It's a question that goes through my mind on a regular basis. Often when chatting to friends, I mention the fact that I AM a runner, and then take a step-back, and say, "well, I used to be"... Have I finally thrown in the towel and accepted the fact that with the serious back injury, bouts of gout, and general old age creeping up on me, I really am an ex runner, who occasionally, very occasionally this year so far, laces up his shoes and goes for a run.
This thought was going through my head this week. Last Sunday I sat and watched the London Marathon, and today was Boston. I can look back and say I ran London in 1989 and 1998, and Boston in 2001, with pride. But, could I ever run either, or any other 26 miler, again?
It's 2014 now... It's been 6 years since I ran the distance, and to be honest, its 13 years since I last ran a decent Marathon, in Nottingham, England in September of that year. Sure in 2006 I got myself reasonable fit, and was OK with my runs in Connemara and in Prague, but my best days are well behind me. I have always accepted that once I hit "Middle Age", I would never rekindle the flames that took me to sub 60 minute 10 milers, and sub 40 10K's, and even the 3:30 Marathons, but I always felt that if I could get an injury free year, I could get myself back to running mid 40's for 10Km. Reality is, I haven't run sub 45 minutes for 10Km since 2001, and it's 2005 since I even bettered 23 minutes for 5Km - Who am I kidding?
Then, I read that an old friend of mine, Henry Wolstat, celebrated his 80th birthday this past week. What did he do for his birthday, he ran.... Henry isn't running for time, he runs because he still enjoys it. The buzz that goes with the breeze on your face. The satisfaction of completing a run along a favourite path. The pleasure that all runners know, the runners high, we get from simply being out there.
I want to be able to go for a run on my 80th birthday too! I want to be able to run on my 60th Birthday, and that's getting closer. My mind still thinks I am in my 30's, my body knows the difference. Now I have to make my mind win over my body.
Saturday I went to the gym. I haven't run for 6 weeks, but I managed 3Km on the treadmill. Even though the weather has turned spring-like, if not warmed up yet, I feel conspicuous running so slowly on the open road, especially locally where so many fine runners are out training on my local pathways. BUT, I did run - It was slow, the slowest I have ever run 3Km on a treadmill ever - 18 minutes (Yes, I am sad, I have recorded every training run since 1998), 6 minutes per kilometre. But I wasn't running for time, I was running to see if I still could enjoy it - I did... My thoughts were of Henry enjoying his run along the Charles River, the thousands who ran in London last weekend, and the thousands more who would be running from Hopkinton to Copley Square this Monday... I want to enjoy that feeling again - I want to enjoy the wind on my face - I want to celebrate the fact that on my 80th birthday I can look back and say "I still AM a runner" -
I've said it before, but I need to repeat it to myself - The ten two letter words that I used to have posted on my fridge, and on my desk at work - "If It Is To Be, It Is Up To Me" - It will take time, it will take some work, but at the end of the day, it will be worthwhile, and most importantly, it will be enjoyable.....
Monday, April 21, 2014
Monday, September 09, 2013
Two races in a week - What is happening?
After such a long enforced lay off, it is so good to be running again, albeit slowly and steadily. With the Parkrun weekly runs, it gives me a great incentive and motivation to work at building myself back up. After last weeks debut, I continued to train on alternate days, as I don't want to overcook anything, and cause myself further injury.Monday and Wednesday saw me running again on the treadmill, with steady runs of 3 and 4 Km, pacing myself at 5.34 and 5.38 respectively, as I try and increase my speed a little.
Friday saw me walking a 5 Km stroll, as I didn't want to run again, as the plan was to do the Parkrun in Lisburn again on Saturday morning.
Saturday morning came, along with the rain. Now, I've never been a fair weather runner, to be honest, you can't be when you have lived in Ireland for so long, but as I am training on the treadmill at the moment, rain was not a welcome sight. Added to that the fact that I wear glasses, purely so I can see where I am going, and it did not bode well. However, I must have got the bug back, because I didn't let the rain stop me, and off I went to Lisburn, suitably attired for the wet conditions.
Needless to say there were less runners present than last week, and I do confess my back was a tad stiff as I limbered up before the off. Wearing a long sleeve shirt, with a running top over that, adding in a rain jacket and a cap - I was weightier than last weeks fine conditions had seen me, but I was determined to improve on that showing. I took it easy on the short lap, knowing what to expect this week with the hill as we started the first of the three longer laps, and just at the bottom of the first hill, my shoe lace decided it needed retying, so I had to bend down and stop it flapping away. Not a lot to report really about the race, except that I still needed to take short walk breaks, which is a worry at only 5 Km, hence the need to work on my stamina as I progress.
