Sunday, November 06, 2011
Injury!!!
Well- it was all going so well. I really felt as though I was getting back to my former fitness- I was running 6 miles, completed the Spires and Steeples in 7 hours flat and it all seemed to be easy.
But now- an injury has struck! It started off when I knelt down a couple of weeks ago- I felt a sudden sharp pain just below and to the right of my right knee. I first thought that I had knelt on something, but couldn't find anything. After this it became more and more noticeable, and the pain spread to a wider area every time I knelt.
Running didn't seem to actually cause pain, but the last couple of times I have ran, I have felt a tenderness in the affected area, and it seems slightly swollen. The sharp pain only occurs when I kneel, although I can replicate it by beding my leg right back and pressing lightly on the skin.
I have no idea what it is... the nearest thing I have found which matches the symptoms is Jumper's Knee- but I haven't done any jumping!!
It means I have had to make some tough decisions... the Brecon Beacons Ultra is only a fortnight away and I was starting to hope I may be able to actually complete the whole thing. But I really don't fancy pushing myself for 45 miles and possibly doing long term harm- even one lap would be risky, as I felt it more when I was running uphill and the Beacon's course is most definately not flat!!
Another deciding factor is the fact that my nephew is waiting to have major surgery to correct severe scoliosis at any time- we are just waiting on a date- and I will be needed to go up to Blackpool and lend my sis a hand during his initial recovery period.
So I have reluctantly decided to pull out of the race- I am gutted as I missed it last year due to a nasty cold/ chest infection. I am determined that next year I will return and complete both laps!!
I went to the gym today, but only stuck to the weights and the elliptical trainer. Afterwards I popped upstairs to the DW Sports shop and ran gently on the treadmill whilst they analysed my gait. Turns out that I don't over pronate as badly as I thought, but the guy serving (who also runs) suggested I stick to the wider fitting control shoe makes such as Brookes (which I tend to use), Asics and New Balance. He said that Nike control shoes don't provide the same protection as other makes so he would advise against them. I don't think this was sales patter as they were selling Nike shoes.
The spooky thing is I have been running in a pair of Nikes for ages- in fact, I have been making them last longer than they should- could this have caused the knee problem!?!
I bought a pair of New Balance shoes as they don't sell Brookes, but they seem very comfy and I even got to try them on and have a wee jog on the treadmill first.
I am going to ease off the running for a couple of weeks to see how the knee responds and then build back up slowly. Hope everyone else is ok and injury free!
But now- an injury has struck! It started off when I knelt down a couple of weeks ago- I felt a sudden sharp pain just below and to the right of my right knee. I first thought that I had knelt on something, but couldn't find anything. After this it became more and more noticeable, and the pain spread to a wider area every time I knelt.
Running didn't seem to actually cause pain, but the last couple of times I have ran, I have felt a tenderness in the affected area, and it seems slightly swollen. The sharp pain only occurs when I kneel, although I can replicate it by beding my leg right back and pressing lightly on the skin.
I have no idea what it is... the nearest thing I have found which matches the symptoms is Jumper's Knee- but I haven't done any jumping!!
It means I have had to make some tough decisions... the Brecon Beacons Ultra is only a fortnight away and I was starting to hope I may be able to actually complete the whole thing. But I really don't fancy pushing myself for 45 miles and possibly doing long term harm- even one lap would be risky, as I felt it more when I was running uphill and the Beacon's course is most definately not flat!!
Another deciding factor is the fact that my nephew is waiting to have major surgery to correct severe scoliosis at any time- we are just waiting on a date- and I will be needed to go up to Blackpool and lend my sis a hand during his initial recovery period.
So I have reluctantly decided to pull out of the race- I am gutted as I missed it last year due to a nasty cold/ chest infection. I am determined that next year I will return and complete both laps!!
I went to the gym today, but only stuck to the weights and the elliptical trainer. Afterwards I popped upstairs to the DW Sports shop and ran gently on the treadmill whilst they analysed my gait. Turns out that I don't over pronate as badly as I thought, but the guy serving (who also runs) suggested I stick to the wider fitting control shoe makes such as Brookes (which I tend to use), Asics and New Balance. He said that Nike control shoes don't provide the same protection as other makes so he would advise against them. I don't think this was sales patter as they were selling Nike shoes.
The spooky thing is I have been running in a pair of Nikes for ages- in fact, I have been making them last longer than they should- could this have caused the knee problem!?!
