Day 20: Navigating the Challenges of Injury

Overcoming Obstacles: My Pickleball Journey Continues Despite Injury

Facing the Reality of Injury and Embracing Rest

As I sit here on the 20th day of my pickleball journey, I can’t help but feel a pang of disappointment. Today was another seemingly boring day of rest and recovery, but I know that giving my body the time it needs to heal is essential. My foot is incredibly swollen, easily twice the size of my other foot. At first, I was hesitant to use ice, waiting 48 hours to allow my body to kickstart the healing process on its own.

However, as the swelling continues to worsen, I’m starting to second guess my decision. I don’t believe my Achilles is torn, but I do think it was stretched quite far. Surprisingly, it doesn’t hurt much, but the severe swelling has me worried. Tomorrow, I plan to ice my foot and elevate it to help reduce the swelling, hoping it’s not a sign of anything more serious.

Staying Connected Through Conversation

As much as my injury has been a setback, it hasn’t taken away the joy of sharing my love for pickleball with my son, AJ. Today, I picked him up from Pontiff, and even though I didn’t get out of the car, we had a wonderful chat on the drive home. He mentioned that he’s starting to feel a bit fatigued and might take a day off from pickleball tomorrow. While I doubt he’ll actually take a break, I know he probably needs it. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and drive to improve, but rest is just as important as practice.

Anticipating the DUPR Event and Adjusting Expectations

We also talked about the upcoming DUPR event, and how, unfortunately, I won’t be able to participate due to my current condition. While it’s disheartening to miss out on the opportunity to compete alongside AJ and Dev, I still plan on attending and cheering them on from the sidelines. It’s a reminder that, although my pickleball journey has hit a bump in the road, it’s far from over.

Moving Forward with a Positive Mindset

In times like these, it’s crucial to maintain a positive attitude and remember that setbacks are a natural part of any journey. I am eager to get back on the court and continue my progress, but I know that proper recovery is essential for long-term success. As I ice and elevate my foot tomorrow, I’ll be focusing on the future and envisioning the day I can step back onto the pickleball court with confidence.

I hope that by sharing my experiences, both the highs and the lows, I can inspire others to persevere through their own challenges. My love for pickleball remains strong, and I am excited to see what the future holds for both AJ and me. I’m confident that, with patience and dedication, we’ll come out of this stronger and more resilient than ever.

Thank you for joining me on this journey, and I look forward to sharing more with you tomorrow.