Sunday 27 February 2011

Injury update 2

It's now about 4 weeks since I had that fall.  It has been a period of slow healing and frustration and rising stress levels.

Just to recap, I fell over while I was running and I landed by squashing the side of my hand under my chest causing it to curve inwards around the palm.  No broken bones thankfully but I reckon I've pulled the tendons / ligaments about.

Riding my new Thorn Audax Mk3 has been too painful and even running has been painful - yes, unlikely as it sounds, just the movement of my arm when I run hurts my hand.  I was starting to get concerned that the fitness levels I'd built up would just fade away.  Even going to the gym, DW Sports, seemed pointless.  Those stress levels that I have experienced over the years have started to rise and this has got me concerned.  The start of this keeping fit all started in 2008 when I was experiencing stress because of the complexity of work and moreover my capacity to handle it.

I was reflecting on those stress levels while sitting in Millbank Gardens in SW1 as I'd got to London with a little time to spare on Thursday.
Mulling it over in Millbank Gardens
So I decided two things.  Firstly this month of resting will have benefited me though I probably don't appreciate it fully right now.  Secondly, I'm going to give running a go this coming weekend.  If that goes all right, I'll have a gentle bike ride, maybe next weekend.  in the meantime, I'm off to see the Doctor on Wednesday about this.

Seeing the Doctor is relenting to those around me.  I'm not quite sure what to say and I'm certainly not sure what the Doctor will say to me.  My guess is that I should take it easy, rest it, don't do anything that will aggravate it.

So, how did the run go?  Pretty good really!  Sure my hand was hurting by the time I got home but it was worth it.  I did an old run, about 6.5 miles and involves a couple of testing hills - short but sharp.  For anyone seeing me, I would probably have looked a bit awkward, running in a tired, lumpy kind of way, certainly poor form.  I felt a bit tired for the rest of the day and to be honest, a little achy.  But!  But I'm feeling pleased!  I managed it.  I haven't gone back to square one with fitness, sure I've gone back a couple of steps but that can be regained.  The days are getting longer and hopefully warmer.  I feel determined not to let this hand business set me back too much.

I long for those days again when, after a really good run, I can feel unbeatable and on top of the world.  Stress?  I can handle this.  In fact, come to me with your problems, bring them on, we'll handle it.

Oh, one thing I have now realised, is that my Asics Gel 1150 running shoes are well and truly worn out.  I'll do a mini review soon, they've been pretty good though not quite as comfy as my Saucony Pro Grids.  I have my concerns about Asics following an article I read in the Ethical Consumer magazine a while back.
Worn heal following at least 800 miles

Asics Gel 1150 - around £70 from Arosport, Harpenden

2 comments:

  1. Hope the visit to the Doc went well. Maybe he was able to give you some reassuarance.

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  2. Ah the Doctor. Just rest your hand, take it easy, he said.

    I told him I had fallen while I was out running, he half smiled, as if to approve. I mentioned I've bought a new bike but he was not impressed, saying cycling is dangerous and besides, you need to cycle 3 times as much as running to get the same effect!

    I got reassurance about my hand but precious little encouragement!

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