February 2005 - Week 4

[Sweder]

There is a theory which states that if ever anybody discovers exactly what the Universe is for and why it is here, it will instantly disappear and be replaced by something even more bizarre and inexplicable. There is another theory which states that this has already happened.
Douglas Adams (1952 - 2001)

Not quite on the same scale, but in the small, perfectly formed universe that is my body, this theory applies to injuries. No sooner do I shake off (and quite frankly thrash into submission) my errant hamstring than another ailment steps to the fore, gleefully announcing its intention to wreck my training plans. Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you . . . my prolapsed disc! (wild applause, limited bowing for obvious reasons). So I bring you this whining report from the comfort of my bean-bag, kneeling most uncomfortably with an icepack jammed down the back of my shorts, large tub of Ibuprofen on the desk, lid loosened for ready access.

Whereas the hamstring prevented running, this latest affliction does not. On the contrary, running (within reason) actually helps. It is the one activity (other than standing still) where the pain actually goes away. You may argue this is because other areas (knees, shins, hips) start a chorus of dissapproval, but I'm not so sure. Technically running increases the blood flow, this in turn feeds the muscles around the disc, aiding support and relieving pain. The disc was already giving me good kicking last week, and post-Brighton Half was the only region of my body not complaining.

So, guarding against excessive jarring on downhill sections, I plan to keep running. I'm prohibited from driving for 24 hours as the latest bout of manipulation settles. So this lunchtime I'll nip up to Black Cap and see how that feels. More to follow.