The Power of Patience: How a Holistic Approach to Recovery Transformed My Life

Injuries that should have ended my career instead became milestones on a journey of healing and resilience. Over decades, I faced serious setbacks that many would consider crippling. Yet, by embracing a comprehensive, healthy, and patient approach to recovery, I have managed to restore my body almost completely each time. This story is about how patience, combined with a long-term strategy for health, has paid off in ways I never imagined.

Gary and Dad (Gordon) Putaruru, 1970's

Embracing Patience in Recovery

When sickness or injury happens, it's tempting to get back into things quickly, and to get there with the Big Hit.

• https://www.garymoller.com/post/the-hammer-of-thor-versus-mother-nature

• https://www.garymoller.com/post/2017/03/12/understanding-the-nutrient-goldilocks-zone

I learned early on that shortcuts in recovery often lead to setbacks or chronic problems. Instead, I committed to a patient process, allowing my body the time it needed to heal fully. This meant:

• Avoiding quick fixes or temporary relief methods https://www.garymoller.com/post/peptides-tendons-and-the-seduction-of-shortcuts https://www.garymoller.com/post/a-freeranger-s-riposte-to-biohacking

• Following rehabilitation protocols carefully

• Listening closely to my body’s signals

• Prioritising rest and gradual progression

This nurturing approach transformed injuries that should have been career-ending into opportunities for growth and learning. Patience became my greatest ally.

• https://www.garymoller.com/post/nourishment-mitochondria-muscle-and-the-long-game-of-health

• https://www.garymoller.com/post/fitness-reserve-and-the-long-game

Farmers know that you can't beat an animal into good health, so why do we try to do this to people?

I have suffered some terrible injuries at times. Injuries that normally cripple and end sporting careers, and limit one's functionality. Here are articles about just two, but ones that I have remarkably bounced back from pretty much 100%:

• https://www.garymoller.com/post/a-good-news-story-about-how-patience-pays-off

• https://www.garymoller.com/post/protecting-my-brain-and-cervical-spinal

The Role of a Holistic Health Strategy

Recovery is not just about treating the injury itself. It involves nurturing the entire body and mind. Over 50 years of working in health, I have developed a strategy that focuses on prevention and long-term wellness. Key elements include:

• Nutrition: Incorporating superfoods and detox drinks, such as making my lemon peel detox drink once a week, to support the immune system and reduce inflammation - and much more: https://www.garymoller.com/post/the-amazing-cancer-reducing-superfood-you-ve-been-throwing-away

• Lifestyle: Living a free-range life that balances activity, rest, and mental well-being. https://www.garymoller.com/post/a-freerangers-new-year-health-freedom-gratitude-and-the-long-view

• Mitochondrial Care: Enhancing cellular energy production to improve muscle function and overall vitality. https://www.garymoller.com/post/nourishment-mitochondria-muscle-and-the-long-game-of-health

• Preventing disease: Protecting your DNA, and strategising to stay healthy for 20 years by staying fit and having a strong immune system. https://www.garymoller.com/post/dna-your-godscript
  

These practices have not only helped me recover but have also improved my performance as a mountain biker well into my 70s. https://www.garymoller.com/post/2019/03/07/im-at-it-again

Preparing for the UCI MTB Masters World Championship

This March, I will defend my UCI MTB Masters world championship title in Chile. This event marks ten years of consistent success, a testament to the power of my approach. Initially, we were not planning to attend, but my youngest daughter, Mary-Ann, decided to enter her first masters event. Her enthusiasm inspired me to join, despite the pressure to concentrate on work and to save money this year. We have always wanted to visit and spend time in that part of the world, soaking up the culture, so here we go!

Despite being in my 70s, I have recorded personal bests on the mountain bike recently. This shows that age is not a barrier when health and injury management are prioritised. In advanced masters categories, success depends less on how well athletes train or use equipment. It depends more on how well athletes prevent and manage injuries, and health issues like arthritis. Parkinson, and heart disease.

Falls, like those from tripping over the cat, or falling off a bike, are one of the main causes of premature death in the elderly. It is important, no matter how old you are, to know how to fall well.

• http://blog.garymoller.com/2006/04/how-to-teach-children-to-fall-properly.html

• https://www.garymoller.com/post/how-to-fall-off-a-bike

Practical Tips for Long-Term Health and Recovery

Here are some practical steps I recommend for anyone looking to build resilience and maintain health over time:

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• Commit to patience: Allow your body the time it needs to heal without rushing.

• Invest in nutrition: Use natural detox methods and nutrient-rich foods regularly.

• Adopt a freerange lifestyle: Balance physical activity with mental relaxation, a higher purpose in life, other than oneself, and be grateful for the life you have.

• Focus on mitochondria: Support cellular health through diet and exercise.

• Plan ahead: Think decades into the future when making health and lifestyle decisions.

  
  

These habits build a foundation that supports not only recovery but also peak performance and longevity.

The Long Game of Health

Investing in health over the long term is like planting a tree. The benefits may not be immediate, but with consistent care, they grow stronger year after year. My experience shows that the effort put in 20 years ago is now paying off handsomely. This long-game mindset is essential for anyone who wants to stay active and healthy well into later life.

By focusing on prevention, patient recovery, and holistic care, I have turned potential setbacks into stepping stones. This journey is ongoing, but the results so far inspire me to keep moving forward.