I may not make it to the finish line...

Dear readers,

I have not been blogging over the last few weeks for a few reasons. The first was due do a chest infection that I started to develop just before the half marathon in April (This lasted for two weeks and is now 100% better). The second was due to an exam I needed to study for and I sat on Tuesday the 10th of May (Pretty sure I passed this one so time well spent on study) the final reason is due to an injury I sustained in the lead up to the half marathon.

The injury did not seem to be anything other then some tightness behind my left knee. I thought with some stretching it would be okay. Unfortunately it was the start of something bigger. I now believe after four weeks of virtually no running and relief from the injury that I may have a bulging disk in my lumbar area of my lower back.

This bulging is fairly extreme as at one point a few weeks ago I could not put weight on my left leg without the feeling it was going to collapse from under me. I am now putting the ongoing tightness behind my left knee down to the pressure placed on my nerves from the bulging disk and the problem with my left hip flexor also being a side effect from the bulging disk.

If you don't know what I am talking about or if you are experiencing similar problems check out this website http://www.joint-pain-solutions.com/bulging-disc.html it goes into some detail of what the cause might be and provides some stretches and treatment for minor problems. HOWEVER as my friends have clearly pointed out to me today, if you think there may be something even slightly wrong with your back, see a specialist!

The main point here is, you only get one back but there are many marathons. Stop what ever it is that is causing you pain or tightness and see specialist. Book yourself in for an appointment at the Physio or chiro, but book yourself in now. They are the best person to diagnose and treat you for back conditions. I am booking myself in this week and hope to have some positive news next week.

However if this has not cleared up after four weeks of rest I don't see it going away in a hurry.

So for all thoughs who have supported me and taken inspiration from my blog to date, thank you. I have lossed weight, ran a personal best for a half marathon and I have regained my fitness although a bit set back due to my current injury.

Once I have received the correct treatment I will begin training again for future events such as the old Coast Marathon but taking a longer term view for my fitness, that being life long health and fitness.

We only get one body and I am keen to keep mine going for the long term, I love the outdoors too much, I love surfing and cycling and running too much to let an injury keep me down. I will return to the sports field before too long and next time it will be for a much longer period of time, hopefully for the rest of my life :-)

Thank you again for your sport and I wish you all the very best for you final 7 weeks of training as you head towards the finish line of the Gold Coast Airport Marathon.

I have already booked and paid for my flights and accommodation, so I will be there cheering for you from the sideline :-)

I hope you make it from the couch to the finish line.

Happy Running,

Simon.