Overcoming adversity to jump rope a 5K
Almost exactly one year ago I had to withdraw from the 2017 Rock ‘n’ Roll 5K in Philadelphia because of a torn calf muscle. I was extremely disappointed because I had trained hard for the race, was looking forward to it, and the injury seemed to come out of nowhere. I immediately registered for the 2018 race hoping I’d be able to redeem myself. But then the wheels came off the wagon. On November 1, about six weeks after I withdrew from the race, my dad passed away unexpectedly on the heels of my mom passing away unexpectedly. Then a few months after that I started experiencing more lower back pain than usual. An MRI revealed four herniated discs in my lumbar spine. That happy news was followed by an injury to my right knee.
To say I was at a low point would be an understatement of biblical proportions, but I didn’t quit. Through physical therapy, the love and support of my sister and my friends, the powerful effects of Aynsley Kirshenbaum’s #sugarpurge, and the sheer force of will, I was able to jump rope the entire Rock ‘n’ Roll 5K this Saturday with my girlfriend, Heather, and my dear friend and Punk Rope co-conspirator, Shana. The runners and spectators were so gracious and encouraging. We’ve never been cheered on like that before even though we’ve been jumping 5Ks since 2009. I wanted to share this story because I believe we all have the ability to be resilient and bounce back from any misfortune. In the words of the late, great Jim Valvano, “Never ever give up!”
Punk Rope Greenpoint
Punk Rope is a mash-up of jump rope, recess, and rock and roll. Improve cardio, coordination, agility, speed, strength, and body composition. Each week’s class features a new themed playlist. All ages and fitness levels are welcome. Jump ropes are provided. Free for members of the Greenpoint Y. Non-members: 1st 3 visits free; thereafter a day pass is $20.
Punk Rope Greenpoint
Punk Rope is a mash-up of jump rope, recess, and rock and roll. Improve cardio, coordination, agility, speed, strength, and body composition. Each week’s class features a new themed playlist. All ages and fitness levels are welcome. Jump ropes are provided. Free for members of the Greenpoint Y. Non-members: 1st 3 visits free; thereafter a day pass is $20.
Punk Rope Greenpoint
Punk Rope is a mash-up of jump rope, recess, and rock and roll. Improve cardio, coordination, agility, speed, strength, and body composition. Each week’s class features a new themed playlist. All ages and fitness levels are welcome. Jump ropes are provided. Free for members of the Greenpoint Y. Non-members: 1st 3 visits free; thereafter a day pass is $20.
Punk Rope Greenpoint
Punk Rope is a mash-up of jump rope, recess, and rock and roll. Improve cardio, coordination, agility, speed, strength, and body composition. Each week’s class features a new themed playlist. All ages and fitness levels are welcome. Jump ropes are provided. Free for members of the Greenpoint Y. Non-members: 1st 3 visits free; thereafter a day pass is $20.
Punk Rope Greenpoint
Punk Rope is a mash-up of jump rope, recess, and rock and roll. Improve cardio, coordination, agility, speed, strength, and body composition. Each week’s class features a new themed playlist. All ages and fitness levels are welcome. Jump ropes are provided. Free for members of the Greenpoint Y. Non-members: 1st 3 visits free; thereafter a day pass is $20.
Punk Rope Greenpoint
Punk Rope is a mash-up of jump rope, recess, and rock and roll. Improve cardio, coordination, agility, speed, strength, and body composition. Each week’s class features a new themed playlist. All ages and fitness levels are welcome. Jump ropes are provided. Free for members of the Greenpoint Y. Non-members: 1st 3 visits free; thereafter a day pass is $20.
Punk Rope Greenpoint
Punk Rope is a mash-up of jump rope, recess, and rock and roll. Improve cardio, coordination, agility, speed, strength, and body composition. Each week’s class features a new themed playlist. All ages and fitness levels are welcome. Jump ropes are provided. Free for members of the Greenpoint Y. Non-members: 1st 3 visits free; thereafter a day pass is $20.