This week was a little different.
For the first time since surgery, recovery wasn't centered around the gym or physical therapy. Instead, I had an unexpected opportunity to see what my new hip could really handle.
Progress in Physical Therapy
Physical therapy continued moving in the right direction.
We added a little more weight to my goblet squats, although I was still squatting only to a bench because of my restrictions. I still wasn't allowed to squat below parallel or bend over to pick things up from the floor.
The weights continued getting a little heavier.
The exercises became a little more challenging.
Monster walks, banded side steps, clamshells, and those dreaded straight-leg raises were still regular parts of my routine. The hip flexor work remained the hardest, but each week it felt a little less impossible.
I wasn't where I wanted to be, but I was definitely stronger than I had been the week before.
An Unexpected Trip
Then life threw me something much more exciting than another physical therapy session.
My daughter, Morgan, got engaged.
We decided to fly to New York to surprise her after the proposal.
I won't lie—I was nervous.
The flight itself didn't concern me nearly as much as navigating New York City. Crowded sidewalks, subway stairs, uneven streets, and all the walking had me wondering if I was pushing my recovery too far.
Before we left, I made a promise to myself.
If I needed to stop and rest, I would.
This trip wasn't about proving anything.
It was about celebrating an unforgettable moment with my family.
30,000 Steps Later...
New York had other plans.
The first day, we walked more than 20,000 steps.
The second day?
Over 30,000.
If someone had told me just a few weeks earlier that I'd be walking 30,000 steps on a brand-new hip, I would have laughed.
Did my hip like it?
Absolutely not.
I moved slowly.
I stopped and rested whenever I needed to.
By the end of each day, I was definitely feeling it.
But I did it.
More importantly, I didn't miss out on making memories with my family.
That alone made every step worth it.
Recovery Is About Living Again
When we got home, reality caught up with me.
I coached Thursday night, but the rest of the weekend was dedicated to recovery.
Ice.
Rest.
A few anti-inflammatory medications.
My body reminded me that while I was capable of doing big things again, it still needed time to recover afterward.
And that's okay.
Recovery doesn't mean avoiding life.
It means learning how to enjoy life while respecting what your body still needs.
Looking Ahead
One thing had me especially excited by the end of the week.
My six-week follow-up appointment with my surgeon was finally here.
I couldn't wait to hear what restrictions would be lifted and what I might finally be allowed to do again.
For the first time since surgery, I felt optimistic instead of uncertain.
Coach's Take
As athletes, we often think progress is measured by heavier weights or faster times.
This week reminded me that sometimes progress looks like walking 30,000 steps through New York City to celebrate your daughter's engagement.
Not every victory happens inside the gym.
What I Wish I'd Known
- Don't let recovery stop you from making memories.
- Listen to your body, but don't be afraid to challenge it when the time is right.
- Rest after the adventure is part of the recovery process.
- Progress isn't about perfection—it's about getting back to living.
Next Week: My six-week checkup brought new freedom, fewer restrictions, and the next chapter of rebuilding strength.
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