Sunday, 14 June 2009

Metatarsal Stress Syndrome


Well it was not going to be a fast time anyway but I had hoped to break the 1:05 barrier which has stood in my way for the past 18 months. I could probably do it but the course I want to do it on has to be the local one. Last year i managed to go round in 1:05:07. With the winning time a low 54. Today I managed a 1:05:08 with the winning time at a low 54 again. The weather was perfect with a slight head wind on the out leg and the course was good with plenty of fast riders to chase. It just didn't seem to want to happen. I felt sapped of energy in the sun.

After my morning 4k swim was interrupted by weeds I joined in with the 30+ people attending the Lincoln Tri club's open water session at Tattershall and demonstrated a few shallow water entries and exits as well as sprinting about 3k in 4oom bursts. It was a little more enjoyable than plodding around the lake on my own and good practice for next weekend.

The swims are always followed up with a nice cooked breakfast in the cafe. Well as the time disappeared it was almost time to jump on the bike and cycle the 60k to Waddington to coach the novice lane. A good session and real progress made with most of the swimmers. The one that seems to be a problem is one of the girls. Now it might not be a recognised coaching ideological method but she's a good swimmer, technique is great and always improving but she is too nice in the water, allowing people to pass and always with a smile.....we need her to get angry!!! For an hour I tried everything and everything again. Still she smiled and carried on letting everyone block her in and pass her. If I push too hard she will end up mugging an old lady in a dark alley... I might be creating a monster. Worst still she might turn on me!

With Dambuster this weekend and the RAF having a single wave. I would hope for a taper of some sort but as it is not an A race and just for fun it looks like business as usual. With one twist, I have been diagnosed with

Metatarsal Stress Syndrome:

The symptoms of metatarsal stress syndrome generally start as an aching sensation under the ball of the foot (where the toes join the foot). This is usually first felt only on long runs or during speed work, but is also commonly felt in tighter shoes.The symptoms are relieved by removing the shoes, only to return again the next time they are worn or during the next run. Some people describe the early sensation as feeling as if their socks have "wrinkled up" under the ball of the foot. The symptoms can become more frequent and intense, eventually causing discomfort with most activities.

The podiatrist took a look and thought the broken toe/ soft tissue damage was giving of strange symptoms and re-diagnosed. At least we now have a way to treat it.

Possible causes: · poorly fitted shoes · inadequate flexibility in calf muscles · bio mechanical - excessive or prolonged pro nation · excessive shoe wear

New shoes ordered from Daz...I just hope they get here for the weekend.

No comments:

Post a Comment