Not too long ago, I fully ruptured my achilles tendon.
After a visit to the doctor, it was confirmed that I would need surgery…
Fortunately, I was able to get into surgery a few days later. Now, I’m on the long road to recovery.
The Reality of an Achilles Injury
After researching, I’ve learned that this type of injury has a tough recovery process. Many people never make it back to 100%, but I’m not focusing on that.
Instead, I’m focusing on those who do fully recover, and I’m determined to be one of them…
One of the aspects of injury that people often overlook is the mental side of it.
How do you keep your mindset strong?
How do you overcome setbacks and regain trust in your body?
These are crucial questions that I’ll be tackling during my recovery.
(video below)
How My Achilles Tendon Rupture Happened
The injury occurred while I was warming up as I usually do.
I started by walking and jogging on the treadmill for about half a mile before moving into some dynamic step-ups, a type of plyometric exercise.
My first set was slow and controlled. Then, on about the seventh or eighth rep, I landed—and suddenly, pop.
It felt like I was struck by lightning.
I don’t fully remember what happened next, but I found myself sitting on the floor, holding my ankle…
Where my Achilles should have been, there was nothing—just a hole.
I instantly felt sick. Oddly, I wasn’t in a lot of pain, but I knew something was very wrong.
Looking back, the only contributing factors I can think of are that the box might have been a little higher than usual and that I had been feeling more fatigued lately.
I haven’t been recovering as well, and I have a tendency to push my body beyond its limits.
I also have a history of injuries on my left side—a torn soleus (which connects to the Achilles), a Grade Three ankle sprain, and extensor tendinitis in that foot.
In contrast, my right side has always been the stronger, more resilient side.
Adjusting My Diet for My Fitness Injury
One of the first things I did post-injury was modify my nutrition.
When you’re injured and facing a period of inactivity, your body requires a different balance of macronutrients.
Here’s how I adjusted my diet:
Increased Protein Intake: Protein is essential for muscle retention and recovery. It helps maintain muscle mass, keeps metabolism up, and provides satiety.
Decreased Overall Calories: Since my Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis (NEAT) has dropped, I’ve reduced my caloric intake by about 10–15%.
Adjusted Macros: I’m naturally eating fewer carbs because I’m less active, and I’ve increased my intake of healthy fats.
Incorporated Bone Broth & Collagen: Bone broth is rich in collagen, which is crucial for tendon and ligament repair.
I also make sure to take vitamin C to help my body synthesize collagen effectively.
Strengthening the Fitness Mindset
A fitness injury recovery isn’t just physical—it’s mental.
I’m focusing on what I can control rather than what I can’t. One of the biggest mindset shifts has been setting new physical goals:
Single-Leg Training: Scientific research shows that training one limb can help preserve muscle on the injured side through a process called cross-education.
Upper Body & Core Workouts: Since I can’t train my legs fully, I’ll be shifting my focus to upper body strength and core training.
New Hobbies & Mental Stimulation: I’m using this time to pick up my fiddle again, improve my Spanish, and practice archery using a recurve bow.
Looking Ahead: The Future of My Fitness Training
I’m not sure what my future in competition looks like yet.
Physique-wise, I’ve always felt I fall somewhere between bikini and figure, but right now, my focus is on rebuilding my upper body since that’s what I can do.
Instead of dwelling on what I can’t do, I’m using this time to build strength in new ways and revisit the things I love.
I firmly believe that obstacles like this can be opportunities in disguise.
Inspiration and Determination…
I recently watched a documentary on Kobe Bryant, who suffered the same injury. For many athletes, an Achilles rupture is a career-ending injury—but not for him.
He came back, stronger than ever. That mindset is what I’m aiming for.
There’s a quote from him that resonates deeply with me:
“We don’t rest in the middle. We rest at the end.”
That mentality keeps me pushing forward.
It reminds me that setbacks don’t define us—how we respond to them does.
Final Thoughts: Becoming Unstoppable
This isn’t my first time facing a major injury.
In college, I had a fracture in my right foot’s navicular bone, which required a titanium pin and bone graft. It took a long time to regain trust in my body after that, but I did.
And I’ll do it again.
If you’re dealing with an injury, a setback, or a period where you can’t train as you’d like—remember, this is just a chapter.
It’s an opportunity to reflect, reset, and come back even stronger.
The strongest force in the universe is the human will.
If you set your mind to something, nothing can stop you.
I’ll be sharing more about nutrition, training adaptations, and mindset tips.
Thanks for being here, and if you made it this far—I love you, I’m proud of you, and remember:
…it’s not about how many times you fall, but how many times you get back up!
Until next time…
Train smart and in the moment! 💪
Thanks for reading, watching, and sharing!
