The update....

Afternoon all - Aussie here post chiropractor and physio... MAN OH MAN can those people make you hurt!

Well - first, the bad news... no running for a few weeks. My chiro did say "if they're paying you half a million to compete then maybe we can do a cortisone injection but I suspect you'd not run again after it for months".... so - job done... Professional advice is "don't run"... fair call... it'd hurt anyway and my body wouldn't let me and 10K would see me as a pretty much certain DNF writhing in pain beside the track... So, that's the London Zoo 10K and the Kew Gardens 10K pretty much ruled out... and I think I'm okay with that... It's disappointing of course but it's better than "never again"... I can cycle if it doesn't hurt my ankle and swimming is okay too... so - fitness levels can be kept up I hope... But, I will miss my running so I'm going to rely on all of YOU

The good news - it "appears" that this is Bursitis (nhs.uk/Conditions/Bursitis/... of the ankle as there's a lot of fluid behind my achilles and quite a bit of swelling... and quite a bit of pain (which converts to a LOT of pain in the hands of the evil chiropractor!)...

I appear to have instability in my left ankle and need to work on strength and balance a bit. He looked at my shoes and it was interesting that although he said they were fine he could already see (and demonstrated) how my right shoe had formed up differently over the past few months than the left shoe as my body compensated for the left ankle not being as stable.. who knew?

After torturous manipulation of muscles and nerves even I didn't know I had, we can be "reasonably" comfortable this is an overuse injury and inflammation that should resolve... BUT it's impossible to tell until the swelling goes down for sure... it's not likely to be stress fractures or anything like that and there's no bruising so that doesn't indicate other "bleeding" type injuries... so far so good...

The regime is as follows:

1) Ice (no surprise there then) - every hour.

2) Active ankle mobilisation - pointy toes, pull foot towards you, big circles with foot (no weight on it!)

3) Ibuprofen religiously for 3-4 days (not just "when you feel pain, need to bring the inflammation down)

Then I'm back to the chiro on Thursday evening when the swelling has hopefully gone down and he can get in there a bit more and work out if there's any other damage... of course they won't commit to anything, but at the moment as far as running is concerned, it's "Best Case - 2 weeks" and "Worst Case - not worth worrying about until the swelling has resolved"...

If it's still swollen on Thursday then it's time for an MRI to work out why... but probably won't come to that (but who knows)...

So - am I disappointed? I am absolutely gutted about it... Those races were things I had been really looking forward to and an acknowledgement of all my training to date... BUT, you know what? I have done well, I did train well and I slipped up in the weeks leading up to some races... I'm pretty sure the elites have done that occasionally too... and it sucks, but they get back to it as soon as they can and they are soon back training as hard as ever...

For me, once I'm back training at least I'll train a little smarter and learn from this... I'm not invincible and although "these things happen", I've only been at it 6 months... and I also learnt a LOT today about how the body works to run and how very subtle differences in the way our bodies are built can affect our running so much (who knew the complicated links between hips, knees and ankles? it's amazing!)...

So - run well and be happy my fellow forum members as I will be running through YOU for the next few weeks but hoping very much to be back in time for the 12 October 8.2 mile race to come back in style....

THANK YOU to all of you for your kind words and for pushing me to see someone about it... I feel better that I did... I didn't expect them to say "go on then, run 10K, you'll be fine" but I least I have a path now to some sort of recovery... the quicker the better of course, but not until I can do so safely...

Take care out there - and remember "most runners get injured at some point" and as RFC said so brilliantly - "Running is a lifetime journey, not just an hour..."... I'll be back there soon enough and at least I can overtake Miles on my bike!

I will of course let ya'll know how Thursday goes and I'm still going to the Zoo (and to Kew) to cheer people on... you just try and stop me!

[Realfoodieclub Graduate]

At least you have started the proper road to recovery now. You are equipped with everything you need to get better. Nearly every race happens every year, so next year when your stronger and injury free. We will all help through your recovery. Take very good care of yourself.

[MrsSparkle Graduate]

Hello again Aussie, well that sort of seems like good news and at least it's taken out the guessing game aspect of should I? will it be ok? I'm disappointed for you, but I suppose it is just one of those lessons in life that we all have to go through. Do make sure you do exactly as you are told and I look forward to hearing all about the zoo tomorrow. We all know from this forum how much the supporters along the way really do help you, so enjoy the glow from that.

