Overcoming Your Injuries and Reaching New Peaks
On November 11th, 2021, a hundred-pound steel stage platform fell on the back of my left lower leg. After wearing a boot for a short bit and continuing weekly physical therapy for nearly a year, my torn calf and destabilized posterior tibialis are almost 100%. Certainly, relearning how to evolve from a flat foot on a stair climb to an active calf raise with each step was quite the experience. It's not ideal for a personal trainer on his feet daily.
With significant improvement by the beginning of February 2022, I set the ambitious goal of 30 different Colorado hikes in 30 weeks. My effort would provide the needed lower limb activation and expose me to Colorado's beautiful terrain. Fast forward, I checked off 28 hikes in 38 weeks and averaged 7-11 mile hikes most recently.
I know most of you struggle with life's physical pains and discomforts (some more easily manageable than others). While my experience may not be the specific prescription for your recovery, I hope it provides some hope. I may not run track and field hurdles, but I'm ready to climb mountains. I encourage you to find your 30 in 30 and do your best to overcome your injury. Your intent and passion may be the recipe for the best physical you in the new year. Be ambitious but reasonable and realistic. Aim high, but accept adaptation when needed. Most importantly, please don't feel you must do it alone. I relied on a physical therapist's help and my family and friends' flexibility. It's okay to lean on others from time to time.
I've listed my hikes below with reviews and photos. If you're not ready to touch the sky, there's no shame in gawking at photos! You can also check out my hikes by friending me on AllTrails. I post my reviews, activities, and hiking lists. Check the Michael Moody AllTrails profile here.
And if you’re wondering…..the photos in this post are from an August hike in Steamboat. The wildflowers were so beautiful!
Test these hikes (or just take a look at the photos):
Colorado Hikes near Denver: Nymph Lake, Lake Haiyaha Loop via Fire Trail (RMNP)
Colorado Hikes near Denver: North Table Mountain West Loop (Golden)
Colorado Hikes near Denver: Elk Falls Lookout and Elk Falls Pond (Staunton State Park)
Colorado Hikes near Denver: Green Mountain Loop via Chautauqua Trail
Good luck on your journey!
Michael
Personal Trainer in LoHi and Reacher of the Skies
Such a beautiful trail outside of Steamboat.
It took many mindful steps to overcome my injury. It certainly took longer than imagined but now I’m reaching new heights (and you can too).
As a personal trainer in Denver, I see many injuries among my personal training clients. Their perseverance is a motivator to reach for new peaks as I overcome obstacles!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: MICHAEL MOODY, PERSONAL TRAINER
As an author, a personal trainer in Denver, and podcast host, Michael Moody has helped personal training clients achieve new fitness heights and incredible weight loss transformations since 2005. He also produces the wellness podcast "The Elements of Being" and has been featured on NBC, WGN Radio, and PBS.
Michael offers personal training to Denver residents who want to meet at the 2460 W 26th Ave studio….or in their homes throughout LoHi (80206), LoDo (80202), RiNo (80216), Washington Park (80209), Cherry Creek (80206, 80209, 80243, 80246, 80231), and Highlands (80202, 80211, 80212). Michael also offers experiences with a personal trainer in Jefferson Park (80211) and Sloan's Lake (80204, 80212).
If you’re looking for a personal trainer who can curate a sustainable (and adaptable) routine based on your needs and wants, Michael is the experienced practitioner you’ve been looking for. Try personal training for a month…your body will thank you!
