Q: You suffered a broken leg which had you out of commission for a couple of months. What did you do to stay positive and keep a healthy mind?
A: On my very first day of winter skiing this December I badly torqued my knee resulting in a fractured tibia plateau, and eight weeks of non-weight bearing. One of my first calls was to Crystal, right from the ER. Being sidelined in a powder-filled ski town was initially extremely disappointing and depressing. But Crystal reassured me that she would keep me moving and strong— even with a broken leg.
Q: You were non-weight-bearing on your leg for a couple of months, yet you kept training with Wright Training. While your exercises were limited, what was it like for you still trying to break a sweat without using one of your legs?
A: Crystal and her team’s experience with injuries personally and professionally made them both empathic and empowering. Instead of working out less, I actually upped my commitment to 3X per week. I got my heart rate up with strength training exercises such as single leg deadlifts, seated weight training and lots of core floor work. Beware: even with a broken leg you do not get exempt from “Jane.”
Q: Do you think your history of consistent strength training had any affect on your recovery time?
A: Consistent strength training has protected my back and knees over these last four years. I’ve learned that having strong hamstrings and quads and glutes can protect the knees. And that a strong core can protect the back. This holistic understanding of strength training helped my recovery both mentally and physically.
Q: What is the first thing you are going to do when you are back to 100%?
A: Fat tire bike under the Tetons. And rejoin the family dishwasher-emptying team. My husband and daughter have been doing my share for 8 weeks.
Q: What else can we learn from you?
A: When one door closes shut you need to pry another open, even if it takes a crowbar. At first I was despondent about having to sit around for eight weeks —an eternity—while everyone else frolicked in the snow. But shifting my energy to staying strong and committing fully to my other passions: writing, being creative, and cultivating deeper friendships, made me embrace the time with gratitude.