[Runon Graduate]

Aussie - I'm genuinely sorry you can't run - you do some brilliant running posts and I'm sure many of us newer runners live through these runs with you. I'm no expert but don't even be tempted to run till told to do so. You'll be an even stronger runner when you come back to it - in the mean time you can help me - I am appointing you my guru as you are very experienced - My running is actually getting slower - humph. I'm on week 8 and in 28 mins dead I covered exactly 4K today - Last week when I was only meant to run 25 mins, I went on and finished 4K in 25.23. I am getting seriously slower. I had a 5 minute warmdown rest thing and thought - right I'll time myself over just 1K - I started running, not sprinting - I overtook a cyclist (ok he wasn't going that fast but it gave me a bit of thrill) and time for 1K without being totally whacked was 5.20. So I don't understand Anyway it's something for you to think about. In the interim you could paint your toenails - I hear that's therapeutic!

[poppypug Graduate in reply to Runon]

Whoa, hang on a cotton pickin' minute, you did 1k in 5.20 ? That is seriously FAST !

Blimey, that is the sort of time I could only dream of

Take a bow Runon, very impressive stuff there , well done xxx

[Runon Graduate in reply to poppypug]

Hi Poppy - Time is relative as Mr Einstein* used to say and everyone's fast is some elses slow. The Earth's speed within our galaxy is 574,585 MPH which really makes a nonsense of those traffic cops who do you for speeding at 35MPH. My speed for 1K was faster because I knew I didn't have to run further than that. But what I don't understand and was hoping a more experienced runner may know the answer to is why my time over 4k is seriously slowing down. Help! My daughter sent me her times for a 10K - she did the 6th K in 4mins 03secs. She's only been running for less than a year! She is in for a serious talking too - humph. Anyway let's all try and support Aussie while he's out of action - his enthusiasm is contagious - and I for one am trying to keep him busy so he doesn't become all maudlin (actually my car needs washing).

*Did you know that old Patrick Moore the astronomer played a jam session with Einstein? Takes all sorts XXX

[notbad Graduate in reply to Runon]

Hey Runon, not exactly a more experienced runner here but have been running a couple of years and have learned a few things (usually the hard way lol). At this stage your body is very much adapting to running so it's normal to be inconsistent, what you need to look at is the over all progress. It sounds like you are going to be naturally a faster runner with training, but do take heed of Aussie and the many others of us who have sustained overuse injuries, and don't push too fast too soon.

Your daughter is very speedy btw, not many of us run that fast!

[Runon Graduate in reply to notbad]

Thank you "NotBad'. Yeah I forget how short a time it is that I have been running. My daughter's av. pace for the 10K was 5.06 and I asked her where the 4min 6th K came from - she simply replied that she's just a competitive type of person and where did I think she got that from. So thank you for your wise words which are rather timely as I was about to nip out and just run a couple of K (to try and improve my speed) on my non-running day - heavens I'm not even running 30 mins yet! Yes - I shall take heed of those over-use injuries. I sometimes forget that I'm asking my body to do something it has never done before.

[Molly_2015_ in reply to Runon]

My oh finds painting his toe nails therapeutic

[Runon Graduate in reply to Molly_2015_]

I shall have a go meself then - This tuesday is National Mens Toenail Painting Day in Scotland

[Molly_2015_ in reply to Runon]

Brilliant, let me know how it goes!

[AncientMum Graduate]

Oh well, at least you know what the problem is now m'dear. Bursitis can be really nasty, so be kind to yourself. Your ankle exercises sound similar to the ones I used to do years ago when I did tap dancing, so don't go slipping in a quick 'shuffle hop step' when no one's looking. As for beating Miles? All you need to do is head for the pool- don't think he's started his swimming lessons Good luck with the recovery x

[Hidden]

Lol, painted toenails !! That'd give your chiropractor a surprise ! Sorry to hear about your injury and hope it is something that can be sorted out soon as we all know what a keen bean you are. Fingers crossed it goes well on Thursday.

[GettingFitter Graduate]

Glad you got it seen to Aussie - don't like the sound of your chiro though as I dont like pain

[MarkyD Graduate]

So sorry for you Aussie, but you already have a positive attitude about it. Great that you'l be at the runs as a cheer-leader

Once the swelling is resolved I'm sure that there will be a clear diagnosis and course of action. Till then... On Your Bike.

