First Situps
Firstly I want to apologise for not posting before now but it has taken some time to get setup with an internet connection on my computer with the specialist software to enable voice recognition. We are still not quite there as Moni is actually typing for me. We have it all working but it always takes time to setup my working station and I wanted to get a post out so here goes …….
We are now 2 weeks in to Project Walk and the progress is steady. This is exactly what you would expect in an exercise-based program. It is very rewarding to put in the effort and see improvements each day. I have been very impressed with how methodical the approach of the physical trainers is to help me improve. The exercises are aimed at improving what is weak and re-enforcing what works. My left leg for instance is weaker than my right so we have spent a lot of time improving its strength and also in my confidence to rely on the left leg. By the end of the second week I am now able to support my weight thru the left side and take a step with my right . This is all still supported of course as my balance is terrible! This is to be expected as I cannot feel my legs and have no idea where they are … and they certainly don’t react quickly enough if I am about to fall!
We have just started the third week and if we are looking for milestones I managed to do 22 situps today with the physical trainer only holding my legs down. I can remember early on when my abs first started working and I was told that I might get 20% of my abdominal strength back my reply was “I should be able to do 50 situps then”. My reason for this was simple, before the accident I could 250. Only 28 to go!!
In each 3 hour session i usually do about an hour of stretching and mobility and simple strength work or both the legs and arms. This hour is very structured and directed at improving the areas that need it and releasing spasm in areas that i need to help me. It really is about the trainers helping me to do exercise that you would otherwise do on your own …… with one of the key things for me being that they don’t ignore things that ‘don’t work’. The middle hour really is about smashing my legs – we do a lot of assisted walking, squats and work on my balance. I am very proud of a session I did last week where I was balancing on a half-ball and transferring weight from side to side. I was of course strapped by my hands on to a bar so I didn’t fall!! The final hour of each session is generally devoted to my shoulders and arms. They are very troublesome and I know that unless I pay them some attention I will have nothing to support me when I go to fall over!
Aside from Project Walk, where I ensure i approach each session with energy, we have managed to fit in plenty of family time. This has been wonderful particularly for me as I have missed my girls over the last 9 months. So far we have been to legoland, San Diego Zoo and Sea World. Sea World for me has been the highlight and i think little Ashley would agree. She absolutely loved the killer whale show and I don’t blame her as I also thought it was terrific. I have also been to the beach on a special beach wheelchair that the lifeguard station had available. It was somewhat depressing to be on the beach but not on the sand or in the water but you cannot escape the tranquility that a beach has to offer and it was lovely to be amongst it, particularly as Ashley was playing in the sand right next to me.
April 21st, 2009 on 11:15 am
Great stuff Bov,
Keep up the hard work and progress.
I remember you could only manage 1.5 situps at the Talbot a few months ago! Now you are up to 22. Nice one champ.
Regards to Mon and Ash
April 21st, 2009 on 11:51 am
I’m very impressed, I struggle to do 20 sit ups….! keep up the good work, maybe you can help me improve my core strength when you get back.
Lots of love to you, Mon & big hug for Ash.
April 21st, 2009 on 11:54 am
Sounds like the Project is being very helpful to you Michael. Often think of you all over there and pray that it will all be of much benefit to you in the long run. Marg & all The King Family Wyong NSW
April 21st, 2009 on 1:11 pm
Fantastic news Michael! What marvelous progress you have made and so nice to be able to include quality family time into your schedule.
Love and best wishes to you, Mon and Ashley
Libby Meakin
April 21st, 2009 on 5:03 pm
well done mike, mon and ash. Tears – of course when i picture you out and about with your girls just enjoying being together outside free of white walls, corridors and waiting rooms. We have found a place in blackburn. We will be all set up when you return. Great bike paths and playgrounds nearby. Lots of love sally el and teg Xxxx fairy ash – el boy says hello and will say ‘i missed you’ when you come back Xx
April 21st, 2009 on 6:25 pm
Way to go mate! Awesome!Are you pushing the trainers hard? Well done
April 21st, 2009 on 7:38 pm
Mike, you bring tears to my eyes – I am so happy that you are achieving so much there at Project Walk. I look forward to hearing more.
Best wishes,
Leanne Wicks
April 21st, 2009 on 10:26 pm
Forbesy, you may remember me from the KPMG days….. after having our first baby in July last year you could say I haven’t had much time to surf the net and suffice to say I just stumbled across your website after seeing a link on the CCCC site. I am absolutely shocked about your accident and to say how sorry I was to read about it doesn’t really seem to cut it. However, reading what you’ve been through and continue to go through, one very distinct theme comes across and that is your determination. This theme clearly resonates across all the blogs and updates that Mon has published and it is just so inspiring. I wish you and your family all the very best whilst you are in the States and of course, upon your return home. I’ll be watching your progress and send you my heartfelt messages of hope. Kind regards, Kym
April 23rd, 2009 on 12:18 pm
Hi Michael,
I’ve been lurking for some time and just wanted to pop in and say Hi.
Its amazing how you have these synchronicity moments in that the first time we met was at the NSW Development Squad camp in Wagga when you turned up late after a trip to the US.
You sound like your kicking ass and taking no prisioners which is great! Not only that but im sure that being challenged like you are so methodically and scientific is so right down your alley.
Be well, train hard mate & enjoy that family time.
Jason
April 23rd, 2009 on 6:42 pm
Hey Mike,
Great to hear the training camp is going well. Stay over there as long as possible, it’s starting to get cold here! I’ve been training for your return and I should be ready to keep up riding with you when your back in town. Keep up the good work.
Cheers, Robbo
April 24th, 2009 on 12:56 am
Hi Forbsey, Mon and Ash,
It sounds like you are all finally enjoying some much deserved fun family time together. Mike your progress sounds amazing. I can only imagine how proud your girls are of you right now.
Jules
April 24th, 2009 on 5:21 pm
Bloody hell Mike, that’s more sit-ups than I can do! What great posts. Mike, yours has me in tears (of happiness) that you are working hard but able to enjoy some time too with Monica and Ashley. Monica – I think you should write for a living!
Anyway, glad it is all going well there. Good luck
Maria and Dean, Mary, Siena and Tom
April 24th, 2009 on 9:01 pm
All Sounds fantastic Mike. Can’t wait to see you when you get back.