I think I have mentioned this before - but I have been in quite a slump for a while. It started with Nari getting injured August 2011 at the Chicago Regionals. Then I pulled my hamstring which led to plantar fasciitis. The plantar fasciitis turned into posterior tibial tendonitis. I was told by the first specialist that he didn't know what to do so sent me to another specialist. He suspected that I would need ankle reconstruction surgery, putting my out for 18 months. To say I was devastated would be an understatement. Second specialist told me I didn't need surgery... yet... but had to stop everything immediately. So basically I've been out injured for nearly a year and have been in and out of PT since December 2011. You know it's bad when you are in every single picture of your sports therapy's FaceBook page...
I had no intentions of going to the Cynosport World Games (USDAA Nationals) this year. But I decided back in August that I was tired of being pissed off and angry at being injured so I decided the hell with it - I'm going to sign up and I'm going to be ready in September for it. So - I told my sports therapist my plan. He said he couldn't guarantee anything but he would try. You know what happens when you fast track sports therapy? It hurts like HELL. I mean it hurts enough to make those big muscle guys cry. In fact, I was in PT with an MMA fighter. Seriously, it is painful. Let's just say by now the therapist is quite impressed with my pain tolerance.
After I put my mind to I had to work hard with my agility trainer, Ace, to get my dogs in shape. We hadn't even run a full course in months... so my goal for Nationals was just to have fun. At first I had to be creative in finding ways to train my dogs without being able to run.
All I can say is that Ace is simply amazing. I cannot tell how lucky I am to have found him. Not only is he an awesome agility trainer, he cares so much about the dogs and insuring that they are having fun. And he has been so supportive of me in everything that I do. He even took me out to brunch after our lessons to cheer me up.
Here is a little video of some of our hard work getting ready for Nationals - we only had about 3 weeks to cram in months of training....
In a couple of days I'll post how Nationals went...
What a great video. Quite the dynamic duo harrooo! Looking forward to your next post!
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Thank you so much, RA!
DeleteWow, we are really impressed. We had no idea of your injury. You both do so well. Mom is amazed at how well you remember the course sequence.
ReplyDeleteWoos - Phantom, Thunder, Ciara, and Lightning
Thank you guys so much! It took me quite a while to train myself how to remember those courses :)
DeleteI'm not sure who is cuter - the handler or the dog!!! The tunnel to dogwalk was pretty darned awesome! It was so fast and so on it took me a second to even realize what had happened. You guys are AWESOME! It makes me so happy to see you back in action. :)
ReplyDelete:) Thank you so very much - I am so happy to be able to run again!! Still a little painful but at least I can move.
DeleteHi guys, it's really nice to meet you !!
ReplyDeleteWe popped over from the OP pack’s blog to say hello. We never heard about miniature Alaskan klee kai breed but they sure are very beautiful doggies !!
Great video, you 2 seems to have a lot of fun !!
Maïté, Echo & Link's human.
Thank you so very much for stopping by! They are quite cute but have a big dog personality kind of like huskies.
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