I was checking the watch, and was hopeful I might break the 30 minute barrier this week, and as we approached the final turn for the run into the finish, I picked up the pace, along with Catherine Devlin, who I was now running alongside. She kicked a little, I did too, and tried to pull away, but to no avail, and as we closed towards the line, I had to let her go as I couldn't live with her kick, and she crossed the line a few seconds ahead of me, with ,y time just outside the target, in 30:01. Catherine set a new PR in 29:58, and we briefly congratulated each other, and as she said, it's great to have someone to kick with to push you over the last few strides - I'll get her next time!
What can I take from this race. Well, a 39 second improvement, while wearing wet weather gear must bode well for a sub 30 next time out. I certainly need to work on the stamina, as I am still struggling to run 5 Km outside in one go, but I am heading in the right direction - Onwards and Upwards....
PS - The picture isn't from Saturday, just a reminder that I could run a while back too....
Friday saw me walking a 5 Km stroll, as I didn't want to run again, as the plan was to do the Parkrun in Lisburn again on Saturday morning.
Saturday morning came, along with the rain. Now, I've never been a fair weather runner, to be honest, you can't be when you have lived in Ireland for so long, but as I am training on the treadmill at the moment, rain was not a welcome sight. Added to that the fact that I wear glasses, purely so I can see where I am going, and it did not bode well. However, I must have got the bug back, because I didn't let the rain stop me, and off I went to Lisburn, suitably attired for the wet conditions.
Needless to say there were less runners present than last week, and I do confess my back was a tad stiff as I limbered up before the off. Wearing a long sleeve shirt, with a running top over that, adding in a rain jacket and a cap - I was weightier than last weeks fine conditions had seen me, but I was determined to improve on that showing. I took it easy on the short lap, knowing what to expect this week with the hill as we started the first of the three longer laps, and just at the bottom of the first hill, my shoe lace decided it needed retying, so I had to bend down and stop it flapping away. Not a lot to report really about the race, except that I still needed to take short walk breaks, which is a worry at only 5 Km, hence the need to work on my stamina as I progress.
I was checking the watch, and was hopeful I might break the 30 minute barrier this week, and as we approached the final turn for the run into the finish, I picked up the pace, along with Catherine Devlin, who I was now running alongside. She kicked a little, I did too, and tried to pull away, but to no avail, and as we closed towards the line, I had to let her go as I couldn't live with her kick, and she crossed the line a few seconds ahead of me, with ,y time just outside the target, in 30:01. Catherine set a new PR in 29:58, and we briefly congratulated each other, and as she said, it's great to have someone to kick with to push you over the last few strides - I'll get her next time!
What can I take from this race. Well, a 39 second improvement, while wearing wet weather gear must bode well for a sub 30 next time out. I certainly need to work on the stamina, as I am still struggling to run 5 Km outside in one go, but I am heading in the right direction - Onwards and Upwards....
PS - The picture isn't from Saturday, just a reminder that I could run a while back too....
Saturday, August 31, 2013
566 Days Later!
Finally, after 566 days, I ran a race.
Back in February 2012 when I managed to "do my back in", and in the following months, there were many occasions when I feared this day may never come around. It's been a long road to here, and there is still a long way to go, I am far from being race fit, but the great news is I am back running again, and able to take part again.
In July I started to run again, and gradually over the past 6 weeks I have been increasing the distance from the 4 minutes of pain reported before, to completing a 5 Km race this morning. There have been a few false starts, with a slight breathing problem at first, resulting in a visit to the doctor, thankfully nothing wrong really, maybe a touch of hay fever asthma, but Banbridge Leisure Centre Treadmill has been getting a pounding as I gradually increased the distance and pace, from 2 Km up to 5 Km, and I felt I was ready to take on the challenge of an actual race,
This morning I got up early, checked out my running gear, and went to get the 8:20 bus to Lisburn, and Wallace Park, the venue for Wallace Parkrun, a 5Km timed event. For those unfamiliar with the Parkrun concept, they are a series of 5 Km races, all over the UK, and now spreading around the world, on Saturday mornings, and the best thing, they are FREE to enter. Obviously they are low key, staffed by volunteers, but they provide a full results service, and the stats on the web site are brilliant.
I arrived at the venue a little after 9, with the start due at 9:30. Friendly fellow runners and volunteers were gathering, and at 9:30 we started on the run. This week there were 110 entrants, all with our downloaded bar code, and off we set on a sunny, if a little breezy, morning. The course consists of one short lap, followed by 3 long laps, around the park, all on tarmac paths. The long laps include a really lovely hill right at the start, going up, then along to the duck pond, before descending sharply, just so you get no benefit of a downhill section to offset the uphill. Naturally I started off way too fast for my level of "unfitness", and by the time I had climbed the hill on the first of the long laps I was feeling it in my breathing. I make no apology for taking a walk break here, and subsequently on each of the long laps, I know it seems like a crime to walk on a 5 K race, but given where I've been, I had no qualms about them.
