’t, and you wait 8 hours, the pain is UNREAL. Also, try to put pressure on it as much as possible ASAP. My surgeon made me put pressure on the very next day. Helps very much!
The best part- you get a sweet scar!!!!

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You will run again!! When my husband and I met 20 years ago I was the runner and he played soccer (he hated running). He tore his ACL playing soccer and roller-blading stunts and immediately had surgery. Running was a bit part of his rehab and he was diligent with his physical therapy. One year after his surgery he ran his 1st marathon! Since then he has been blessed with the obsession of running and several marathons under his belt.

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oh no, Knee injuries are no fun. I’ve had two knee surgeries, the first acl and mcl and they second meniscus and mcl ( from competitive cheerleading/tumbling). Like above, the best advice is get a good physical therapist and follow their instructions. I went to a sports rehab center that worked with athletes and knew how to push just enough to get back your strength and agility..but also not rush to fast to re hurt your knee. Also, for the the worst part was the first bending session. The first time around I had stopped taking the pain killers prior to PT because they hurt my stomach and the bending was torture. The second time around I still took the pain killers and the process was much smoother ;) The place I went to also had an anti gravity treadmill that really helped ease back into walking running without having to baby your knee! I think sometimes it’s more over coming the injury mentally to return to the sport (I can say I never did twisting flips again…but still exercise daily now)

I also would note that years later, I notice a difference if I don’t properly stretch before or after a workout I find my self with a tweek or pain in the old knee the next day!

Oh and if your insurance gives the option for the ice cooler machine for recovery (straps around your knee and circulates cold water) I would highly suggest it! makes icing the pain away a breeze

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I’m a runner and I tore my ACL running bases in kickball last year. It was heartbreaking. I had full reconstruction with my own patellar tendon and bone screws created from my shin. Pain meds make me physically sick so I didn’t take any after the initial anesthesia wore off. My PT told me I could be back to full strength within 8 months. My reconstruction was in November 2014, and I ran Ragnar in June 2015. I ran my first mile 2 months after surgery. I know what your friend is going through – tell her nothing lasts forever and that it will teach her to be stronger in the long run (pun intended). Listen to everything the PT says and ICE, ICE, ICE. I swear my constant icing got me back quicker than anything. This “ice blanket” worked wonders –> http://www.amazon.com/FlexiKold-Cold-Oversize-NatraCure-A6302-COLD/dp/B008A6MM02/ref=sr_1_4_s_it?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1458228881&sr=1-4&keywords=large+ice+pack
– I still use it after really long runs, or tough workouts. While I was going through my recovery, I would get very frustrated so I needed something bigger to focus on. I signed up for the IRun4 organization – you can find it on Facebook… and now I am matched with a wonderful family, who motivate me when I want to give up. Best of luck to your friend :)

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I had similar experiences to other commenters. I tore my ACL playing varsity basketball in January 2002. I had reconstructive surgery in July 2002 and went on to play University Basketball for 4 years. I was cleared to play full contact in January 2003. Over 13 year later, I have run 12 half marathons, 2 full marathons and continue to play semi-competitive soccer, volleyball and basketball (I picked up skiing again in 2004)! Also, I did have to have a scope done in 2007 to clean up some scar tissue – but with at small surgery I was back to running in less than a month. Although I do not have the range of motion I had when I was younger and I still wear my by knee brace, the surgery never held me back. I was diligent in following my PT’s instructions and make sure to consistently stretch and ice. Best of luck with your surgery and wishing you a speedy recovery!

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Late to this party BUT my husband has ACL, MCL menicus surgery.

Most important post surgery is stay ahead of the pain – don’t be a hero – take those meds!

Ice machine that covers and circulates around knee – lifesaver

Cycling was the best rehab for him.

He was running within 6 months and snowboarding the next season.

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I tore my ACL in 2009 while playing collegiate lacrosse. The best thing is PT, I did PT for a month before my surgery and then 3 months after. The month before really help me build muscle before the surgery, so I could have a quicker recovery.

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I don’t know if TED Talks count as podcasts but I’ve been listening to some about surviving a breakup while I workout (NOT running since I’m injured so I need more mental stimulation while I bike or elliptical).

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My favorite podcasts include: Another Mother Runner, Runners Connect (..I listened to your guest spot with Tina) and Julian Michaels…she keeps it real.

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Favorite running podcast is Another Mother Runner!

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I’m so sorry to hear about your friend, I hope the surgery goes well!

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I had Acl surgery in high school and through running, my knee is stronger than ever. I have completed 3 marathons since surgery and countless other halfs, 10ks and 5ks placing in some of them! My advice is to take time with recovery, be patient with yourself and be confident that you can and you WILL come back strong! Tell your friend good luck! :)

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I had acl surgery in my last year of high school (1994). I waited a year to have surgery and wore a brace for activities. As a result of waiting my muscles in that leg were not as strong. Recovery was slow for me because I couldn’t seem to get my quads and hamstring muscle back. I have not had any issues with my knee running. I do wear a brace for other sports but mainly for prevention. It’s been 22 years since my surgery and I’m so thankful that it has held up.

My advice would be to try to get those quads and hamstrings as strong g as possible prior to surgery. Good luck:)

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