I bought a pair of New Balance shoes as they don't sell Brookes, but they seem very comfy and I even got to try them on and have a wee jog on the treadmill first.
I am going to ease off the running for a couple of weeks to see how the knee responds and then build back up slowly. Hope everyone else is ok and injury free!
Labels: Brookes, Injury, New Balance
Monday, November 09, 2009
Oh Dear
I really haven't been very good lately. I've struggled to find motivation to force myself away from the computer and out into the fresh air or the rather muggy, sweaty recycled air of the gym...
My efforts have been a couple of walks during the week. Although one was around 5 miles, that's hardly the stuff or endurance legend!
I had to miss two days of work last week because of this bl**dy migraine/ virus thing, which of course meant a few days of missed exercise too. Hopefully now though I've kicked that into touch.
I ventured into the gym Sunday (surprised they still recognise me...) and used the weights, rowing machine and elliptical trainer. I decided to test the knee so went on the treadmill and tentatively selected a 10 minute pre-programmed workout which consisted of slow jogging and walking uphill. The knee seemed fine, so I added 5 minutes gentle running. It was still ok- then- I have had a few twinges today...
... I think that the plan for the week is to see how it goes with some gentle walking and slow running. If it's still bad I may try swimming or using the bikes at the gym- I've got to do something or I will end up wedged in this chair!!
Hope everyone else is having more luck with their training...
My efforts have been a couple of walks during the week. Although one was around 5 miles, that's hardly the stuff or endurance legend!
I had to miss two days of work last week because of this bl**dy migraine/ virus thing, which of course meant a few days of missed exercise too. Hopefully now though I've kicked that into touch.
I ventured into the gym Sunday (surprised they still recognise me...) and used the weights, rowing machine and elliptical trainer. I decided to test the knee so went on the treadmill and tentatively selected a 10 minute pre-programmed workout which consisted of slow jogging and walking uphill. The knee seemed fine, so I added 5 minutes gentle running. It was still ok- then- I have had a few twinges today...
... I think that the plan for the week is to see how it goes with some gentle walking and slow running. If it's still bad I may try swimming or using the bikes at the gym- I've got to do something or I will end up wedged in this chair!!
Hope everyone else is having more luck with their training...
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Another **** Setback!
Well, there certainly haven't been many adventures at all lately, and definately not much endurance...
In an effort to get back into the swing of things after a week long headache, I decided to go for a run last night.
Big mistake.
I set off down the road and my left knee started to twinge in exactly the same place it hurt on the last day of the MdS. Fine, I thought, I'll walk instead. So I did around 5 miles no problems... except for when I was nearly home and decided to run across the road.
It was agony! I staggered up the road, trying my best not to limp too obviously but every few steps I had to stop and try to stretch or massage my leg- I really thought I wasn't going to get home!
Then it just went off- it was really odd- I walked the rest of the way home no problems. I have been for a few short walks since, and have felt a slight twinge so there is obviously something wrong...
...Added to this the fact that I feel considerably below par again today so probably won't do anything today, and the two loops of the BRecons Ultra is looking more and more unlikely. B*gger!
I did have a nice encounter on my short walk the other night though- I was just leaving the houses of Netherfield behind when a badger started to walk across the road in front of me. He saw me and stopped. I stopped too and we just studied each other before he continued his way. I felt quite priveledged!
In an effort to get back into the swing of things after a week long headache, I decided to go for a run last night.
Big mistake.
I set off down the road and my left knee started to twinge in exactly the same place it hurt on the last day of the MdS. Fine, I thought, I'll walk instead. So I did around 5 miles no problems... except for when I was nearly home and decided to run across the road.
It was agony! I staggered up the road, trying my best not to limp too obviously but every few steps I had to stop and try to stretch or massage my leg- I really thought I wasn't going to get home!
Then it just went off- it was really odd- I walked the rest of the way home no problems. I have been for a few short walks since, and have felt a slight twinge so there is obviously something wrong...
...Added to this the fact that I feel considerably below par again today so probably won't do anything today, and the two loops of the BRecons Ultra is looking more and more unlikely. B*gger!
I did have a nice encounter on my short walk the other night though- I was just leaving the houses of Netherfield behind when a badger started to walk across the road in front of me. He saw me and stopped. I stopped too and we just studied each other before he continued his way. I felt quite priveledged!