There wasn't really a lot to report. My only target today was to get round. I had hoped to break 30 minutes, as I had gone under 29 minutes for 5 K on the treadmill on Wednesday, but I hadn't accounted for the hills, and I was a little off target. I finished in 30:40, ending up 71st out of the 110 starters, and 3rd in my age group, with an age grading of 50.11%, a personal all time worst, which at the same time is a PB for my M55 Age Group, which I entered earlier this year. The best thing of all was that I got around without any problems from my back. Even now while I write this a few hours later, the back is feeling great, even if the legs feel a little sore - it was their first bit of hard work in 18 months!
Given where I was, I am delighted to be able to be writing this. Last year, there were many times I felt I would never be able to walk again, never mind run and take part in a race. All being well my progress can continue, and I can build from here. I am obviously a long way from being really fit, but thanks to Parkrun motivating me to set a target, I can only improve from here. It's like being a new runner all over again - Thanks to everyone who has encouraged me in the long road back, kept me incentivised and motivated, I couldn't have done it without you.... Now, that 30 minute target - When's the next try?
Back in February 2012 when I managed to "do my back in", and in the following months, there were many occasions when I feared this day may never come around. It's been a long road to here, and there is still a long way to go, I am far from being race fit, but the great news is I am back running again, and able to take part again.
In July I started to run again, and gradually over the past 6 weeks I have been increasing the distance from the 4 minutes of pain reported before, to completing a 5 Km race this morning. There have been a few false starts, with a slight breathing problem at first, resulting in a visit to the doctor, thankfully nothing wrong really, maybe a touch of hay fever asthma, but Banbridge Leisure Centre Treadmill has been getting a pounding as I gradually increased the distance and pace, from 2 Km up to 5 Km, and I felt I was ready to take on the challenge of an actual race,
This morning I got up early, checked out my running gear, and went to get the 8:20 bus to Lisburn, and Wallace Park, the venue for Wallace Parkrun, a 5Km timed event. For those unfamiliar with the Parkrun concept, they are a series of 5 Km races, all over the UK, and now spreading around the world, on Saturday mornings, and the best thing, they are FREE to enter. Obviously they are low key, staffed by volunteers, but they provide a full results service, and the stats on the web site are brilliant.
I arrived at the venue a little after 9, with the start due at 9:30. Friendly fellow runners and volunteers were gathering, and at 9:30 we started on the run. This week there were 110 entrants, all with our downloaded bar code, and off we set on a sunny, if a little breezy, morning. The course consists of one short lap, followed by 3 long laps, around the park, all on tarmac paths. The long laps include a really lovely hill right at the start, going up, then along to the duck pond, before descending sharply, just so you get no benefit of a downhill section to offset the uphill. Naturally I started off way too fast for my level of "unfitness", and by the time I had climbed the hill on the first of the long laps I was feeling it in my breathing. I make no apology for taking a walk break here, and subsequently on each of the long laps, I know it seems like a crime to walk on a 5 K race, but given where I've been, I had no qualms about them.
There wasn't really a lot to report. My only target today was to get round. I had hoped to break 30 minutes, as I had gone under 29 minutes for 5 K on the treadmill on Wednesday, but I hadn't accounted for the hills, and I was a little off target. I finished in 30:40, ending up 71st out of the 110 starters, and 3rd in my age group, with an age grading of 50.11%, a personal all time worst, which at the same time is a PB for my M55 Age Group, which I entered earlier this year. The best thing of all was that I got around without any problems from my back. Even now while I write this a few hours later, the back is feeling great, even if the legs feel a little sore - it was their first bit of hard work in 18 months!
Given where I was, I am delighted to be able to be writing this. Last year, there were many times I felt I would never be able to walk again, never mind run and take part in a race. All being well my progress can continue, and I can build from here. I am obviously a long way from being really fit, but thanks to Parkrun motivating me to set a target, I can only improve from here. It's like being a new runner all over again - Thanks to everyone who has encouraged me in the long road back, kept me incentivised and motivated, I couldn't have done it without you.... Now, that 30 minute target - When's the next try?
Monday, June 10, 2013
Baby Steps
It seems like years ago that I used to run, and maybe even longer to when I used to update my blog about my running. Well, as you can see below, running has not been on the agenda for the last 16 months, but I finally feel that my back is strong enough to take those first real baby steps back to running. I tried a few times in recent months to jog a little, but each time I could feel the back telling me I shouldn't be doing this, so I eased back, and left it alone. No point in damaging myself further, lets be honest, I ain't getting any younger.
