Resurrection

2018 was a canny year.  I qualified as a level 3 mat Pilates instructor in May and began teaching a class in July.  Then another class in August. I really enjoy teaching. It is something I didn’t expect to get into but it has helped my confidence and I like to share my love for Pilates and the benefits it gives to others.  It may lead to other things…..

On the running front, I began to develop some adductor/groin pain in the January and it didn’t seem to get any better throughout the year.  Some days were better than others.  I put it down to tendinitis, so I eased back a little and increased the stretching/strengthening.  I saw a sports therapist and physio for several months and they gave a similar diagnosis.  Eventually I was referred to the local IMATS physio service and sent for an ultrasound/MRI.  I have osteoarthritis in my left hip which the specialist doesn’t think is attributing to the soreness but obviously long term it will become an issue.  The MRI showed osteitis pubis.  Overloading/overtraining and an accumulation of inflammation over a period of time.  This affects the adductors and abdominal muscles.  My training had radically changed in November, gearing towards a different target in 2019 which thankfully meant less running and more strength work with some swimming and yoga thrown in.  This helped the symptoms as I wasn’t pounding the road and trails as much.  I was advised that it would be either 3 months rest or to have an injection into the joint.  The injection will hopefully knock it on the head.  If not, then I need to be sensible and take time out.  We will see.  It’s taken a long time to get a definitive diagnosis.

Most of my 2018 races were short and fast.  PB’s in 3k, 5k, 10k and 5 miles.  Performances weren’t being affected by the groin issue, but very uncomfortable afterwards. A mix of road/fell and even a track 10k (mental challenge) kept the interest going.

Off to the Lakes on Saturday.  Weather looks dreadful.  Typical after the last week of fine weather.  Character building.