I'm working on my inservice project for the clinic, a school requirement. I'm doing the project on nutrition in physical therapy- just kind of exploring the roles that proper nutrition can play in overall health and healing. It has been interesting thus far. Eat your purple vegetables, guys. Phytochemicals are important.
I took on a fuller role at the clinic this week. Friday, I filled in for a sick PTA and practically took a whole schedule on my own. Uff-da. I'm still struggling to be efficient with my paperwork time, but I'm doing alright. I missed one day with a killer migraine, independently taped a patellar tracking issue (Doug, McConnell taping is great), used MTI stuff on probably four lumbar evaluations, and dazzled a patient with my knowledge of the foot and ankle (again, thanks, Doug, you're making me look good out here). Unfortunately, the same patient had the most disgusting feet I have ever worked with. Manual therapy became a test of how long I could hold my breath, and the smell from my hands is still on my cart and laptop at work. It is atrocious.
I had a patient suffer a heart attack (not on my watch), but therapy is looking a lot different. She can't do much now, and the doctor has basically given up on her. It's a shame for a lot of reasons, but she was making soooo much progress... it's really hard to see her now, really unable to do a lot of the things she had progressed to in the last week. That's been the rough one to deal with.
Overall, I'm continuing to feel more and more like a real therapist. Granted, I have a ton to learn, and I'm okay with that. But I at least feel like I belong here now. And not a moment too soon- I am nearing the end of my time in Marshall.
Being so close to the end of my rotation, I realized that my "bucket list" needs addressed. I have yet to catch a Northern Pike. I have yet to see a loon. I haven't made it into the Northwoods yet. And I hadn't ridden the Camden Trail, either. Until Saturday morning.
Given my recent travels and knowing I needed to take things easy, I decided to stay home this weekend. So, I chose to sleep in, eat a good breakfast, get a workout in, and spend the day in a local coffee shop. Well, after breakfast, I was watching the Tour de France. I enjoy cycling quite a bit- it's kind of like running, except with wheels. Stands to reason that I should like it. Anyhow, after watching for 45 minutes or so, I remembered that I had yet to ride the Camden Trail- a 30 mile round trip from Marshall to the local state park. So, I got up, turned off the TV, put on a helmet, and set out.
Literally that impulsively. Time from decision to execution: 7 minutes.
Time from execution to regret: 10 minutes.
Time from regret to considering quitting: 10 minutes.
Time from regret to stubbornness overriding regret: 10 minutes. So, 30 minutes in, I was on the opposite end of Marshall from where I had started, and I was completely committed to completing the ride. Unfortunately, the first half of the route is uphill and into the wind. To make matters worse, the nuts on my seat are so old that I couldn't loosen them to adjust the seat height, so I totally lacked any mechanical advantage at all. Plus, no aero grips, so my upper body was suffering from supporting myself on the handlebars.
A couple of times, I think I actually stopped moving on the way out into the 15 mph wind (yes, I'm aware that it isn't significant, but it felt significant while also pedaling uphill).
After 69 minutes, I had reached the 15.2 mile mark. I took a moment to make sure my tire pressure was good, and turned back for Marshall. Now, bear in mind that I was moving downhill and with the wind. The trip that took 69 minutes out required only 47 minutes to complete going the other way. Not a bad negative split. Anyway, my quads, glutes, and calves are still sore and I felt like a moron. But I also feel awesome. Because I crossed something significant off of my bucket list. And, sadistically, I kind of want to do it again. I think with a good bike in the future, I'll be able to complete some solid rides.
Now, next weekend will be my last to travel. I'm hoping to address the remainder of my bucket list in the Brainerd area.
Until next time.
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