After a week of being able to run (only when interspersed with walking though) I've found that progress is still exceptionally slow. So much so that I've been told by the medical guys to stop for a fortnight so they can do some more tests to find out why I'm taking an unfathomably long time to recover from a badly sprained ankle. [eleven weeks and counting]
The theory is that I have some kind of illness or condition which is effecting things. Something like calcium deficiency or not being able to fully utilise proteins.
Or maybe something more serious and sinister. Much blood and urine has been taken away for analysis, different parts of my body have had x-rays and CT scans taken of them and all the results should be back next week.
In the meantime there is no way I'll be anywhere near fit enough for the World 24 hr Championships next May so I've reluctantly sent an email to the team management letting them know that I don't wish to be considered.
A sad but necessary decision. I'll just have to run well in the second half of 2013 to get back into the team :)
Sunday, 25 November 2012
Sunday, 18 November 2012
the ultra runner's forest
Many thanks to all who took the time to comment on my recent post, or leave a comment on Facebook. Reading them all lifted my mood immeasurably.
Friday's 'run' went well with an overall score of 80 % (zero is unable to run and 100 % is totally pain free).
I was pleasantly surprised with that so I decided to have another go this morning and on this occasion I scored 88.6 %. The next big test will be tomorrow morning ... and the day after when I 'run' on consecutive days.
I realise there's still a long way to go but ...
After ten weeks I've finally entered the forest. The journey through the forest should take about five weeks and I know it may be difficult at times. If, at any time, the journey becomes too dangerous I'll send for a helicopter to airlift me out of this place. Better to quit early and try again later than not quit and being stuck in the forest for an awful long time.
Friday's 'run' went well with an overall score of 80 % (zero is unable to run and 100 % is totally pain free).
I was pleasantly surprised with that so I decided to have another go this morning and on this occasion I scored 88.6 %. The next big test will be tomorrow morning ... and the day after when I 'run' on consecutive days.
I realise there's still a long way to go but ...
After ten weeks I've finally entered the forest. The journey through the forest should take about five weeks and I know it may be difficult at times. If, at any time, the journey becomes too dangerous I'll send for a helicopter to airlift me out of this place. Better to quit early and try again later than not quit and being stuck in the forest for an awful long time.
Wednesday, 14 November 2012
a difficult one to write
OK here goes ...
this isn't going to be easy but ...
On Wednesday 23 October (seems such a long time ago now) I saw the specialists in Leeds and had lots of tests, etc and then came the results. Basically the original sprains were much worse than previously thought and included damage to ligaments, tendons and bones. Ouch.
Basically there is no way I should have gone to Northern Ireland with Keir and Fay one week after the injury. I should have been in hospital (or at home) recovering from surgery apparently.
The scans and x-rays showed that healing was taking place without surgery but it was likely to be a long process.
On Friday 2 November I ventured outside. Feeling good I alternated 5 minutes walking with 5 minutes running for about 3.5 miles (5.6 km). Much better than when I last tried that two weeks earlier - a definite and marked improvement. All is not lost I thought.
A couple of days ago I saw the medical men again and had more tests so they can assess how quickly healing is taking place (or not) and I've been told to repeat my last 'run' on Friday this week, using how my ankle felt on 2 November as a benchmark. I then have to email the doc on Saturday with full details of how it went.
I have been warned though, that I may never return to competitive running.
There's something to think about. And I have. Lots.
Takes me back to 1994 and an clinic appointment in Bradford a year or two after having half my right lung removed. The conversation went something like this:
new student doctor: "I understand you were a runner before you had cancer Mr Carver, what distances and pbs ?"
me: "lots of running for my school and road races since then. 10k pb of 34:21 with about 90 miles (145 km) per week training."
student doctor: "hmm ... I don't think you'll be running quite that much in future."
me: "don't be silly. If physically can run, I will run. I may not run 10k in 35 minutes ever again but there's no doubt at all I'll still be running."
Within three years of that conversation I was running 100 miles (161 km) per week and had new pbs for 5k, 5 miles and half marathon. I later set a new personal best at 10 miles and ran 10k in less than 35 minutes two further times.
The point is ... I will be back out there. HAVE NO DOUBT. Hopefully in 2013 but we'll have to wait and see.
Apologies for this post being a bit random and haphazard - that's how my running thoughts are at the moment. See you all at my next ultra.
this isn't going to be easy but ...
On Wednesday 23 October (seems such a long time ago now) I saw the specialists in Leeds and had lots of tests, etc and then came the results. Basically the original sprains were much worse than previously thought and included damage to ligaments, tendons and bones. Ouch.
Basically there is no way I should have gone to Northern Ireland with Keir and Fay one week after the injury. I should have been in hospital (or at home) recovering from surgery apparently.
The scans and x-rays showed that healing was taking place without surgery but it was likely to be a long process.
On Friday 2 November I ventured outside. Feeling good I alternated 5 minutes walking with 5 minutes running for about 3.5 miles (5.6 km). Much better than when I last tried that two weeks earlier - a definite and marked improvement. All is not lost I thought.
A couple of days ago I saw the medical men again and had more tests so they can assess how quickly healing is taking place (or not) and I've been told to repeat my last 'run' on Friday this week, using how my ankle felt on 2 November as a benchmark. I then have to email the doc on Saturday with full details of how it went.
I have been warned though, that I may never return to competitive running.
There's something to think about. And I have. Lots.
Takes me back to 1994 and an clinic appointment in Bradford a year or two after having half my right lung removed. The conversation went something like this:
new student doctor: "I understand you were a runner before you had cancer Mr Carver, what distances and pbs ?"
me: "lots of running for my school and road races since then. 10k pb of 34:21 with about 90 miles (145 km) per week training."
student doctor: "hmm ... I don't think you'll be running quite that much in future."
me: "don't be silly. If physically can run, I will run. I may not run 10k in 35 minutes ever again but there's no doubt at all I'll still be running."
Within three years of that conversation I was running 100 miles (161 km) per week and had new pbs for 5k, 5 miles and half marathon. I later set a new personal best at 10 miles and ran 10k in less than 35 minutes two further times.
The point is ... I will be back out there. HAVE NO DOUBT. Hopefully in 2013 but we'll have to wait and see.
Apologies for this post being a bit random and haphazard - that's how my running thoughts are at the moment. See you all at my next ultra.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)