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Damn!
I should have left my toenails alone. My right big toe is now bleeding!
Labels: Injury
Sunday, August 30, 2009
18 1/2 Miles & A Twisted Ankle (Ouch!)
The Robin Hood Marathon is two week's today... and I haven't done anywhere near enough training really. Don't get me wrong- I have done some- in fact I have done great training for a half marathon. It's just a shame I'm doing the full one!
I an attempt to redeem myself I set out on my last long one before I taper today. I planned a route along the River Trent from Gunthorpe beyon Fiskerton and back along fields and the river- I reckoned it would be about 18 miles and was pretty much spot on.
I parked up at Gunthorpe and set off along the river;
Near Gunthorpe
Trouble is, I was dying for a wee and this stretch just wasn't very private- if there weren't other folk walking and anglers there were gliders constantly flying overhead! Not to mention cows with bloody massive curving horns- luckily indifferent, but I didn't dare chance a photo. I finally found a handy line of trees and emerged just in time to be overtaken by a much quicker runner- I'm sure it must have been obvious where I had just been...
The River Trent
I followed the river to Hoveringham, Hazelford Ferry and Fiskerton- it was cloudy but dry, and not too hot. I had packed everything in my bum bag and actually managed to run most of the way apart from snacking and picking my way over rough ground. I am definately happier running cross country than on roads!
Past Fiskerton the path becomes quite uneven, but just after 9 miles (I was using my trusty Garmin) I turned away from the river down a bridleway. I had a bit of a fright, as my right ankle turned over and I felt that sickening pain all runners must dread for a few seconds, but it wore more or less straight off.
Unfortunately the wind had picked up and was predictably against me- that always happens to me! I reached Fiskerton again and was so hot I couldn't resist the lure of the pub and nipped in for a cold lime and lemonade. The lady who served me said "You look as though you've been running!" and asked me how far I had ran. When I looked at my Garmin and told her just over 11 miles she looked rather shocked!
Boosted by the lovely cold drink I set off into the wind and decided to take a path across fields I'd taken before to cut out the uneven river path. Unfortunately the footpath went across a ploughed field, and I had to stumble and pick my way back to Fiskerton Locks.
Fiskerton Locks And Wier
When I got back to Hazel Ferry I decided to take a bridleway running parallel to the river for a bit of variety (I was getting a little bored of the river!) It is a well maintained bridleway but as I was approaching Hoveringham my left ankle twisted under me and I felt the sickening pain again. This time it was much worse, and although I walked for a bit the pain didn't completely go. I still had another 2 1/2 miles to go by this point so had no choice but to continue.
I jogged and walked through the village back to the river, and succumbed to the ice cream van, so walked alongside the river whilst I ate. I decided to take a slow jog back to Gunthorpe, which I figured couldn't be that far- a good measure that you are approaching civilisation is the people you meet coming the other way- if they have dogs and wellies/ walking boots you still have a long way to go. If they have kids or are not at all dressed for walking you are getting nearer. If the kids get younger, or are on bikes, civilisation is just around the corner. If they are eating ice cream, you can relax cos you have made it!
I was glad to see Gunthorpe as I was feeling some discomfort from my ankle at this point, and reached the car as my Garmin displayed 18.6 miles- I didn't want to try to push it further.
I have had a soak in the bath and unfortunately my ankle is a bit swollen and painful when I walk, which is a b*gger as I can really do without an injury at this stage! I have followed the RICE rule- I have iced it, put a support bandage on it, kept it raised and will rest it, and just hope for the best...
I an attempt to redeem myself I set out on my last long one before I taper today. I planned a route along the River Trent from Gunthorpe beyon Fiskerton and back along fields and the river- I reckoned it would be about 18 miles and was pretty much spot on.
I parked up at Gunthorpe and set off along the river;
Near Gunthorpe
Trouble is, I was dying for a wee and this stretch just wasn't very private- if there weren't other folk walking and anglers there were gliders constantly flying overhead! Not to mention cows with bloody massive curving horns- luckily indifferent, but I didn't dare chance a photo. I finally found a handy line of trees and emerged just in time to be overtaken by a much quicker runner- I'm sure it must have been obvious where I had just been...
The River Trent
I followed the river to Hoveringham, Hazelford Ferry and Fiskerton- it was cloudy but dry, and not too hot. I had packed everything in my bum bag and actually managed to run most of the way apart from snacking and picking my way over rough ground. I am definately happier running cross country than on roads!
