Tough Times Ahead

My path as an athlete hasn't been a smooth ride to say the least. As an athlete we put our body through so much trauma on a day to day basis so we can be the best in our given field and sometimes our bodies just can't take the impact anymore so we pick up little niggles and sometimes serious injuries that can't see us side lined for some time but I guess that just goes with the territory.

I've had my fair share of injuries since 2003 which has seen me off the track for a few years, I've had four arthroscopes in my left knee to repair a tear, I spent 6 weeks in an aircast boot due a stress fracture in my foot and today I was given the not so good news that will see me support a cast on my right arm for the least 8 weeks but the worse is I will be out of action for around 4 months which means my athletic season is over before it has had a chance to begin!!

I know that its these things that we endure and overcome that makes us the athletes we our today. Those who know me know what kind of person I am I keep a smile on my face and a bubbly personality and ok I'm a little bit crazy. I face these challenges head on and keep up the fighting spirit and don't let it get the better of me as I'm not ready to give up yet I have so much more to achieve. But behind the smile and the crazy women who stands in front of you is as human as the next person, inside it tears you up knowing that you can't do what you live for everyday and sometimes it just get too much. I know that this is probably going to be the toughest time ever in my career as an athlete I will have my good days and bad days but its these things that make me who I am.....I'm not going down without a fight I will get through this and come out stronger than before!

Injury Jinxed

I always seem to be pushed to the limits and have my strength tested during my life as an athlete. Things can be going great and then a little barrier is put in the way for me to overcome as I see it I have an injury jinx!! The good thing is I have the determination and strength to overcome these testing times and I always come out fighting stronger.

As I have mentioned in a previous blog I picked up an injury in my right wrist which has been a bit of a nightmare for a few months now as I am right handed. The good thing is it hasn't stopped me from doing my track sessions and plyometric training but it has significantly affected my weight training and block work as I've not been able to weightbare on my right. I have been able to do some bobsleigh push training but only by strapping my wrist up tight and taking a handful of painkillers!! Not got for the stomach!

I had an MRI scan which showed high signal at the origin of the TFC which is the cartiledge in my wrist. So on Monday I had a diagnostic wrist arthroscopy to confirm what is going on and then decided what the next step is and maybe more surgery to repair it. I need to get my wrist fixed as I want to be able to race at some point this summer and then be ready for the Bobsleigh pre season in October.

Following my surgery on Monday it confirmed that I had a TFC tear n detacthment as far as I am aware I have had the tear repaired and have to go back and see my surgeon on 15th to find out if I need any more procedures done. So at the minute I am struggling as I can't really use my right wrist and having to do things left handed is certainly a challenge in itself but as you do you just get on with it! I know I will bounce back I am strong always have been I will overcome this and fast. I got work to do.......