The end of this road
Now feels like the right time to end this journal.
Picking Up Padel
When there is no wind, it’s time to play Padel.
The Waters of Koh Phangan
It’s time to start pushing harder with kitesurfing and get back to my previous levels.
A Rusty Return
It was a good week on the slopes… but I am still building up my co-ordination.
Edging Back into Snowboarding
My first session on the slopes of Austria was a success.
The Big Sign Off
An MRI scan, a checkup with my surgeon, and a cause for celebration.
Winter is Coming
A winter of travel means a different challenge.
Settling into Conditioning
Keeping up with regular fitness sessions in Spain and committing to the long term.
One Year After Surgery
A quick video and where I am at exactly 12 months after surgery
A New Sport
Giving up on one of the biggest parts of my life has not been easy, but this could help.
Kite Anywhere, Kite Everywhere
I finally had my first kitesurfing session in Dénia.
Back to Spain
A return to the Spanish sunshine and the training sessions with Jose.
Return to Sport
A test to see if I am ready, and goodbye for now to Matt.
Reflecting on Spain
A video and reflection on my six months recovering in Spain.
Hammering the Hamstrings
My legs are feeling stronger and we are moving on to dynamic training, agility drills, and cutting movements.
Back on the water
Almost a year to the day I get back on my board and back on the water.
Only one way to find out
This is what I have been working towards for almost a year.
No pain no gain?
It’s always hard to know whether to push through a bit of pain or to listen and rest up.
Back to Matt
I am starting physio sessions again after almost two months.
A little warning
I did a little too much and feeling it today.
Staying fit in America
A new country and few new ways to progress.
On a different pitch
I miss playing football and this gave me a little taster of what could be.
Running Outdoors
My first outdoor run is a success and I am one stop closer to “normal”.
A Change from Spain
Today was my last session in Spain for three months, as I will be travelling over the summer.
Fixing my feet
It is time to take my flat feet seriously and do something about it.
Back to running
Today I ran for the first time since the injury and it feels great.
Running target set
I have another milestone to aim for… and it’s a big one.
Six months went by in a flash
I have come so far, but there is still a lot more to do.
Time to push hard
There is a lot of work still to do and now is the time to ramp up the work.
Don’t be a hero
A visit to my surgeon, a pep talk and some words of wisdom.
The Silence of the Knee
My physio in England finds and fixes the knee clicking.
The halfway mark
This is, hopefully, the middle of my full recovery.
Click Clack
My knee started to audibly click at full extension, and today I had it checked out.
Sessions in Spain
A fly-on-the-wall video of a physio exercise session in Spain.
Dreams and nightmares
Dark morning emotions have given way to dreams of the sport I love.
A special injection
Three months after surgery I got a PRP injection to boost the healing process.
Full range achieved
My new knee can now extend and bend fully.
Heat, needles, and electricity
A new physio in Spain brings new treatments.
The recovery continues in Spain
Now I am back on my feet, I will continue recovering in Spain for the next few months.
Checking the progress
The first appointment with my consultant after surgery.
A few steps forward
It feels good to hit this first major milestone.
Daring to dream
Watching the sport I love gives a fresh motivation.
A month milestone
It’s been four weeks and I have a goal in sight.
It’s hard in the middle
The third week after surgery brings regrets, fears and pity.
Out they come
Taking out the staples is fun for some.
A week goes by
In the blink of an eye, I am back at the physio.
The physio starts here
It’s a wet Monday morning for my first physio session.
Checking the wounds
My first look at the incision wounds under the plasters.
The first two days are hell
Sleeping with stimulation machines and keeping on top of painkillers.
The bottom of the mountain
I woke after surgery with a huge weight lifted and an incredible cup of tea.
The day before
It’s the day before the operation and all the preparation is done. All that’s left is to try and stay positive
Operation date confirmed
Now that I have a date for the operation, it’s just a waiting game.
The lowest point
I knew what was coming, but it still hit me like a ton of bricks
The full diagnosis
Today I got all the details, three weeks after the injury
Prehab and patience
It’s a waiting game until I get the full, confirmed diagnosis. In the meantime, I can get busy with prehab.
An MRI Scan and a Clue
A quiet clinic, a loud machine, and a subtle clue.
A consultant gives hope
In a clean and modern clinic, I made my first visit to a new knee consultant.
Back on the physio table
It’s time to see the physio in person and get a physical examination.
A weekend of weddings
A welcome distraction and a chance to remember there are more important things in life.
Here comes the swelling
The symptoms of this injury are different to my previous ACL tears.. but I am still preparing for the worst.
Ice and Ibuprofen
A restless nights sleep and the first medical appointment.
A familiar story
On a typical Tuesday night football game, a familiar story starts.