I'm not sure what to do about this confounded calf muscle that continues to ache and tighten every time I run. It's really cramping my style and making me run awkwardly. I tried three times to get in touch with Ian Sinicki, my capable Physio, to eventually learn he's on holiday in Thailand where, I've no doubt, he'll be learning new skills to add to his extensive list of treatments. I feel like a guinea pig in waiting.
In the meantime, to prevent the grass growing under my feet, I puffed and panted my way up Castle Hill today, keeping to paths where I'd be least likely to meet people. On good days I'll float effortlessly past neighbour's houses, wave jauntily at the same old dog walkers, local farmers and kite flyers, revelling in my fitness.
On bad days I'll purposely avoid everyone, sneaking out of the house when people have gone off in their cars and I think all is quiet. Instead of shorts I'll wear tracksters and take a bumbag containing a jacket which I can slip on to rapidly change into a walker rather than be seen as a hobbling runner. At the tender age of 79 I find it most embarrassing to be seen running like an old man! If I'm not fit I don't even want to talk about running.
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| ....oh, and there was this letter.......(click to enlarge) |
Maybe the sub editor of our esteemed local newspaper, the Huddersfield Examiner, caught me in a bad mood when he rang one evening to tell me that I'd been nominated for their annual 'Sports Personality of the Year' award and was invited, along with two friends, to be a guest at the presentation dinner being held at the Galpharm Stadium (home of Huddersfield Town F.C. and Huddersfield Giants Rugby League Club) on the evening of June 6th. I told him I'd think about it. I suppose what I really meant was, if I can get back to running normally in the next few days then the answer will be 'Yes'. Failing that I wont be worth knowing and my reply will be a very definite 'NO'.
Well guess what. In spite of visits to the doctor and my trusted Physio the problem to my Rt calf muscle persisted. My wonderful partner said I was 'running funny'. I was grumpy, morose and far from happy. There was no way I could remotely regard myself as 'Sports Personality of the Year' in my current state. If my old body was currently not fit enough to have this honour bestowed upon it, then I would not accept it. I emailed the powers that be, declining the offer, saying there must be other sporting personalities in Huddersfield far more deserving than me. Predictably, they didn't reply!
PS. I subsequently found out the eventual winner of Huddersfield's 'Sports Personality of the Year' award was Robert Read, a snooker player. I wasn't aware snooker was a sport, more of a pastime, something to do in between runs!
PS. I subsequently found out the eventual winner of Huddersfield's 'Sports Personality of the Year' award was Robert Read, a snooker player. I wasn't aware snooker was a sport, more of a pastime, something to do in between runs!
I admire your ability to say no to such an award, ...I think you would have good reason to accept: for starters, while injured you are still running more than most of us who have no excuse... And at 79 you are faster than most runners less than half your age! In a strange way your reluctance to accept the award because of the standards you set yourself makes you even more deserving of it!
ReplyDeleteCongrats for being nominated for the award! I visited Scotland in March and your blog header looks like the beach I ran to in Aberdeen. It's a great photo. Although I'm a little late, Happy 79th Birthday!
ReplyDeleteYou should have accepted just to go to the home of the Giants (I lived in Halifax when it was the McAlpine). Then you could have stolen and sent me a Huddersfield coaster.
ReplyDeleteIt was good you did what was right for you, but you're my hero and I'd have liked to have seen the pics from the ceremony.
And yes, where is that beach? As Tina said, it does look like it's round my way.
Lucy, that beach is Holywell Bay a few miles south of Newquay - so a long way from you. Regardless of how many pain-killers I have to take I'll be running there later this month.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear the calf problem is persisting. Thanks for the link to John Kynaston's blog - I don't remember seeing them, but it was good to read his report of the race! Hope that calf is on the mend.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear that you are struggling with injury. I think you should go to the award they want to recognise you for up to now. You asked about my Garmin I used to have a 405 that beaped. But hubby bought me a 310xt which is waterproof for tri training and that either beeps or vibrates. I have it set to vibrate then I dont get mixed up in races with other peoples beeps. It buzzes on my arm instead. I plan to set it to buzz on heart rate to to help with heartrate training. A great tool.
ReplyDeleteHope your physio sorts your calf. X