Soooooo, I've broken my back!
Yup! I was home on the Sunshine Coast training to keep fit for an up coming national team camp when I fractured the L5 vertebra in my lumber spine.
I wasn't paralyzed however movement was drastically reduced and I had a very isolated pain in my lower back area.
After a few scans the break was confirmed and I was put on a program that consists of nothing. Literally! I'm to do no activity or exercise for approx 12 weeks to allow it to heal. And your vertebra's are slooooowwwwww healers.
So here's where this blog gets exciting. What does a professional athlete who is usually BUZZING with energy and loves being active do to help get him through three months of lying on his back watching movies and playing Play Station?
...He makes a list! A list of 10 things he's going to do once he no longer has a broken back! This list will be up on my bedroom wall to look at every morning to help me through another day of nothing. And it goes a little something like this...
Jerrad Tyson's Un-broken back 'To do list'
(10 thing listed in no particular order)
1. RUN
As soon as I've met with the doc and been given the all clear to begin activity and exercise again I'm going to thank him, slowly and quietly exit the building, and then run. I don't know where or for how long. But it will be fast and it will be amazing. 3 months of doing nothing probably means i wont get 200m without throwing up but it will be amazing!
2. Surf
My two brothers are crazy good surfers. They've been carving away the waves of the Sunshine Coast for years now. Unfortunately for whatever reason, I've never really taken it on board (no pun intended! :P).
However a few months back I realized that that is completely unacceptable. So I went out, bought a board and been surfing it up with my bros ever since. Love the water and love the feeling of pulling onto a wave. So heading out at Burleigh Beach early on a beautiful Gold Coast morning is a must do!
3. Go rock climbing
When I was young and living in the fine state of Tasmania I went rock climbing a number of times. My Mum would take us kids into the city to climb at this awesome indoor rock climbing center and then take us for pancakes. Strange combination but it was a great day out.
Since then I've climbed cliffs and outdoor surfaces but have never returned to an artificial indoor set up. There's always something special and challenging about climbing the indoor courses so will be making my way there for shizzle!
4. Golf
My off season has been mixed. However being home and being able to spend some quality time with the family has been great.
But all good things have to come to an end, and for me, this time is next week. I've been looking for places for a few weeks and finally secured an incredible place in Robina. It's close to Skilled Park, Robina Town Center, Robina Train Station and is also overlooking the fairway of a golf course.
I've played a few times in the past with my Dad and brother however never practiced. So I think my location warrants a new found interest in the sport. And nothing better for a day off then a competitive game of golf with the boys!
5. Sky dive
This photo was taken on new years eve, a few weeks after my 13th birthday. My uncle was planning to jump, and whether it was because he was too scared to jump alone or because he knew jumping out of planes was right down my alley, he asked me to come too. Ever since that day I've been fixated on the hobby and been committed to getting my license so I can jump solo. Definitely on the 'to do list'! Found somewhere at the top! :)
6. Riding my bike
You may have noticed that I like things that go fast. haha
Although I'm not happy with Mr. Life at the moment, Mr. Adrenalin has always been a best friend of mine.
The bike was a complete impulse buy. I'd just got my license and had a heap of cash that had been sitting around doing nothing for a while so just threw it at the guy and took the bike.
As great as it is, it's spent my entire Gold Coast existence in the garage on the Sunny Coast and oh how I have missed it. Cruising to the beach on a sunny day, no traffic jams and best of all, no parking problems! Will definitely have to bring the beast down with me to use once my back is healed.
7. Skateboard
Skateboarding is another thing I've learned from my youngest brother. No more is it always the elder teaching the ways of life to the younger. Times have changed and everyday I find myself learning a new life lesson or a new concept courtesy of my little bros.
So yeah, Jono's been skating for a while now and has a few nifty tricks in his locker. He got me started a while back on an 'ollie' before progressing me onto the 'kickflip' and other standard moves.
I'm yet to hit an actual ramp so that will be my next voyage! I'll probs leave it till last on my list for the sheer fact that its probably a good way to re-break my back!! hahaha (Thank you to all those who just reached out and touched wood!)
8. Queenstown
I've been hell bent on visiting Queenstown in New Zealand for a few years now.
The idea of having some of the craziest thrill rides all in the same city is almost too good to pass up. I was all booked to go about 15months ago but have to admit that peer pressure got to me and we transferred to Bali instead.
We don't get much time off each year but as soon as an opportunity presents itself I'll be on the next flight there.
Things to do there: Jetboat, Paragliding, Bungee Jumping, Canyon Swing, White Water Rafting and Skydive, ect.
9. Tennis
I live in a very competitive family. My brothers and I are always looking for new games or sports to compete at with tennis being a real favorite.
My last outing was an inglorious 4-6 5-7 loss to brother Kane. I haven't had an opportunity recently to get myself back on top so that will be something that I'll have to organize as a matter of urgency!
It will certainly help having 2 tennis courts in our estate so I'll be able to practice for weeks before I challenge! :)
10. Play in the A-League
It's the whole reason I'm going to put everything in to my rehab. I'm a professional footballer and I want to play for Gold Coast United in the A-League. If I was only allowed to choose one thing to do after my back heals, it would be this.
So that's my list. I'm sure its not everyone's cup of tea but I couldn't think of anything better.
Love to hear your comments on what you would do, what you wouldn't do from my list and more importantly, what you will join me in doing once I'm cleared to start ticking things off.
Enjoy yourselves and make the most of life. :)
