Just less than five weeks to go now!! I'm not feeling totally confident (it's still very daunting) but I am feeling quite contented. I've been putting in the miles. I've been testing things out. I've learnt so much. I'm nearly ready. Next weekend is the big one before I start tapering: three back to backs. 40:50:40 km each day over the bank holiday weekend. Living out of the bags in some dodgy B+Bs. Completing the Cleveland Way. I do have a very understanding and supportive wife don't I? Back to this weekend though. Where have I been? Maybe Scotland? Maybe Japan? Maybe New Zealand? Or maybe even to Cusco in Peru? No. Just Blighty. All in a day's work on the Nidderdale Way on a 26 miler across to Pateley Bridge. Just a reminder that you can donate to the charities I'm supporting, if you haven't already (and thanks to those who already have!) by clicking or copying the link below. https://www.justgiving.com/team/brucelepetitjog Also, on the ...
Trying to be patient is hard. I'm awaiting the MRI result on my knee which is improving, albeit slowly. I couldn't fully straighten it, so something is physically stopping it. When I was originally at the knee clinic it was 50/50 whether I'll need some keyhole surgery to tidy up the meniscus which is likely to have torn. The outcomes from physiotherapy alone are the same as arthroscopy if I can get my leg straight - which seems to be happening. Avoiding surgery and getting back to running will be like winning the national lottery.
Can I run soon? - who knows?
If I do need surgery, does it put my Petit Jog under threat? - who knows?
If I don't need surgery now, might I still need it later if it happens again? - who knows?
Uncertainty in my mind prevails - but there are things I am learning:
- If you do too much too soon it sets you back. It's a fine balance putting the right amount of stress on my knee without inflaming the meniscus more. I need to keep reminding myself that patience is key.
- Get to know good pain from bad pain. One thing my physio has reminded me of is how, as runners, we seek pain to improve. It's not that I like pain, just that I've come to accept pain as part of a training regime. However, not all pain is the same and when pain is from this inflammation, and not the lactic acid or muscle fatigue, listen to it: reduce the reps before starting to build up again, slowly
- Don't cross your legs when you have a knee injury. The mechanical forces are surprisingly strong, as is the urge
- Take a pen and paper to the physio. As GPs we are taught that only 40-80% of information given is retained by the patient from a consultation with a healthcare professional. When I'm the patient it's more like 20%.
- Keep talking to people who've trained for a big event. Everyone has setbacks and coming through them is the key. They always have top tips, keep me focused on the bigger picture and help me keep up some consistency with my training, which for now is my core, knee strength and aerobic fitness through static cycling.
I can't tell you how depressing it's been being couped up liked a caged cougar. I went for my first proper cycle ride in 5 weeks the other day around Fountains Abbey. Low resistance stuff, but brilliant to be out in the sunshine.
Fingers (but not legs) crossed that my national lottery win is just over the horizon.
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