I'm back in Ireland now, after my 3 1/2 years in Argentina, and while the weather isn't better, being back in Banbridge does give me a familiarity with old routes, and as I'm not quite back to work yet, I have time on my hands. After a weekend over in Devon visiting friends from BA, Monday morning saw the sun out, and my runners getting dusted off. Now, when I say I went for a run, it was more of a slow raising of the legs slightly beyond a walk, but I'll claim it. Obviously my muscle fitness in the old legs is weak, but the cardio fitness is even worse. I'll confess, the little I did hurt, but, thankfully, not in the back. I only ran for four minutes in total, two minutes out, a rest period, and two minutes back - My chest was killing me, breathing was tough, and the cardio fitness non-existent.
The great news is I was able to do it at all. It will be a long haul to get back towards a level where I can be comfortable running any distance, but that is to be expected. These were baby steps, and will be repeated in a gradual progression. After 16 months out, I can look ahead with hope, along with trepidation, but at least I can look forward.
I'm back in Ireland now, after my 3 1/2 years in Argentina, and while the weather isn't better, being back in Banbridge does give me a familiarity with old routes, and as I'm not quite back to work yet, I have time on my hands. After a weekend over in Devon visiting friends from BA, Monday morning saw the sun out, and my runners getting dusted off. Now, when I say I went for a run, it was more of a slow raising of the legs slightly beyond a walk, but I'll claim it. Obviously my muscle fitness in the old legs is weak, but the cardio fitness is even worse. I'll confess, the little I did hurt, but, thankfully, not in the back. I only ran for four minutes in total, two minutes out, a rest period, and two minutes back - My chest was killing me, breathing was tough, and the cardio fitness non-existent.
The great news is I was able to do it at all. It will be a long haul to get back towards a level where I can be comfortable running any distance, but that is to be expected. These were baby steps, and will be repeated in a gradual progression. After 16 months out, I can look ahead with hope, along with trepidation, but at least I can look forward.
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Happy Anniversary L5
One year ago today (Feb 13th), I woke at 5 in the morning in agony. I didn't know it then, but I had basically had the disc at L5 in my lower back, break in two. It took me half an hour to get downstairs, and more to get to the A&E at the local hospital. Four months of lying on my back 24/7, then a gradual recovery, aided by drugs (the prescription ones!), ozone injections, and physio, see me, 12 months later, still with some pain, and not nearly back to running, but able to be back to near normal in most ways.
Over the year I have a lot of people to thank, the ever patient Paula Zucherelli, my visitors in the dark early days, Melanie McGeever, John Boyle, Esteban Suppa, and my Frinking Besties, Joanne Hurley, Allison Keogh, Delfina Saravia, Gabriel Cerrudo, Marlo Perry, Marijke Catharina van Rijn, and everyone who sent messages of support. Let's hope the next 12 months is better, physically at least. Mentally, having the support of friends was the best medicine.
In fact, one of those friends is calling around in a little while to take me for a run. Obviously, it will be more of a walk, but I have promised myself I will run a little bit. More likely my cardio unfitness will be more of an issue than my back. I managed to get up and dance at a wedding on Sunday, albeit, no twisting or tango! Let's hope that after one year on the sideline I can finally start to put this back problem, well and truly behind me!
Over the year I have a lot of people to thank, the ever patient Paula Zucherelli, my visitors in the dark early days, Melanie McGeever, John Boyle, Esteban Suppa, and my Frinking Besties, Joanne Hurley, Allison Keogh, Delfina Saravia, Gabriel Cerrudo, Marlo Perry, Marijke Catharina van Rijn, and everyone who sent messages of support. Let's hope the next 12 months is better, physically at least. Mentally, having the support of friends was the best medicine.
In fact, one of those friends is calling around in a little while to take me for a run. Obviously, it will be more of a walk, but I have promised myself I will run a little bit. More likely my cardio unfitness will be more of an issue than my back. I managed to get up and dance at a wedding on Sunday, albeit, no twisting or tango! Let's hope that after one year on the sideline I can finally start to put this back problem, well and truly behind me!
Tuesday, January 08, 2013
New Year, and Guess what ?
I ran....
Well, it isn't true to say that I have started running again, but I actually have lifted my two feet of the ground at the same time, and feel like I have achieved my first goal of 2013 already, and it's only the 8th of January.
Let me explain. I signed up for my favourite Podcast, Marathon Talk's, Jantastic Motivational Programme. This is their way of helping those who are preparing for a spring marathon, or getting into, or back into,running. In January, you set a number of runs each week, and try and stay the course. In February, known as Febulous, you add your projected longest run each week, and in march you set your weekly goals.
