Saying Goodbye To 2018
Saying goodbye to 2018 is something I’ve been looking forward to for a while now. Life is often a rollercoaster ride with plenty of ups and downs and for me, that sums up my year. Not just with my running but on a personal level too.
It all started so well
I was feeling fit and strong at the turn of the year and looking forward to testing myself in the upcoming half marathons I had booked in for the first quarter of the year. I also had my marathon debut at the end of that block.
At Gloucester half marathon I made my first big breakthrough of the year when I went sub 90mins. This is something I had been striving for, for the second half of 2017 but to no avail.
To achieve one of my goals for the year in January was a huge weight off my shoulders. I was delighted and it allowed me to focus on my marathon training which had kicked off in earnest.
I was loving the long intense runs I was putting in each week. Now I can’t wait to train for another marathon next year, this time with proper guidance.
The ups and downs of life
In February we moved into our own house after living with Steph’s parents for 3 and a half years. Don’t get me wrong, living with them was great and it allowed us to be in a much better financial situation. This therefore, allowed us to own our own house again.
As well as we got on, it was nice for all parties when we moved. We all had our own space again and could live our lives without the others being involved.
There’s still plenty to do in our house but we’re getting there slowly but surely. Its nice to be able to have it how we want it.
February also saw Steph finally get some answers to the issues she’d been having with her hands and other muscles over the last 18 months or so. Unfortunately, it wasn’t great news.
Steph was diagnosed with Myotonic Dystrophy, which is a form of muscular dystrophy. While I know how it affects her on a day to day basis (chronic fatigue, muscle weakness, hand cramps and more), I’m no expert on the condition so for more information click here.
Over the course of this year, I have effectively become a part time carer. There are times when Steph struggles to do even the most menial of daily tasks that we all take for granted.
Throw shift work, a constant lack of sleep and two children into the mix and I sometimes wonder how I have the time or energy to get out and run! As tough as it can be on me, its nothing compared to what Steph has to deal with each and every day.
Heart-breaking decisions
Despite all that was going on at home, I was somehow still following my marathon training plan….. Until injury struck.
I’ve discussed this in detail in other posts but basically, due to a weak left glute muscle, my IT (Iliotibial Tract) band became inflamed which caused pain to the outside of my left knee that prevented me from running.
I was on the shelf with a long and slow rehab/rebuilding process ahead of me. This meant I had no choice but to withdraw from Newport marathon. In the end it was an easy but disappointing decision to have to make.
As disappointing a decision as that was to make, a truly heart-breaking one was just around the corner.
We had to make the horrible decision to have our beloved dog Barney put to sleep. He was only 3 and a half years old but after biting a stranger and then our neighbour in completely unprovoked attacks, we were left with no choice. Especially given that we had two young children to think about.
Watching him breathe his final breath will always stay with me.
Making a comeback, kind of…
Coming back from an injury is hard. It takes lots of hard work, dedication in terms of continuing to do the right things but most of all, patience.
I surprised myself at how well I stuck to my recovery program and all was going so well until I picked up another injury. Somehow, I managed to jam my pelvis. I have no idea how or when it happened but I know having it put back in place wasn’t much fun!
Since then I’ve got back to running races and signed up with Simon, a local running coach who has helped me a lot so far.
Ive continued to pick up several other little niggly injuries which has been frustrating. The only positive things I can take from the injuries is just how important strength training is to a runner and also seeing a great physio who clicks everything back into place!
I will now be seeing Clive every 3 months or so in the hope it helps keep me straightened out.
Looking ahead to 2019
Life probably wont get much easier but I’m determined to have a better year with my running.
I missed 3 races this year, 2 due to the snow (lets hope that doesn’t return next spring!) and the other due to injury. All 3 races are on my plan for next year, Newport half, Reading half and Newport marathon.
If I can stay injury free then hopefully I can start to fulfil the potential Simon sees in me. It would be nice to really kick on with every aspect of my running.
And of course, watching our gorgeous girls, Isabelle & Poppy continue to grow into fantastic little humans. They do us proud and make us smile, (and sometimes scream haha), on a daily basis.
I’d like to thank everyone who continues to read my blog and follows me on Instagram where I post all my running related stuff. While also thanking my running club and everyone who attends Simons group sessions. We all continue to push each other which is what its all about.
Most of all, I have to thank Steph for still putting up with my running despite everything else she has going on.
I hope you’ve all had a great 2018 and smash all your goals in 2019 🙂
