Monday, October 25, 2010

Contemplating over Coffee...

I may not do the NYC Marathon. I've been doing some Internet research and think my injury may be worse than I thought. I'm on the fence.

Based on the symptoms, it may be High Hamstring Tendinopathy and it sounds like it could be serious. One online article even said it could get to the point where you need surgery to fix it. Reading that scared me, big time.

One of the forums say Active Release Techniques may be the answer. I'm not sure what it is but I've decided it's time to get some medical advice.

I also emailed NYC Marathon to see if the spot can be transferred to next year's race. It can, but I will lose my $265 entry fee for this year and have to pay another $265 for next years race.

I'm concerned about injuring my tendon to the point it needs surgery. Assuming it is a tendon problem, I'm told tendons take longer to heal because they don't get as much blood flow and oxygen as muscles, making it harder for them to repair.

I'm really uncertain of what I should do. I think I'm going to wait until I get professional advice and go from there. I found an expert in A.R.T in Toronto who works with the Canadian Olympic Team and emailed him. The only downside is the commute to get therapy.

At least I had a great year and the injury didn't prevent me from reaching any of my goals. That's an upside. My off-season plan was to diet and lose weight and if I can't do the marathon, I'll begin that program sooner. Although, that means I'd have to abstain from beer. It's very hard, if not impossible to lose weight and drink alcohol.

Everything happens for a reason and rather than be down about my injury, I'm going to think this is a blessing and it was meant to be. I must say I've been VERY lucky in the past 4 racing seasons, I have not had any serious injuries that have prevented me from training for any lengthy period of time.

I guess 4-Ironman's, 3-Half Ironmans, and 12-months of hard training in one year is bound to tear the body down.

Also, just a reminder, if you want a FREE PHOTOBOOK from Picaboo, the deadline to order is 11:59 PST. Just click the banner ad on my blog. Oh, and today's video is specifically for Heather regarding Matty-O.

No Training
10

22 comments:

adena said...

Do not mess around, I know the marathon is important or you wouldn't have entered, however it's not like it's the Kona of marathons is it?

I can't imagine you going off alcohol. In fact I may join you, I agree it's impossible it lose weight if you are drinking..

so I might..

maybe..

KG said...

You need to take care of yourself first. If missing one race will give you the opportunity to have another great season next year, take it. If you do race and cause further injury, you may be out a whole race season or more.
4 ironmans and 2 halfs in 11 months is outstanding.

Emz said...

I'm with KG. WOW. 4 IM's 2 halfs in 11 months. ABSOLUTELY AMAZING.

Loved the video.

Bryan said...

A, your probably right...on both comments. hahaha.

KG, your also probably right and after I thought about it, if I include Clearwater, I've done 3 halfs in 12 months.

E, thanks and I'm leaning your way.

B

Caratunk Girl said...

I have done ART (not drawing, the therapy) and I swear it got me running again. Hurts like hell, but totally worth it in my world and would recommend it.

Sounds to me like the smart thing to do is take a break for a while and heal - seriously, you have had an incredible season, and to echo what KG and Emz said in a slightly different way - do what you need to do to get better so you can play (whatever it is you want to do) next year. (Most importantly, so you can go to IMLP and we can have a beer. If you are still drinking that is. ha ha)

That probably means some rest and recovery I guess. Hope you feel better soon.

What??? Giving up drinking?? For good? NOOOOOOO Say it ain't so Bryan!! ha ha Seriously, I don't drink that much anymore because it goes right to my a$$.

Ironman By Thirty said...

HAHAHAHA... that is a great video!

Yeah, I can see how 4 IMs and 3 HIMs can wear down the body. You are probably making the right decision about the marathon. No sense injuring yourself further.

Thanks again for the Picaboo link. I ordered a photobook yesterday.

skierz said...

that sucks, but the body has a crazy way of telling us to slowdown a bit! you will only come back stronger and crazier than where you left off! HOpe the DR says it is quickly fixable with ART

XTB-XAVI said...

wow funny video!...my suggestion heal first, then, run!


Cheers from Hong Kong!

"XTB" Xavi.

My Boring Triathlon Blog said...

I'd bail from NYC. You run the risk of causing serious damage to your body (ie missing next season)

ART will definitely help. You should be able to find someone in Burlington as its done by chiropractors. ART is only a trademark name (like Ironman) and is really soft muscle tissue work. Usually they jam their thumb in the sore part (ie your hamstring) and then at the same time make you move your leg to break up the scar tissue. It hurts like hell but it works

Sports Performance Clinc in Mississauga offers ART

My Boring Triathlon Blog said...