Past Fiskerton the path becomes quite uneven, but just after 9 miles (I was using my trusty Garmin) I turned away from the river down a bridleway. I had a bit of a fright, as my right ankle turned over and I felt that sickening pain all runners must dread for a few seconds, but it wore more or less straight off.
Unfortunately the wind had picked up and was predictably against me- that always happens to me! I reached Fiskerton again and was so hot I couldn't resist the lure of the pub and nipped in for a cold lime and lemonade. The lady who served me said "You look as though you've been running!" and asked me how far I had ran. When I looked at my Garmin and told her just over 11 miles she looked rather shocked!
Boosted by the lovely cold drink I set off into the wind and decided to take a path across fields I'd taken before to cut out the uneven river path. Unfortunately the footpath went across a ploughed field, and I had to stumble and pick my way back to Fiskerton Locks.
Fiskerton Locks And Wier
When I got back to Hazel Ferry I decided to take a bridleway running parallel to the river for a bit of variety (I was getting a little bored of the river!) It is a well maintained bridleway but as I was approaching Hoveringham my left ankle twisted under me and I felt the sickening pain again. This time it was much worse, and although I walked for a bit the pain didn't completely go. I still had another 2 1/2 miles to go by this point so had no choice but to continue.
I jogged and walked through the village back to the river, and succumbed to the ice cream van, so walked alongside the river whilst I ate. I decided to take a slow jog back to Gunthorpe, which I figured couldn't be that far- a good measure that you are approaching civilisation is the people you meet coming the other way- if they have dogs and wellies/ walking boots you still have a long way to go. If they have kids or are not at all dressed for walking you are getting nearer. If the kids get younger, or are on bikes, civilisation is just around the corner. If they are eating ice cream, you can relax cos you have made it!
I was glad to see Gunthorpe as I was feeling some discomfort from my ankle at this point, and reached the car as my Garmin displayed 18.6 miles- I didn't want to try to push it further.
I have had a soak in the bath and unfortunately my ankle is a bit swollen and painful when I walk, which is a b*gger as I can really do without an injury at this stage! I have followed the RICE rule- I have iced it, put a support bandage on it, kept it raised and will rest it, and just hope for the best...
Labels: Injury
Saturday, May 02, 2009
Rough Week!
This week really hasn't gone too well. The pulled muscle injury is a little better but is taking an age to heal. The only way I've been able to sleep is propped up on pillows, and it still wakes me during the night. I really sympathise with anybody who's ever broken a rib, that must be far worse!!
I also developed a cough- which made things difficult as coughing was extremely painful! I still struggled into work everyday, and it has been a struggle as since Wednesday I have also felt like crap whole body aching, really tired, absolutely no energy... funnily enough I've been better in the morning than in the evenings, and have had no energy to do anything other than lie on my bed after work.
I went to my GP yesterday and he said almosr exactly what I expected him to say... yes I pulled an underam muscle- it's got to get better on its own- take painkillers and see him again if it's no better in two weeks, the cough and feeling crap he attributed to a virus ('virus' in GP speak I think means 'Well, we haven't really got a clue what it is and certainly aren't going to give you anything for it!)
It was the same GP who signed off my medical certificate, and he did then say that I had put my body under enormous strain during the MdS and it needs a good rest! He advised me to take it easy for the next month, and gently ease back into training, maybe doing stuff that 'mere mortals' (his words!) would do...
I know that makes sense! I saw the practice nurse who does ironmen when I came out his room and I was telling her about the MdS- she did say that the usual advice for resting after a marathon is one day for every mile- which makes for nearly a month (although experienced runners can get away with less) So- let's see... my first ultra... so that would mean no exercise until the first week in August!!
Seriously- I will give my body an easier ride this month, and then start to build up to the Robin Hood marathon from the beginning of June- got to be a bit sensible I guess, even though I do still have easter eggs left...
I also developed a cough- which made things difficult as coughing was extremely painful! I still struggled into work everyday, and it has been a struggle as since Wednesday I have also felt like crap whole body aching, really tired, absolutely no energy... funnily enough I've been better in the morning than in the evenings, and have had no energy to do anything other than lie on my bed after work.
