Wednesday 3 July 2013

Injury sucks but its part of the journey

Have not posted for a while but have been fairly busy. Currently injured and getting fat but am on the mend thanks to the coach! Diagonsis is build of of scar tissue in the glute. Strange thing is I was not even aware it had been injured till my back went into spasm and I could barely walk for a couple of weeks. Shows the importance of regular massage and maintainence work that I have neglected up till now.

Decided to leave the triathlons this season and do a proper mountain running race season. The target races were to be the British Championships, Snowdon and possibly Ben Nevis. I also had a long term goal in mind for next year, to represent Northern Ireland at mountain running.

I had a great start to the season and ended up getting picked for the Northern Ireland team for the Home Countries international race! Total surprise and a year earlier than I had thought possible but I had been training hard and racing well so I guess it was deserved. Goes to show if you put the effort in, throw your name in and have a go it can happen. It was a very proud moment for me and a fantastic day. The course was two laps of Latrigg then carried on to the top of Skiddaw. I gave my all on race day and was second counter for our four man team. Way off the front pace but not too far behind some fell running greats such as Lloyd Taggart and Joe Symonds. In hind sight should have probally gone out a bit faster at the start but thats easy to say.



                                      

A day after the race my glute felt tight so I went in for some treatment. It was the second race of the British Champs the week after at Yetholm so I was keen to try get it sorted. A couple of runs later I could barely walk and realised there may be a serious issue. Rested for three days, started at Yetholm but had to pull out half way. Two weeks later I still could not walk without pain. Bummer. No Snowdon or Blisco in the British Champs.

So a rethink and refocus is on the cards. I could still be fit for the Peris Horseshoe in mid September but we will see. Would also like to get back over to NI for a race or two. No point in rushing back though.

Celtman this weekend so best of luck to all competitors. The weather is looking hot, hot, hot so dont forget the suncream! Kind of wish I was there but maybe next year, with a much improved, potentially devastating run :)

Also heads up for Wasdale half ironman. Got asked to talk about the course for some videos being the first person to complete it. MovieIt have done a nice job, not sure about the ugly mug speaking though!