Ages since my previous post, when I’m not running life isn’t
that interesting! Not all true, this enforced layoff has been positive but too
long. Unfortunately it’s going to continue for a lot longer. Last Friday I went
to get a scan on my Glutes, Bursa and Hamstring. This all being a new experience
for me, it was quite interesting. As exciting and interesting as it was, the
news was not so. The scan revealed a torn Gluteus Minimus. So around a month
after the Christchurch Marathon I now know what the problem is.
We have a starting point and this gives me a massive sense
of relief. It’s kind of like having some form of closure. There’s no more
looking back to see what I did or did not do, or even could have done. Now it’s
all forward. I’ve heard that I could be
looking at 3 months before I get back into regular mileage. However, I’m attempting
to keep my focus on a week to week basis and recently there have been positive
improvements in terms of soreness and flexibility. I have been stretching my
arse off! Small targets and gains are the focus.
I’ll let you into a couple of changes I’ve made due to this
injury and on some sound advice from Blair at Tower Junction Physio.
1)
Foam Roller: The first week was so awful (by
awful I mean painful). I put this down to my low pain tolerance levels (softer
than butter). Once that initial shock was over and the pins got accustomed to
the roller it really started to get the business done. Now I kind of enjoy the
routine I have going on.
2)
Consistent stretch routine: I love running,
straight up! Makes me a better person. Not being able to do it because of an
injury sucks! This year my stretching began really well and tailed off until
BANG! No more running! Lesson learnt, let’s hope so. I’m keeping this period of
time locked in my internal memory bank for that morning, afternoon or evening
when I’m rushed or lazy and can’t be bothered stretching. Over the past 2 weeks
I’ve really noticed a difference in my overall flexibility. Cheers stretching!
3)
Strengthening: Generally I’m quite diligent with
this area of my running. Twice a day after each run I pop in a quick 10 minute
routine. But I think it ran its course and a change was really needed. This has
been thrown in the washing machine for a tidy up!
Now I know what the problem is the specific stretching and
exercises are really attacking it. Before the scan I still had no idea what the
issue was so I was still doing particular exercises that were making matters
worse. But as I mentioned before that’s in the past now, I’m looking forward!
Next Friday we leave on the way to South Korea (via London
for catching up with friends and family and a bit of Olympic action) to start up another Island experience! There are some very
sweet races around Asia and I’m planning to be mixing it up as much as
possible. Due to the geography of our Island (very hilly terrain) I’m thinking of
refocusing on the longer distance races for the next two years. There are a
couple of running tracks close by but the idea of running around a track 4-5
times a week doesn’t appeal! I don’t think I’ll be racing before Christmas but
beyond this the possibilities seem ace! Mt Fuji Ultra, Lantau 50 in Hong Kong,
North Face 100, China and a multitude of other delights. Hard not to get a
little giddy with the opportunities! If I get through these two years then we’ll
see how they have gone and take it from there.
With this ‘idle’ time I’ve been getting through a couple of
good reads - Robbie McEwen’s book and Eddie Merckx. Top reads both of them,
even if you aren’t a fan of the spinning wheels. There’s enough that transcends
both sports to really keep you interested and it’s a fantastic insight to the
cycling world. Now I’m in the middle of Scott Jurek’s Eat and Run, very good
thus far!
Lastly I want to thank Adidas NZ for their amazing support
this year. I’ve been so lucky to be able to wear their top kit and it saddens
me to say that we have recently parted ways. As I’m leaving the country they
will continue to support local runners, which puts me out of their target. Top
people, top gear and good times!
Few snaps of recent trips away!
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| Morning routine now I'm not running |
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| Easiest session with views like this |
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Ollie loves his bedtime stories and Vo2 Max fix
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| Kiwi styles |
Heads up always!
