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| Dunaverty at it's finest on a Tuesday night (30mile cycle) |
Just as I thought my training for my first, and only, Ironman was going well - I get injured. Out of the blue and I can't really pin point what caused it or even what it is! I have a pain down my whole left side - neck, shoulder, hip, ITB, hamstring, calf and heel. It's predominantly sore at the hamstring/glutes and I finally had to give in after an 8 mile excruciatingly painful (and slow) run after the Strathaven Half Marathon and have a few rest days. Rest from running anyway much to my dislike! Most sensible people would just take the rest and move on but not me, I worry! I should've looked at it positively, the weather was perfect last week - bright blue skies and little wind. Therefore, I got out on my bike! I saw the beautiful Kintyre countryside and managed to rack up over 100 miles during the week as well as a few hours on the turbo/spin.
However, my head was in turmoil! I felt like I was going insane. Most people surely would just go "Hey, I'm sore, I'm going to take some rest". Not me. I fretted and worried and googled and worried even more. "What if I have to stop training?", "What if I've damaged my hip permanently?" and worse "What if I'll never run pain free again?" Thoughts of not even taking part in the Ironman were in my head and depressing me! The thought of people out running in the beautiful weather was making me really sad. So much so that my long-suffering husband took pity on me to go a few walks to try to keep me sane and active (no pain as I walk).
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| Perfect for my 1st OW swim of the year |
As well as upping my mileage in the pool I even got a wonderful open water swim at Machrihanish Pans Bay. I was staying in the Ugadale Cottages with some of my best friends and it was the perfect opportunity for a wee dip before a hot stones massage and a lovely meal at the Old Clubhouse (the enchiladas and the chocolate oreo brownie were delicious!) We had such a fantastic time together too - catching up with friends and drinking french martinis is what life is all about isn't it? Anyway, it certainly stopped me from thinking too much about my injury. The weather was simply too nice to stop me from running over the weekend (stupid maybe, I know) so I did a slow 15 miler with Jocelyn, Katie and Jennifer at Ballochair forestry and on Sunday a wee 3 miles beach trot in the morning before breakfast. Mentally, this gave me a huge boost. I felt happy that I could do it despite some pain and slowness. At least I could still run! But I wanted to get better. Hearing the news about my husband's fantastic performance at the Scottish XC Championship gave me a further boost but also made me jealous - I want to run!!
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| We enjoyed some pampering at the 'Girls Night In' at Ugadale |
If I couldn't run far at least I could cycle. So back on the bike on Sunday and managed my target of 50 miles in about 3 hours 45. Pretty slow but enjoyable and good craic with the others. But I'm a complete disaster as just on my final 100m to the house I couldn't get it into gear, chain came off and I fell to the side scraping my elbows, side and knees. Muppet! Blood all down me, I trudged home with my bike, limping with my sore leg. What a sight!! But I soon perked up - we were going to Muneroy for cake and a walk with family along Carskiey beach which was fabulous and they cheered me up no end.
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| Sunday cycles and chat |
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| Carskiey Beach for family walks |
I know I've got to be positive, goodness, there are a lot worse things going on in the world than having a sore leg! I know that but I find it hard. Training and running makes me happy. It releases stress and gives me the feel good factor I crave. It's my routine. I love the outdoors and I love running. And it makes me feel better if I allow myself an odd treat at Muneroy! Some of you might be able to understand but I realise that some of you think I'm just mental! Nevertheless, I'm hoping to get running again (pain free soon). I've taken a little rest. I've did some yoga. I've cross trained. I've had some sports massages, stretched, foam rolled and visited an Osteopath. So here's hoping that I'm on the mend. :-)
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| The treats at Muneroy are only small............ |
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