Last night, I officiated my first basketball game of the 19-20 season, as I hadn't been on the court since July. That date last night was an important one because returning to the court would give me some feedback on the levels of progress I have made in regards to strengthening my right knee and just general health since dropping some weight. Admittedly, I was a little nervous. What if I still had so much pain in the knee that I needed to return to medication for the pain? What if I still felt heavy? Would that sabotage my mental approach to continuing my efforts to get to a healthier goal weight?
The verdict wasn't "happily ever after", but it also wasn't "gloom and doom." The feedback actually is a little questionable because Sunday I actually went to a gym and completed some light squats and bench press, which is something I hadn't done in a long while. In addition, yesterday morning I was back in that same gym completing a bicycle workout at 5 a.m. With all that in mind, my legs and body weren't exactly completely rested to officiate girls junior high basketball - a sport that features a lot of stops.
During the game, my knee hurt, especially the inside of my knee where the most arthritis has accumulated. To be honest, I'm not sure about the shoes I'm wearing, so that could also contribute to some of the problem. The Zigs I'm wearing feel like they have high arches, and common sense tells me they are putting more pressure on the inside of my knees that perhaps other shoes would. I'm going to try a different pair of shoes that I ordered online last week. I think these new shoes will have more motion stability and lower arches, which I'm hoping will alleviate some pressure.
I didn't take any Tylenol last night, though. I basically just dealt with the pain I was feeling, but the pain really wasn't awful. This morning both knees were achy, but I didn't feel the sharp pain that I feared might appear. While I didn't exercise this morning to take a break, I did my usual morning yoga stretch routine, and that helped me feel a little better.
As far as physical shape, I didn't feel out of breath, which was a positive. It was hot in the gym, and my clothes definitely felt "looser". In fact, I did have to tighten my adjustable pants quite a bit, which made me feel good. That adjustment was a clear signal that I have shrunk my waist since the end of basketball season last year. Also, my XXL shirt did feel looser. I didn't feel as fast or quick as I had hoped, but my legs likely were at least somewhat fatigued from the recent strength training exercises and bike workouts.
I head to the chiro today after school for another treatment on my knee. I know I'm gaining more flexibility, and I know the pain isn't as bad as it was last year, plus I still haven't taken any Meloxocam since June. I feel like I just need to stay the course because I know there is improvement in my health, which will help me feel better about being able to officiate. The "course" of a combination of regular yoga stretching, intermittent fasting to drop weight, and the treatments at the chiro are moving me forward to a healthier place. I don't feel like I'm 35 again just yet, but I'm closer than I was six months ago.
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