Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Bouncing Back

Almost a month has passed since the dog-chasing incident (I refuse to call it an accident!) that grounded me with a torn hamstring and a grudge against irresponsible dog owners.

Thanks to my savvy physical therapist, a rather extreme nutritional program (15+ servings of produce per day, anyone?), and countless hours of stretching, strengthening, and icing, I'm now able to walk through most of my daily tasks in reasonable comfort.

On Monday, I even earned my PT's permission to reintroduce some jogging into my workouts. I promptly went out and made myself sore with a few miles of hill repeats. Ahhh, bliss! Now we're getting somewhere!

I'm trying to ignore the depressing fact that five, slow miles and fifty squats made me sore in the first place. Excuse me while I put my fingers in my ears and hum. I'm like a rubber ball, baby, that's all that I am to you...bouncy-bouncy...bouncy bouncy...

(Ha! I just love the internet. Y'all can't even slap me for putting that tune in your heads.)

Anyway. We know that equines retain their physical conditioning much longer than do humans, so those few miles I managed to get on Consolation earlier this spring won't be entirely wasted. In fact, an experienced endurance friend of mine is convinced that I can have her ready for the LD at Pink Flamingo in early August.

Maybe she's right. What the hell. I'm going for it!

The bad news is that I still can't ride. This isn't just PT's orders; it's my own assessment. If I were to mount up, the knot of injured muscle tissue that remains just above and to the inside of my knee would press against my beloved Stonewall (or any other saddle), causing constant pain and risking re-injury with every stride. Besides, I'd be a fool to risk riding a strong-willed greenie without all systems intact.

So, it's into the round corral with Consolation for some trotting, just to leg her up her muscle tone and aerobic capacity. I could be wrong, but I think she rather enjoys it. That's my smart girl.


Rubber ball, I come bouncing back to you...
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P.S. I keep meaning to mention -- as many of you have shown great interest in the subject -- that I've decided to take the dog's owner to small claims court. It's not about revenge. It's about justice. And PT bills. I'll keep you posted.
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7 comments:

Esther Garvi said...

Helmets are great! Consolidation really looks like she's having a blast in that picture. Wish you a quick recovery!

Ashley said...

Good luck, Tamara. It's also about setting a precedent -- if someone is willing to take a stand against irresponsible dog owners, maybe others will stand up and not look away. And maybe other irresponsible owners will take a careful note and lock their dogs up.

Anonymous said...

*slaps you and sings, "It's a small world after all!"* That ought to get that darned ball song out of my noggin.

It seems a shame that the term "small claims" enters into this. It's a BIG DEAL.

I wish you luck, and that the soul-sucking process does not harm your heart.

Jonna said...

Glad your pursuing the court thing. It's a principal thing. I would do the same. As far as the song.. thanks.. appreciate that bouncy ball thing...really....
actually, "ear worms" are a known phenomenon..

Here's an interesting tid bit mentioned by James J. Kellaris, PhD, of the University of Cincinnati.
"Stuck song syndrome annoyed, frustrated, and irritated women significantly more than men. And earworm attacks were more frequent -- and lasted longer -- for musicians and music lovers. Slightly neurotic people also seemed to suffer more".

So, maybe we're all neurotic?? *wink*

So for the record, here's one back at ya

If you're happy and you know it----

Enjoy your day!

Tamara Baysinger said...

Hi Esther -- good to see you. :)

Thanks, Ashley. I doubt anyone will notice my small claims filing, but you did give me and idea...to ponder...

Kim -- *slaps back* I'm like a rubber band, because my heartstrings, they just snap...

Jonna -- Neurotic? ME? *twitch*

Laughing Orca Ranch said...

Justice and revenge are best friends. Good for you. It's terrific that you have that option.
I wish I could sue the horse dealer that took advantage of me and sold me a horse she knew was more than a novice could handle...and inevitably caused me to be injured...not once but twice. sigh. My bills are in the thousands already...and aren't getting any less as time moves by slowly.

I'm glad you're getting stronger every day, though. You go girl. But take it easy, too. Soft tissue injuries are much worse than broken bones in healing time.

~Lisa

Anonymous said...

Good for you, refusing to call it an accident!

Your bouncing back sounds like dedicated hard work to me. Small claims, not fun, but wish you the best through the process. The precedent is important, but even more, the dog owner does need to be accountable.

Glad to hear you're on the mend!
Jane