A matter of trust?

What do the Me-Mover and my walk have in common now? In both, I need to win (back) the certainty to let it go automatically.

Ever since my first piece on the Me-Mover, the bike kept haunting my head. It's a really nice form of training that is much more effective than the crosstrainer in the attic. And you can keep using it for extra training if you're not injured. But it's an investment: the cheapest model costs 1699 euros.

That's why I went to see them again last Saturday, this time together with Brigitte (who rents an Elliptigo) and Thom. The second time on the Me-Mover it almost went by itself, although I felt a bit of a stiff rake next to Brigitte, who tore away… The enthusiasm was undiminished. Just the doubt about the costs as well. Will I use it often enough in practice?

Luckily Thom was with the car. That helped. Not much later, we loaded a Me-Mover in the back (again thanks Thom!). No, I haven't bought it yet. First I rent it for a month to make sure I can, dare and want to use it in this area as well.

Headwind

Once at home, without the safe guidance of Wilma, it's hard to swallow. Ok, the polder is flat, but there are high level crossings, bridges and viaducts I need to pass.

The first time alone is exciting and really trying. I notice that I find the speed uncomfortable down the hills. But with a bit more experience I get used to it during the week. Even the level crossing of the subway I dared to climb up today and descend without getting off, even though there is a junction at the bottom of the hill.

Also the sharp bends in the Groenzoom don't go quite smoothly yet. These are mainly meant for hikers and really go in a sharp corner because of the planned locks. I admit, I still have to practice steering a bit, so I slow down a bit to prevent deep ditch diving. Give it a while and it will be as easy as cycling, I guess.

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In the meantime, I've trained three times at home. The longest training is even 20 km with very strong winds. Because you stand upright, you catch that wind full. The Me-Mover remains stable on the road, but against the wind it is hard work. On some stretches along the N470 I struggle to reach the 10 km per hour, despite pedalling hard. That has made it a tough workout.

Still Rotterdam?

It remains unclear to the physiotherapist what exactly is going on. The pain is still present. But he can only be clearly traced back to running. When I am lying on the table, I hardly feel the same pain when my foot is maltreated. That's why the physio still assumes an incorrect position of the leg, causing my right foot to flatten. Some extra exercises. And the request for – despite the pain – to keep practicing with walking. So don't sneak all the way in alternative training that is painless. For that, just like with the Me-Mover, a little more confidence is needed first.

Friday evening for the first time this week I walked around with a number of walking exercises on the way. Today it doesn't hurt more than before walking. If I keep on trying every other day, and keep on doing the ankle- and hip strengthening training, walking might come back soon. Is Rotterdam still in it?

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