An update : The Jitters have started setting in

I know, I have been lax in keeping everyone updated with what exactly I have been doing. But when you think about it, It is probably because I have just been oh! so busy.. Life seems to have been whizzing past and that in itself is a great thing – the only way to live I tell you!

So, this one is going to be a quick update about what has been going on and what is in store over the next few weeks. Firstly, Protons Running is finally up and in place. What is it? Protons Running is a concerted effort by established runners in the fraternity. This is a young and  vibrant team of athletes which has been handpicked for the experience, energy, inspiration and wealth of information that they bring to the table. They have come together to provide a holistic platform for beginners and intermediate level runners for access to all their running needs – this includes a structured training programme, supervised training, running fundamentals and an access to related partners to create a complete eco-system for running. They bring the training and information to you and make access easy. For more information about Protons Running, please do follow their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/ProtonsRunning) and/or on twitter ( https://twitter.com/protons_running). You can also get more information about this group on their website (www.protonssports.com)

Now, I am not really sure how many have noticed, but my recent workouts have not included any run training sessions. Let’s rewind back to a few months. In Jan, with the title of Fastest Indian Amateur Finisher (woman) at the SCMM, I had also won a sponsored trip to Hanover for the TUI Full Marathon. After having got a PB with only 4 weeks of preparation, I had really high hopes of giving the next three months my all and bringing in another PB at the Hanover Full. So, in this zealous effort, I increased my mileage by about 100% on a daily basis – in order to have a very strong base. And this worked fine …. for a while, until a slight pain started creeping onto my shins. I chose to ignore this pain and continued doing my trainings which included some killer intervals and fartleks at really high speed ( which is equal to very high impact). This led to my shin pain getting worse until it reached a point I could not take a step without pain in my legs. 

I spoke to my coach and the physio and both recommended active rest for a couple weeks and specific stretches coupled with exercises to strengthen my shins. I followed their advice but even a week into the active rest mode, the pain did not seem to subside. So, my next trip was to the ortho who recommended an MRI. The MRI reflected exactly what I had feared – My left leg had shin splints and my right leg had the onset of a stress fracture. The recommendation by the doc was the same as both my coach and the physio – ACTIVE REST albeit for 6 weeks. Including the time I already had off, this would mean that my 6 weeks would be up on race day – which is a scary thought.

Now that running was out of question for when I was to peak my training, I had to look for alternatives to keep my stamina and endurance up. So, what did I do? I started multiple sessions at the gym and the pool. Since the exercises are low impact, I had to increase the volume of workout and intensity of my strength training. Also, because Protons needed my attention, I could not take off for long cycle rides along the country and had to restrict myself to hours of cycling on the stationary cycle at the gym. So, this has been the last few weeks of my life. Madly busy and insanely tiring. Why didn’t I mention anything before? – It wasn’t the right time and I wasn’t ready.

What is the current status? A few things actually – Protons go live on Tuesday, 15th April 2014 – a day to be etched in my life forever. I am still awaiting my visa from the consulate, Tuesday will also see me going for my second MRI to see the condition of my leg. There isn’t much pain but paranoia has set in so I don’t know how much is my head playing games with me and how much is my body. Hopefully, the visa comes through. On the more positive end though, I am quite looking forward to my Eurotrip. I get to see new places, meet new people, have new experiences. I also get to meet a couple of friends I have not seen in years so that is very exciting! A saving grace is that Ankush is travelling with me so he will help me stay calm. I tell you, nothing better in life than having your sibling as your best friend. However, there is also the setting in of butterflies and nervous jitters about the race. So, here it is, just an update of how things sit at my end – I will keep you posted as to how things go 🙂 

#BangaloreRunners #BangaloreRunning #Hannover #ProtonsRunning