Jumper's knee

Turns out my knee pain is probably jumper's knee aka patella tendonitis.  I'm having it x-rayed on Friday to rule out a chipped patella (ouch!!) and have been give some NSAIDs to reduce the inflammation.  And I've been told to see a sports physio ASAP.  The great thing about having a GP who runs himself means you're unlikely to be told "Don't run."

Hopefully a bit of TLC will see me back training fully before long :-)

To sleep, perchance to dream.......

Aye, chance would be a fine thing!! (with apologies to Hamlet) Right now sleep is proving an elusive activity so any dreaming is really day dreaming.  I suspect it's the lack of physical sweat inducing activity.  You know, that satisfying knackered feeling after a run or cycle that generally guarantees a decent night's sleep. My back is constantly sore and I'm actually getting my knee looked at medically. Hey ho, just a stumble but the goal is still the same. 

On the academic front I'm still aiming to get this flipping degree finished.  I had to drop out from the music course last year cos I fell behind when I was ill.  Luckily the OU let you transfer credit to the following year.  Unluckily, the music course is no longer running so I've opted for a course on Shakespeare.  Gulp!! It starts next week and lasts until October. Six essays and an exam at the end.  Double gulp!!!

And just to keep things interesting at the same time I've started a counselling skills course.  Four modules, one day a week over a year then hopefully onto the 2 year diploma course to become a qualified counsellor.  Not so much a case of day dreaming but planning for the future and a career change by the time Gordy leaves school.

Dreams, goals, plans.  Doesn't matter what we call them, as long as we have them.

Holes, schmoles!

Once upon a lifetime ago, I was responsible for laundering more mucky running gear than I currently do (although I now do cycling, swimming, rugby and TKD gear as well). I confess I may have been a teeny bit critical of the state some of that running kit was in and may have on occasion vigorously encouraged the owner to part with some of that clothing.  I might even have quietly disposed of some items on my own initiative.  Longer term blog readers will remember me posting pictures of said manky items and really old friends will remember the infamous London Marathon t-shirt incident in the 90s ;-)

So, here's the thing.  I get it now.  The above photo is my favourite winter running top with a couple of rips in the sleeve (I was climbing over a barbed wire fence, as you do)  The old me may have decided it was no longer wearable and recycled it.  But I love that top.  It's got a fine fleecy inner layer, extra long sleeves with thumb hole and it has pink piping in all the right places that makes me feel more svelte than I am.  So I'm still gonna wear it, with holes.  And my favourite leggings with the burst waist elastic!

But then I realised that's not all I can't part with.  I've got a few pairs of running shoes that I can't throw out either.  Once they're not good enough to run in they become dog walking trainers.  Once they're beyond that they become gardening trainers. 

And I've just realised I have categories for my pants..............

Hello 2012!

I can't remember where I got this from so apologies for not crediting it but I thought it nicely sums up my view on 2011. 

It's been a long tradition in my family to look back over the old year on Hogmanay and think about the highs and lows.  And on the surface it would appear that 2011 wasn't a successful one for me.  I didn't get to compete in a triathlon, I didn't finish Boot Camp, I didn't do my half marathon, I didn't sell the house and I didn't get a job.  I had whooping cough, then got an E Coli ear infection,  I developed a knee injury and my back is constantly playing up.  But a lack of success in these things certainly doesn't mean it wasn't a great year.

I love tri training.  I've said before, it suits me.  I can work round the injuries. I love my house so still living here isn't a hardship.  Someone will fall in love with it just like I did.  And as for the job situation, watch this space ;-)

Thanks to some great people I do see how wonderful my life is and will continue to be.  In 2012 I will continue to challenge and push myself in ways I never imagined I could.

Happy New Year! May 2012 bring you everything you deserve xxx