I have set myself a target in January of 3 workouts per week. Yesterday, I went for the first of them. There is a plaza nearby which is approximately 1/3rd of a kilometre around, and I intended walking 12 laps, totalling up 4Km. I set off at a decent pace, and the first ten laps were a consistent 2:20 per lap. Feeling good, I thought I would try a light jog for 50 metres or so on Lap 11. The first few metres were easy, and I decided on a few more, and then the whole lap was a target....
My back felt OK, no pain, no jarring as I landed back on the floor as my feet reached at least 5 centimetres from the ground. The only difficulty I had was at the top of my stomach. My belly has expanded so much in recent months with no exercise, I think it has now reached my lungs, and clearly my cardio fitness levels are around zero! But I completed the lap in 1:40, which translates to around a 5 minute per Km pace.
The best thing, my back was not showing any signs of discomfort, it's only a little start, but as Chairman Mao once said, the journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step.
One thing I do need to work seriously at, is reducing my weight. I presently stand at 89 kilos, and want to get that down to 80Kgs by the time of the wedding in June (Liam Og's that is, don't panic!). It will be tough, but I want my lungs back, and my belly can go and visit someone else.....
It's a start.... Happy new year to both my readers!
Well, it isn't true to say that I have started running again, but I actually have lifted my two feet of the ground at the same time, and feel like I have achieved my first goal of 2013 already, and it's only the 8th of January.
Let me explain. I signed up for my favourite Podcast, Marathon Talk's, Jantastic Motivational Programme. This is their way of helping those who are preparing for a spring marathon, or getting into, or back into,running. In January, you set a number of runs each week, and try and stay the course. In February, known as Febulous, you add your projected longest run each week, and in march you set your weekly goals.
I have set myself a target in January of 3 workouts per week. Yesterday, I went for the first of them. There is a plaza nearby which is approximately 1/3rd of a kilometre around, and I intended walking 12 laps, totalling up 4Km. I set off at a decent pace, and the first ten laps were a consistent 2:20 per lap. Feeling good, I thought I would try a light jog for 50 metres or so on Lap 11. The first few metres were easy, and I decided on a few more, and then the whole lap was a target....
My back felt OK, no pain, no jarring as I landed back on the floor as my feet reached at least 5 centimetres from the ground. The only difficulty I had was at the top of my stomach. My belly has expanded so much in recent months with no exercise, I think it has now reached my lungs, and clearly my cardio fitness levels are around zero! But I completed the lap in 1:40, which translates to around a 5 minute per Km pace.
The best thing, my back was not showing any signs of discomfort, it's only a little start, but as Chairman Mao once said, the journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step.
One thing I do need to work seriously at, is reducing my weight. I presently stand at 89 kilos, and want to get that down to 80Kgs by the time of the wedding in June (Liam Og's that is, don't panic!). It will be tough, but I want my lungs back, and my belly can go and visit someone else.....
It's a start.... Happy new year to both my readers!
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Annual Review - This will be short!
As 2012 comes to a close, it's the time that I usually reflect on the past year, how my running has improved, or got worse, the ups and downs of another 12 months in this ageing runners life. Well, if I stuck to form, this would be a very short blog post, given running has not been at the Top of the Charts this year. Instead I will reflect on the year, and look forward to a much better year in 2013, at least as far as running goes.
The year started brightly, and with good intent. The first six weeks saw my weight dropping steadily, my mileage increasing, and things were looking promising for the Santiago Marathon in April. As the weight dropped, the speed was increasing too, and then February 13th arrived. I've written before about the pain, and what happened. The "why it happened" is still a mystery. According to the doctors, it has been an injury waiting to happen for years, and nothing triggered it specifically, and both my original doctor here, and the specialist, have advised that running was not the cause, and that I will be able to run again.
I "celebrated" my 54th birthday in March on my back. At that time I was still having Cortisone Injections every day, along with a cocktail of painkillers/anti-inflammatories, to keep me sane. Gradually, the sheer agony wore off, to be replaced by constant pain, and after Easter, MRI's, X-Rays, Kidney Scans, and various options being outlined to me, I finally started a course of treatment under Dr Calle, with Ozone Injections every two weeks to remedy the situation.
During this time under treatment, it was very difficult to sit on a chair for more than 10 minutes, or even to walk far. I am eternally grateful to Nurse Paula, who had to put up with me for far too long as the invalid patient, she has the patience of a saint, and needed to have with me. Also I was grateful for visits from my Frinking and hashing buddies, with at least two occasions when our Friday Night Frinking Parties arrived at my house, with bottles and food, to cheer me up.
Gradually, some aspects of life returned to a sort of reality, and I was able to start to get out a little. I managed to get to a few Hashes, albeit solely for the circle and a few beers, and Frinking was resumed in the bars of San Telmo, even if only for a couple of pints and home by ten! Over the winter months of July and August, I started to add a few teaching classes again, which when enjoined with the social activities, started to get my sanity back. It still hurt to sit down, but otherwise I managed to get out walking, although all the muscle strength had vanished from my legs. As an ex rugby player, and having ran for 20 years or more, I always prided myself in my leg strength, with well defined quads, even into my 50's, but now, they are more like matchsticks, and a lot of work will need to go into redeveloping these.