I went to my GP yesterday and he said almosr exactly what I expected him to say... yes I pulled an underam muscle- it's got to get better on its own- take painkillers and see him again if it's no better in two weeks, the cough and feeling crap he attributed to a virus ('virus' in GP speak I think means 'Well, we haven't really got a clue what it is and certainly aren't going to give you anything for it!)
It was the same GP who signed off my medical certificate, and he did then say that I had put my body under enormous strain during the MdS and it needs a good rest! He advised me to take it easy for the next month, and gently ease back into training, maybe doing stuff that 'mere mortals' (his words!) would do...
I know that makes sense! I saw the practice nurse who does ironmen when I came out his room and I was telling her about the MdS- she did say that the usual advice for resting after a marathon is one day for every mile- which makes for nearly a month (although experienced runners can get away with less) So- let's see... my first ultra... so that would mean no exercise until the first week in August!!
Seriously- I will give my body an easier ride this month, and then start to build up to the Robin Hood marathon from the beginning of June- got to be a bit sensible I guess, even though I do still have easter eggs left...
Labels: illness, Injury, Robin Hood Marathon
Monday, April 27, 2009
Knee Healed... And New Injury!!!
Well, touch wood my knee appears to be just about healed. I tried a 7 mile walk around Colwick Country Park Saturday, and it was fine... so I thought I'd try a little gentle jogging at the gym, so tried 3 X 5 minutes of slow running interspersed with 2 minutes of walking. I followed this up with a fairly gentle 30 miles on the elliptical. I could feel a slight sensation but it wasn't pain or even discomfort and I was wearing my support bandage, and kept stretching it out.
It was absolutely fine afterwards, and is still fine today- so hopefully that's on the way to being sorted.
However, I now have another wee problem... I stupidly tried an exercise at the gym I hadn't really done before- kneeling on the bench, holding a weight and pulling my arm up behind me in a kind of tricept row- to try to blast those bingo wings once and for all!
As I lifted, I could feel a movement in the muscles under the skin- but no pain, no discomfort, nothing. Until 4 o'clock this morning that is. I woke with a really sharp pain in my left side, which just got worse and worse no matter how I tried to lay. In fact, I convinced myself I was actually having a heart attack and tried to feel my pulse! Then I realised that when I lifted my arm I could feel the muscles pull, so I have obviously strained something. Trouble is, with it being right over the rib cage, every time I breathe it bloody hurts- but I can hardly stop breathing! it was agony trying to wash, dress and drive to work, but I've more or less kept it at bay with painkillers. Don't know how much sleep I'll get tonight though.
Shit. I just want to get back into it as I have been eating loads of crap and feel fat... several folks on the forum have had niggles- maybe we just took a lot more out of our bodies than we realised!
I have another reason for wanting to get back into it though- I borrowed my sis's copy of 'Run Fat Boy Run' at the weekend, hoping it would be inspirational. And it was (as well as being funny and feelgood!) so inspirational in fact that as soon as I finished watching it I went and signed up for the Robin Hood Marathon!!!
It was absolutely fine afterwards, and is still fine today- so hopefully that's on the way to being sorted.
However, I now have another wee problem... I stupidly tried an exercise at the gym I hadn't really done before- kneeling on the bench, holding a weight and pulling my arm up behind me in a kind of tricept row- to try to blast those bingo wings once and for all!
As I lifted, I could feel a movement in the muscles under the skin- but no pain, no discomfort, nothing. Until 4 o'clock this morning that is. I woke with a really sharp pain in my left side, which just got worse and worse no matter how I tried to lay. In fact, I convinced myself I was actually having a heart attack and tried to feel my pulse! Then I realised that when I lifted my arm I could feel the muscles pull, so I have obviously strained something. Trouble is, with it being right over the rib cage, every time I breathe it bloody hurts- but I can hardly stop breathing! it was agony trying to wash, dress and drive to work, but I've more or less kept it at bay with painkillers. Don't know how much sleep I'll get tonight though.
Shit. I just want to get back into it as I have been eating loads of crap and feel fat... several folks on the forum have had niggles- maybe we just took a lot more out of our bodies than we realised!
I have another reason for wanting to get back into it though- I borrowed my sis's copy of 'Run Fat Boy Run' at the weekend, hoping it would be inspirational. And it was (as well as being funny and feelgood!) so inspirational in fact that as soon as I finished watching it I went and signed up for the Robin Hood Marathon!!!
Labels: Injury, Robin Hood Marathon
