I’ve been quiet over here for a bit and so has my training. Usually during the off-season I shift into more of a running focus, however I had some various health issues that I decided needed to take priority. My stomach has always been sensitive but last May it took a turn for the worst, but the soonest I could see a specialist was November. Ugh. It made training for Kona a challenge, I ran loops near bathrooms and just sucked it up knowing I might get some answers and relief in November. I’ve also had what I suspected was an Inguinal Hernia that has been bothering me on and off over the years (I had an Ultrasound and Pelvic CT in 2021 but both didn’t show anything), however this year it seemed to show up often and was becoming more painful.

I was very grateful when November arrived and I could finally work on addressing the frustrating GI issues I had been having, and while there I also mentioned the hernia. For the GI issues she recommended a Colonoscopy as well as some bloodwork, and agreed that it was most likely a hernia and ordered an US. After many appointments (including a surgical consult), the colonoscopy found mild colitis (treating with a steroid) and the US confirmed a hernia. I had my hernia repaired 1/29, laparoscopic with mesh, and the surgeon also found a smaller hernia on the other side, so both left and right sides were repaired.

My surgeon had STRICT instructions of no exercise other than gentle walks for one month post-op. Oh boy, there goes my hard-earned fitness and my sanity! However to be honest the first week it hurt to move much, so I had little desire to do more than a short walk with the dogs around the neighborhood. By week two I could move a little move, but the swelling/bloating made the incisions tender and moving more than a few miles, very slowly, wasn’t very comfortable. By week three the incisions seemed to have healed and no longer hurt, the bloating/swelling had gone down some and I was able to comfortably walk around a 20 minute/mile pace for about 6 miles a day (an hour in the morning or at lunch and an hour after work). Week three is also when I started to get a little stir crazy/moody, I knew it would probably happen but I was glad it held off for a bit, and it helped knowing I was already half-way through the no exercise zone. Week four I walked about the same distances per day but upped the pace to a faster but still comfortable pace.

This past Monday was one month post-op, and I was excited (and a little nervous) to get back at it! I wasn’t sure how my body would handle it or how my repaired hernias would feel. I was warned by the PA that I might feel little sharp pains, which was the tugging of the staples around the mesh. Eek, terrible visual. She said occasionally feeling those little pains it was ok, but anything like a big sharp pain should be a concern. So I eased into things with a trainer ride Monday and other than feeling very out of shape, it felt good, no pains! Tuesday I ran an easy easy 3 miles, and also felt out of shape (no surprise) but no pains! Wednesday’s ride and yesterdays 3 mile run still felt good, so I’m feeling hopeful that next week I can up the distance/intensity a little. I also will start swimming next week as I thought that one might feel the most uncomfortable and wanted to wait an extra week.

We have also had other BIG news happening at our house, in January we added a new furry member to our family, meet Charlie! He’s a mini-Australian Shepherd, is full of energy, is quite vocal (lol) and loves Penelope (she’s still a little undecided)

Today he’s a little over 4 months old and still growing!

We are in love with the little guy! ❤