I last posted an update here in November, and it was then that I had the idea of entering the local Road Race here in Avellaneda. I had managed to complete the, free to enter, 8Km race in the previous two years, with friends, and as they had a 3Km fun run, Paula and I decided it would be a great mental stimulus to at least walk the 3Km. Which is almost what I did.... I couldn't resist the finish straight, and when I saw the Arch of the Finish Line Balloon, I had to try.... I jogged, in trepidation, the last 200m or so, crossing the line with a PW of 29:20 for 3Km. Paula was crying as I jogged on, but they were tears of joy and relief, as she confessed she had fears that I may never be able to walk again properly, let along jog, such was the pain I had been in earlier in the year.
After the race, I knew that I had to change physios, as my then locally based one was still treating me for the injury, rather than working on the muscles and helping the recovery process. I searched around for an English speaking physio with little success, until I found one on my doorstep. I had completely forgotten that one of the hashers was a Physio, and so I started to trek over to Belgrano, across the city, every week to Sandra Diaz, who has been a godsend, even when she has left me in agony having worked deep tissues. The improvement in flexibility in these last few weeks has been noticeable, and whilst the pain has not vanished, it is no longer agonising, far from it, and I can sit in a chair for a few hours now, without being a wreck afterwards.
As the year comes to a close, I can look forward with hope, that the doctors advice that I could be running again by March is likely to come to fruition. I have set a little target with one of my students, to run a lap (300m), of my local park by the end of January. When I say run, it will be on tiptoes, and very slow, but the process of rebuilding will take time, but all being well, I will be on target to run a little more as the months progress. I may never be fast again, but I will run again.
On a personal level away from the back and trying to run, although as this is supposed to be my running blog, that's what I talk about here, I am awaiting the call to return home to Ireland in the New Year. I am on two months notice of recall now, and even if nothing is heard from Dublin Castle, I will be heading home in May, after 3 1/2 years in Argentina, as Liam Og is getting married on June 1st, and I haven't seen my little grand-daughter Maisie since she was 2 days old in June of last year, so trips to Sheffield will be in order to see her and Melanie too.
So, this was my "short" review of the running year. Mind you, when have I ever been known for keeping anything short? Given only one 3Km "race" in the year, it's amazing how many words I can pack in. Lots to look forward to in the year to come, running, returning to Ireland, the wedding, and most of all, a return to good health. Hopefully, I may even be able to post updates here about running, rather than the ramblings of a grumpy old fella with a bad back.
My old mantra for marathons comes to mind as I recover, "If it is to be, It is up to me", so true.
See you in 2013.
The year started brightly, and with good intent. The first six weeks saw my weight dropping steadily, my mileage increasing, and things were looking promising for the Santiago Marathon in April. As the weight dropped, the speed was increasing too, and then February 13th arrived. I've written before about the pain, and what happened. The "why it happened" is still a mystery. According to the doctors, it has been an injury waiting to happen for years, and nothing triggered it specifically, and both my original doctor here, and the specialist, have advised that running was not the cause, and that I will be able to run again.
I "celebrated" my 54th birthday in March on my back. At that time I was still having Cortisone Injections every day, along with a cocktail of painkillers/anti-inflammatories, to keep me sane. Gradually, the sheer agony wore off, to be replaced by constant pain, and after Easter, MRI's, X-Rays, Kidney Scans, and various options being outlined to me, I finally started a course of treatment under Dr Calle, with Ozone Injections every two weeks to remedy the situation.
During this time under treatment, it was very difficult to sit on a chair for more than 10 minutes, or even to walk far. I am eternally grateful to Nurse Paula, who had to put up with me for far too long as the invalid patient, she has the patience of a saint, and needed to have with me. Also I was grateful for visits from my Frinking and hashing buddies, with at least two occasions when our Friday Night Frinking Parties arrived at my house, with bottles and food, to cheer me up.
Gradually, some aspects of life returned to a sort of reality, and I was able to start to get out a little. I managed to get to a few Hashes, albeit solely for the circle and a few beers, and Frinking was resumed in the bars of San Telmo, even if only for a couple of pints and home by ten! Over the winter months of July and August, I started to add a few teaching classes again, which when enjoined with the social activities, started to get my sanity back. It still hurt to sit down, but otherwise I managed to get out walking, although all the muscle strength had vanished from my legs. As an ex rugby player, and having ran for 20 years or more, I always prided myself in my leg strength, with well defined quads, even into my 50's, but now, they are more like matchsticks, and a lot of work will need to go into redeveloping these.
