Besides itching to go out for a ride, I have spent the last 5 weeks trying my best to get about and stay active without tripping over my crutches and breaking my other ankle! But maintaining an active lifestyle with a leg in cast has proved to be quite challenging.

I had no idea how difficult it would be to do simple stuff like getting in and out of the bath or carrying a cup of tea from the kitchen to the lounge… Ok, I sound like an old woman! But seriously, it’s been way more of a mission than I expected. On the bright side though, I have got out of a serious amount of washing up!!

Having said that, I’ve actually been really surprised how quick it’s been to adapt and find alternative ways to get about and stay active. I really thought I was going to be stuck inside doing absolutely nothing the whole time my leg was in cast, but in fact I’ve been able to do heaps. At the weekend, for instance, a load of my friends went out for a bike ride and I was gutted that I wouldn’t be able to go too. But then my boyfriend managed to rent this tandem style bike that had a wheelchair on the front! I felt like a proper ‘Lady of Leisure’… but it was wicked fun!!

Also, thanks to Virgin Active www.virginactive.com , who have kindly let me use their leisure facilities, I’ve been able to go swimming pretty much every evening for the last month. I’ve just had to wear this rather attractive plastic bag over my cast to keep the water out! (If anyone reading this is unfortunate enough to be in cast and fancies going for a swim, you can get your very own plastic bag @ www.limboproducts.co.uk ). Although I’ve received quite a few funny looks, it’s actually worked really well. Having been able to use the pool at Virgin Active has meant that even though I’ve been off my board, I’ve been able to maintain my fitness, which has been great. In fact, I think I may even have got fitter… I had no idea how knackering swimming was and am certainly going to keep it up even when I’m back riding. Plus, apparently it’ll be super good physiotherapy for my ankle too, so that’s a bonus!

Now it’s less than a week until the cast is off I’m really excited about getting back on my board. I’ll just have to take it slow and gradually build the strength back up in my leg. I reckon it shouldn’t take too long though, especially with the help I’m going to be getting from my friend Darren Barber who is an awesome Sports Physiotherapist.

I’ll let you know when I’m back on the water… can’t wait!!

Steph : )