PS thanks for the postcard

Dan Seifring aka "OBRATS" said...

I deferred my entry just yesterday (injury). My buddy couldn't run two weeks before Louisville last year and with the help of ART, he got through the race.

Get yourself healthy.

MissFit Island said...

I've heard really good thing about Active Release Therapy. I hope it helps.

Better to forgo the marathon and the $$$ than to face surgery down the line.

Feel better.

JohnP said...

MBTB has a good point - you could probably benefit from someone jamming there thumb into your a$$. Heck, I wouldn't be surprised if afterwards you decided you enjoyed it so much that you're considering a career change.
On the other hand, I think Matty-O did you a favour by calling the Whaaambulance for you. You sure have been whining alot lately.
Admitedly you've had an amazing season, so there is no need to butter up your followers in preparation for you quitting the marathon. We'll understand nonetheless, we're used to disappointment from you. ;)

Take the time off, get yourself probed. You deserve it!

Doug said...

Bryan, your dilema is just like one I read about last night here. It is about knowing when to quit and how important/hard that can be. Your "Death Race" may be over for the year, CONGRATS.

L A said...

Hi Bryan,
First, Joy (wink) thanks you for the thoughtful post on www.eastandwestrunning.blogspot.com. The half marathon experience was great, and your encouragement helped.

Now, onto more important topics...YOU...we definitely agree with what everyone else has said here: take care of yourself, your injury, and don't worry about NYC. There's always next year. Heck, the TPPF can be redirected to cover the cost of having to repay for NYC next year. No biggie...right?

Doru said...

I agree with the consensus here: heal first, race later. Too bad they won't reimburse you your entry fee. $265 is quite expensive for a marathon, even if it's NY Marathon.

That coffee looks delicious. I got to go and buy one now :0).

And thank you for the postcard. I received it yesterday.

Matty O said...

Wow, amazing that this post of all posts gets the most responses?!?! This was a stupid boring dumb post. I don't get it.

Well, luckily you threw the puck at me while disguised with your injury babble. Seems everyone is glancing over the skidmark comment haha!

I told H she had better not comment on this one because you have enough ammo to throw at me as it is. Cute video. I didn't realize that they cartooned it off of you and alice though. Alice must be tired of cleaning your shorts after all of these years man. As I have said before, she is a saint!

As for the injury, you know better than all of us. Don't be an idiot. Your year is over.

Just got the postcard too, thanks!

Bryan said...

M, very cool, I've already booked an appointment to see a guy who does it. Yes, your right IMLP IS MOST IMPORTANT. I'm sure we'll fatten up your A$$ afterwards. haha

IBT, thanks for advice, no problem on the book.

J, true and thanks.

X, thanks and glad you enjoyed.

P, True, I just found a guy, I'll keep the blog posted. Glad you like the card.

D, thanks for the info.

MFI, good advice.

J, haha, I'm sure you'd pay for the treatments just to see that. haha. I may disappoint, but I just googled disappointment and "found your picture". hahaha.

D, thanks for the link.

L, haha, so true....haha

D, thanks for advice. Yup, international fees are crazy. Enjoy your coffee.

M, I'm with you, I guess "people just care about me" and want to give me helpful advice. I don't know if you've ever experienced it, but I got to tell you, it's nice. hahaha.

I will agree Alice is a saint, we finally agree and in the video the blonde hair isn't Alice. I wonder who has blonde hair and washes dirty underwear???? hahahaha

B

Matty O said...

Alyssa???

Bryan said...

M, haha, nope, she has trouble getting off the couch to get something from the fridge.

Let me put the cookies on the bottom shelf and spell it out for yah. H-E-A-T-H-E-R. haha

B

CouplaHounds said...

Um, I didn't glance over the skid mark comment and I bet others didn't either. At least in my cas, "I wasn't going there!!!". The vid is awesome, though.

B - got your P-card today. It's cool man. Thanks a lot. I'm going to post it on my training wall in front of my (indoor) bike so I can feel the inspiration as I ride.

CouplaHounds said...

Damn - forgot to add - I have the same IM coffee bucket, only mine isn't as "championship" as yours - it's from Muskoka 70.3. I love it - and I really call it a coffee bucket.