I last posted an update here in November, and it was then that I had the idea of entering the local Road Race here in Avellaneda. I had managed to complete the, free to enter, 8Km race in the previous two years, with friends, and as they had a 3Km fun run, Paula and I decided it would be a great mental stimulus to at least walk the 3Km. Which is almost what I did.... I couldn't resist the finish straight, and when I saw the Arch of the Finish Line Balloon, I had to try.... I jogged, in trepidation, the last 200m or so, crossing the line with a PW of 29:20 for 3Km. Paula was crying as I jogged on, but they were tears of joy and relief, as she confessed she had fears that I may never be able to walk again properly, let along jog, such was the pain I had been in earlier in the year.
After the race, I knew that I had to change physios, as my then locally based one was still treating me for the injury, rather than working on the muscles and helping the recovery process. I searched around for an English speaking physio with little success, until I found one on my doorstep. I had completely forgotten that one of the hashers was a Physio, and so I started to trek over to Belgrano, across the city, every week to Sandra Diaz, who has been a godsend, even when she has left me in agony having worked deep tissues. The improvement in flexibility in these last few weeks has been noticeable, and whilst the pain has not vanished, it is no longer agonising, far from it, and I can sit in a chair for a few hours now, without being a wreck afterwards.
As the year comes to a close, I can look forward with hope, that the doctors advice that I could be running again by March is likely to come to fruition. I have set a little target with one of my students, to run a lap (300m), of my local park by the end of January. When I say run, it will be on tiptoes, and very slow, but the process of rebuilding will take time, but all being well, I will be on target to run a little more as the months progress. I may never be fast again, but I will run again.
On a personal level away from the back and trying to run, although as this is supposed to be my running blog, that's what I talk about here, I am awaiting the call to return home to Ireland in the New Year. I am on two months notice of recall now, and even if nothing is heard from Dublin Castle, I will be heading home in May, after 3 1/2 years in Argentina, as Liam Og is getting married on June 1st, and I haven't seen my little grand-daughter Maisie since she was 2 days old in June of last year, so trips to Sheffield will be in order to see her and Melanie too.
So, this was my "short" review of the running year. Mind you, when have I ever been known for keeping anything short? Given only one 3Km "race" in the year, it's amazing how many words I can pack in. Lots to look forward to in the year to come, running, returning to Ireland, the wedding, and most of all, a return to good health. Hopefully, I may even be able to post updates here about running, rather than the ramblings of a grumpy old fella with a bad back.
My old mantra for marathons comes to mind as I recover, "If it is to be, It is up to me", so true.
See you in 2013.
Thursday, November 01, 2012
OMG - It's been a while...
What can I say. The blog title says it all, and I should be looking for a "meeting" - Runners Anonymous - "Hi, my name is Liam, and it has been 9 months since I last ran....."
Only difference is, I am desperate to run again. In general, my back has been improving over the winter months (remember I'm still in the Southern Hemisphere), and I have reduced the drugs to just two a day (from 9, and an injection every other day!). I have managed to resume a relatively normal life, some teaching, walking, even attending the Hash, although only in the last few have I walked the wimps trail. But I still have problems sitting down for any length of time, so when I'm at home, I spend most of the time lying flat on my back on my bed.
The injections have worked, up to a point, but, clearly, the problem hasn't gone away. Just today, heading out to teach a class, my back hurt, with the pain going into the right leg, via the siatic nerve. Two blocks out, and my leg gave way, dropping me to the floor - ouch! Thankfully, only my pride was hurt, thanks to my back pack, I'm far too young to be falling down in the middle of the day - maybe on a Friday night after a few, nut not today.
The doc says it will be at least March before I can contemplate running again, but on the plus side, I have entered a local 5Km race this Sunday, obviously I will be walking, so expect a PW. Paula is joining me for her first taste of the race atmosphere, which will be fun.
On another plus note, my son, also a Liam, ran his second marathon this week, in Dublin, beating his time from last year, with a time of 4:13:52, proud of him. Hopefully I'll recover to join him on the start line before my body breaks down completely. Finally, as a true son of Erin, here's a picture, on a good back day last month, meeting with the Irish President, here in Buenos Aires, not a bad day at all.
Only difference is, I am desperate to run again. In general, my back has been improving over the winter months (remember I'm still in the Southern Hemisphere), and I have reduced the drugs to just two a day (from 9, and an injection every other day!). I have managed to resume a relatively normal life, some teaching, walking, even attending the Hash, although only in the last few have I walked the wimps trail. But I still have problems sitting down for any length of time, so when I'm at home, I spend most of the time lying flat on my back on my bed.
