Ireland day 0546. Tuesday 28 March 2023- Normalising

Today’s summary	Went to the gym for the first time since the operation, and also had a swim.   Met Val for coffee in the Grand Hotel and in the evening went to Spanish
Today’s weather	Heavy overnight rain soon cleared to give a mostly bight day with some sunny intervals.   Light south-westerly wind.   Appx 13C
Today’s overview location (The blue mark shows the location of our route)			Close-up location (The blue line shows where we walked) (No GPX today but click button below to download TCX of the indoor bike ride I completed at the gym): First post-operative indoor bike ride

Commentary

(Summary blog only.   Last full blog was Day 0368).

Up until today, I’ve felt to have been in something of a “recovery” mode, following my operation.   Everything was similar to the way it was before, but not quite the same.   But, having got clearance from the physiotherapist yesterday, today I decided to get back to the gym, and start doing some “normal” things again.   OK it wasn’t quite “normal” at the gym, as I couldn’t do all the exercises I used to.   But I could get on the exercise bike and pedal away (albeit with no resistance) for 20 minutes and then do a few static exercises on the mat.

After the gym, I went in the pool – which was a bit challenging as you’re recommended not to use crutches in the pool area as it’s too slippy.   But I safely managed it OK and did eight lengths of lane-walking and 12 lengths of front crawl.   Not too bad overall (and before you ask, its a 21-meter pool).   Afterwards, as Val was off work today, we met up at the adjacent Grand Hotel and enjoyed what I felt was a well-deserved coffee and croissant.   Not cheap, though, at €25.

Then in the evening, I took the second step back to normality – I went back to Spanish classes, down at Portmarnock.   Val had to drive me, which is an imposition on her, but only once more as in a couple of weeks I will be allowed to drive again.   Slightly embarrassingly, my Spanish teacher has been so unimpressed with the quality of the homework I’ve been submitting while I’ve been away, that she has called me in early for an extra lesson.   So now I am in the remedial class with the slow learners.  Well – I am well beyond the stage in my life where I care about these things anymore, and I appreciated the extra 1:1 tuition she gave me.

Felt great to take another step towards a normal existence, once again!

Today’s photos (click to enlarge)

Portmarnock community school – host for Spanish evening classes tonight. Great to be back – and thanks to Val for driving me there and back!
The Grand Hotel – met up with Val after the gym session and we enjoyed coffee and pastries.   A real treat – at €25!

Interactive map

(No map today)

You can read earlier and later days’ blogs below

Previous day’s blog
Next day’s blog
Ireland home page