[c4ts Graduate]

Hope Thursday news is better, just keep supporting Mrs Aussie and the little Aussies from the couch

[ju-ju- Graduate]

I'm so sorry but you are on the right path now and hopefully it won't be long and you will be stronger.... Hang in there

[poppypug Graduate]

Aw Aussie, I am gutted for you mate , but you did the right thing getting it seen to, so now you know the scores on the doors , so to speak.

So, no running for the time being, but you will come back stronger and fitter in the long run.

Chin up Auss,its a barsteward I know , you were so looking forward to these races .

Life sometimes has an habit of slapping you in the chops when you least expect it, but you will get over this.

All the best to you xxx

[Belindauk Graduate]

Awwww that's such a shame. Your running posts were very inspirational and exciting to read.

It's good to hear you are now seeing a specialist that can get you back to full recovery. Onwards and upwards

[catchmeifucan]

Hi Andrew, I feel for you mate, sounds like your head's in the right place though. You'll be back out there before you know it!

[misswobble Graduate]

Hi Aus

Sorry to hear you're crocked! Also that you have to miss the race you were so looking forward to

I think your ankle will be ok but it's probably weeks away rather than days. Mind you if you do your exercises and take the pills, rest up, etc it might be faster than you think.

Fingers crossed! Let us know how it goes won't you

[Hidden in reply to misswobble]

Yep.. At least a few weeks is what I'm expecting... Not expecting a miracle but hoping by doing the right thing now I can back to what I love soon!

[Hidden]

Oh what a shame, I'm so disappointed for you. It was clear how much you were looking forward to today. I think it's very brave of you to go and support the other runners, I would be in pieces...I shall miss you posts and your lovely selfies, guess we will all have to post our own now....Hope you get it sorted soon xx

[notbad Graduate]

Take care, these things are so frustrating, you'll soon be back on track hopefully.

[AmberC Graduate]

Oh Aussie, I really feel for you, but the good news is that you feel OK about it and you have found some professionals who know what to do and have sorted a plan of action for you to follow. As you have pointed out we all need to work on our core strength and not just our running. I'm still on the injury couch after injuring my Achilles, and although it's been a month now I think it is slowly improving. I can do some distance walking, cycling and I'm working on my yoga/pilates poses to improve my ankle & foot strength. I think I should have bought some shares in ibuprofen!

Good luck for Thursday and keep that chin up.

[aliboo70]

Get well soon Aussie! sad that you will miss your races but good that you got professional advice and can rectify that injury, and soon be back fighting fit! Wishing you a speedy recovery

[Hidden]

Sorry to hear that, Aussie. On a purely selfish note, could you please attach your Garmin to a dog or something so I can still get my fix of all of your running stats Plain ol' pace and elevation are no longer enough now that I've seen what can be achieved!! Happy resting!

[Mamma_Mia Graduate]

So sorry to read you'll be missing a couple of races Aussie. You're being very noble going along to support the other runners - not sure I could do that! Please listen to your chiropractor and do what you're told. You'll be back with us soon, and you can always be helping us less experienced/novice runners from the injury couch. Take care.

[Pugwash Graduate]

Sorry to discover that you're peely wally Aussie. I'm encouraged though by your positivity in the face of what must be a great disappointment for you.

I spoke to the Sawbones onboard and, in addition to the rehabilitation regime you are currently following, he suggests rubbing down the injured part with an albatross wing coated in narwhal fat and drinking a brew of dried seaweed harvested from the breast of a mermaid thrice daily. There was, I should say, a suspiciously freshly emptied pot of rum by his bunk (to be fair it was gone 9a.m. when I sought his counsel) so it's up to you whether you follow his entreaties or nay...

[TurboTortoise Graduate]

Ach, what a shame, but it's good you've had a swift diagnosis and know what you're dealing with, pretty much. In my experience you can safely take several weeks off running and not lose much fitness at all, but most importantly you can work on addressing the imbalances (which we all have) and come back stronger. You must be so disappointed, but your positive and stoic attitude is shining though.

[runswithdogs Graduate]

Rest up Aussie and don't worry. The trails will be there once you've healed up. It's devastating to have to give up what you love - even for a little while. But you'll be out and running again before you know it.