The injections have worked, up to a point, but, clearly, the problem hasn't gone away. Just today, heading out to teach a class, my back hurt, with the pain going into the right leg, via the siatic nerve. Two blocks out, and my leg gave way, dropping me to the floor - ouch! Thankfully, only my pride was hurt, thanks to my back pack, I'm far too young to be falling down in the middle of the day - maybe on a Friday night after a few, nut not today.
The doc says it will be at least March before I can contemplate running again, but on the plus side, I have entered a local 5Km race this Sunday, obviously I will be walking, so expect a PW. Paula is joining me for her first taste of the race atmosphere, which will be fun.
On another plus note, my son, also a Liam, ran his second marathon this week, in Dublin, beating his time from last year, with a time of 4:13:52, proud of him. Hopefully I'll recover to join him on the start line before my body breaks down completely. Finally, as a true son of Erin, here's a picture, on a good back day last month, meeting with the Irish President, here in Buenos Aires, not a bad day at all.
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Back with an update on the Back!
Well, here we are at the end of July, and it's been a while since I updated anyone with news of my back problem. Suffice to say, one of the reasons that there has been little information has been the fact that there has been little to report. As you know, I started a course of treatment involving injections of ozone into my lower back, and this process takes time to have an effect. I'm sure nobody wanted to read my daily rants about nothing to report!
Well, here we are, and whilst I am, understandably frustrated at the length of time all is taking, I am pleased to report that there has been significant improvement, albeit there are some days when the forward steps seem to take a retreat. I can get up and about on my own, however I can't bend enough to put socks or shoes on, for example. With the drugs, I am able to get out to the shops and for a drink on a Friday night, but sitting down for any time is very uncomfortable, which is another reason why I can't post long details of anything.
The long term diagnosis is positive. I have also now started physiotherapy twice a week, which is helping to relax the muscles that have tightened to rock over the months. I am not going to set goals as to when I can get back to doing things that a normal person would do. I'm guessing that the earlier advice that it would be, at the earliest, next March when I could run again, is still the realistic time frame for that, but we will see.
I'll come back and post again soon, hopefully as things get even better. Here's a pic of me from Sunday, when we hosted the hash from the house - obviously I didn't take part in the running, but enjoyed the company of friends, which helps the healing process. It's been a tough few months, but we're getting there - Snail like at times, but whilst the light may seem a long way, I think I can see a flicker in this tunnel.
Well, here we are, and whilst I am, understandably frustrated at the length of time all is taking, I am pleased to report that there has been significant improvement, albeit there are some days when the forward steps seem to take a retreat. I can get up and about on my own, however I can't bend enough to put socks or shoes on, for example. With the drugs, I am able to get out to the shops and for a drink on a Friday night, but sitting down for any time is very uncomfortable, which is another reason why I can't post long details of anything.
The long term diagnosis is positive. I have also now started physiotherapy twice a week, which is helping to relax the muscles that have tightened to rock over the months. I am not going to set goals as to when I can get back to doing things that a normal person would do. I'm guessing that the earlier advice that it would be, at the earliest, next March when I could run again, is still the realistic time frame for that, but we will see.
I'll come back and post again soon, hopefully as things get even better. Here's a pic of me from Sunday, when we hosted the hash from the house - obviously I didn't take part in the running, but enjoyed the company of friends, which helps the healing process. It's been a tough few months, but we're getting there - Snail like at times, but whilst the light may seem a long way, I think I can see a flicker in this tunnel.
Monday, May 14, 2012
Back Update...3 Months and counting...
BACK UPDATE...May 14th - 13 WEEKS. Yes, incredibly it has now been 13 weeks, three months, since the L5 disc in my back decided to herniate. For some reason, unknown to man, I haven't quite cracked up, yet! There is progress, and I have now had three courses of ozone injections, with more to come. It's a slow improvement, but I can get up and about in the house, and have even ventured out to the kiosko. Blessed by my nurse, who really deserves sainthood for putting up with me, and my friends who have ventured over to visit, and others who call me regularly for updates and chat.
All being well, I aim to attend the Second Rio del Plata Hash this coming weekend, obviously not running, or even walking, but it will be great to get back into some form of normality. i attach a picture of the ozone treatment being injected into my lower back, so you can see how it works. It's been a long 3 months, it was summer when it happened, and now we have the heating on as winter draws near.... misses quite a bit of this year already, hopefully it won't be too much longer before I can get back to enjoying life again.
All being well, I aim to attend the Second Rio del Plata Hash this coming weekend, obviously not running, or even walking, but it will be great to get back into some form of normality. i attach a picture of the ozone treatment being injected into my lower back, so you can see how it works. It's been a long 3 months, it was summer when it happened, and now we have the heating on as winter draws near.... misses quite a bit of this year already, hopefully it won't be too much longer before I can get back to enjoying life again.
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