MRI Results

Today was "D Day" - time to visit the consultant to hear what his evaluation of my MRI scan was.  3 months ago I pulled my hamstring in the last 20 metres of a 53 mile ultra.  I took advice from my physio and have taken it easy using the bike and swimming to keep a reasonable level of fitness but I've always been aware my hamstring wasn't getting better.  There was still swelling behind and at the side of the knee and even walking up stairs I could feel it was far from right.  My concern was that I want to enter the Ocean Floor desert race in Egypt in March and have been accepted but I didn't wanted to pay the deposit until I had a positive verdict.  After all it's not an easy training schedule to get ready for 160 miles in 4 days across a desert.  I also want to enter other challenging races in the same season as I have been extremely frustrated missing out this summer.
The consultant gave me good news and disappointing news.  I've torn my hamstring and may be out for another 2-3 months depending on how I behave myself. No running. No cycling.  And swimming as long as I don't use my legs (no difficulty there then!). Back to some regular yoga and plenty of physio.
The good news, no surgery, no injections and I still have a running "career" as long as I sort it properly. So I now need to find a replacement runner for the 50 mile relay event in August, am unlikely to be ready for the 16 mile race in November and there's an outside chance I can take place in the 10k in November.  But I think my chances of completing a heavy training schedule to race in the desert in March is doubtful.  But it is still my goal and yoga is most likely what will get me there but I'm not going to endanger my long term goals by pushing the hamstring too hard.
Ironically swimming will be my main fitness focus but that makes me more determined to be fit enough for my 10km swim in 6 weeks time.  I am no where near being ready for the distance, I'm up to 2km, and it will be a real challenge.  But now my running and cycling is out, it has made me want to take this challenge on more as there is nothing else I can do (except for the yoga).
I'm fortunate that my hamstring isn't requiring surgery or that I'm being told I won't run again.  That would have been devastating as I have so many races I want to complete in the next ten years.  It also will make me "get my finger" out for the swimming.  I'm looking forward to acquiring a "swimmers shape" due to the amount of training I'll be doing.
But enough about me.  I can't leave without mentioning my 9 ATHelite Triathlon Club pals who all successfully completed the ironman distance Outlaw event at the weekend.  A mixture of ages, sizes and ability took on the toughest of challenges (2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike and 26.2 mile run). I followed their progress during the day and they all had to dig deep.  I will use their performance as my inspiration in the coming weeks.  Well done guys.

Past one hurdle

Today I got my MRI scan.  Bloody noisy and scary that machine was.  Fortunately my whole body wasn't in the tube as it might have been a different experience if it had.  I meet the consultant a week tomorrow so I'll know about my future running "career" then. Fingers crossed.
I then went to the chiropractor.  Considering on Friday I couldn't move my neck, today full movement was restored.  I've been recommended to leave swimming for another couple of days but can start running, assuming my hamstring is ok, tomorrow so I've set my alarm for 5.30am.  I can't wait. So lets see how the running goes over the next week and then what the consultant thinks. 
On Friday I am going open water swimming.  I've got 7 weeks to get from 2k in the pool to 10k in a river - now there's a challenge!  It's not an ideal training schedule but I am determined to do it.  It's unbelievable to have my neck sorted. I feel normal and am going to appreciate every step of my run in the morning.

Another set back

Can't believe it. 3 days ago I woke up with a sore neck. The type you get when you have slept in the wrong position. I headed out for a run and completed my first 10km road run in 3 months. My neck didn't hurt but with hindsight it might not have been the smartes move as the pressure may have aggravated it.  My hamstring felt tight but the side of my calf felt worse. Especially on the uphills. Downhills were fine and by the end of a slow, 55 mins, 10 km I felt great.  It's good to be back, I thought.
I headed into work but as the day went on I was getting twinges, muscle spasms, in my neck and my movement became restricted - bit of a nervous car journey back home. I then had a horrendous nights sleep. I tried sleeping on my back to keep my head steady but the slightest movement was agony, instantly waking me up.  I knew I needed help and at 4am would have text my chiropractor Gill Dingwall (chiro+ in Kirkintilloch and the best in the business with her husband Ian) if I could have reached my phone beside my bed. I thought she might be able to see me 1st thing.  I met her at lunchtime and without laying a hand on my she could diagnose my problem.  In lay mans terms an acute cricked neck and I was walking like Frankenstien!
So no training for a week and I am having to sit supporting my neck on the couch watching the golf and cycling! Bored ridged and so frustrated as I need to get back in the pool to be ready for my 10 km swim in September.  I am now behind with my training so will see what shape I can get into in the next 6 weeks. Being realistic the swim event is in doubt but I am determined to get there and complete it.  It's my "A race" for the season.
MRI scan on Tuesday on the hamstring and probably see the consultant within a week.  My training is obviously set back but I have to let my injuries recover and then be sensible when I start back. It's frustrating but like yesterday's run, I am so looking forward to getting back out while it's still summer. I've missed 3 months of the best weather this year which is the same as last year as I was recovering from MdS.  Hopefully taking the enforced rest will help me when I eventually get back to full fitness.

holiday over - let the hard work start

Everyone needs a holiday.  A time to relax, catch up with the family and change the routine.  For the second year in a row we went on a cruise - 12 days of luxury.  I was amazed how tired I was and for the first five days was taking regular naps in the afternoon.  However I did get up at 7am and go running on a treadmill in the gym for 9 days - not something I'd normally do.  The hamstring responded well and I felt it got stronger although was well aware of it's limits.  I set myself targets on speed and distance and increased them every day.  However after my run I did some light weights and it's obvious the hamstring still has some way to go before I can put too much pressure on it.
Despite the exercise I put on half a stone!  The food is just so good and the cocktails I think contained a few calories as well!  It just shows what can happen when you relax and stop your training regime.  Looking round the ship you can see what lies ahead of you if you don't stay disciplined from a diet and fitness point of view.  It's not pretty and doesn't look healthy so if I needed any motivation to get back to proper training then that was it.
MRI scan on Tuesday then probably a week before I see the consultant but in the meantime back to some serious swimming, light running and cycling.  I will also be building up my yoga as that is definitely the way to reduce my chance of another injury.  Despite the drop in temperature and the rain, it's good to be back!

MRI Scan

Went to see the specialist and no surprise, he wants an MRI scan of my hamstring.  It will be in 3 weeks time so I will continue with my swimming, cycling, yoga and gym work while keeping the pressure off the hamstring.
He explained that hamstring injuries can rule you out for a year but I'm hoping that as I am mobile on it and it's just some swelling and lack of side ways stability, it should be OK in another month or so?
Anyway time for a wee break from the blog as the training reports are boring me never mind you.
I did read a fantastic and inspirational Ironman Nice report from my fellow athlete David Arthur.
There was a 2,700 swim start involving a large punch up, the bike course which is very technical and had thunder and lightening to contend with at the end.  He came off his bike just before transition and had a suspected broken arm but rather than go to the medical tent he did a PB on his marathon.  Now that is the type of attitude you need to be an Ironman.  Don't stories like that just make you want to get out there and do it?  Hamstring allowing of course.  Well done David Arthur.  A great example of what it takes to be an Ironman!