Elite Kiwi triathlete Kate McIlroy gives a personal account of how the past few months have gone for her and how surgery is hoped to help prolong her career.
I have kind of glossed over my Achilles a bit lately as it’s one of those things where if you voice it too much, the problem in a way becomes bigger!
I have had Achilles issues for 10 years, not sore the whole 10 years, but probably fair to say I could almost count on one hand the number of pain free runs I have been on and as a result I switched sports.
My run training is structured around my Achilles, trying to get as fit as I can without upsetting them! Luckily I respond well to long aerobic sessions and minimal speed work (which is what Achilles hate) so have been able to run reasonably well over the last few years.
But I decided after last year’s triathlon season I’d had enough. They were sorer than they had been in a few years and were really restricting my training as well as causing me to run in a pretty odd way. I have developed some weird hop - time to change that!
Three months ago I had surgery on both Achilles. The surgeon removed the sheath that wraps around both tendons and slit them to make them bleed.
The increased blood in the area helps with the healing process as the blood supply naturally around the Achilles is very limited. I had three weeks on the couch with my feet up literally in the air to minimise any form of swelling.
It was a little testing especially since Wellington decided to have the most amazing weather while I was house bound. I was fitted in double moon boots, so in any outings I was a sight to be seen!
Once I was past the three weeks and all the stitches were out, I have slowly started swimming (no kicking or wall push offs) and biking on a wind trainer. I went for my first walk, all of 750m! It’s definitely a patience game, but one I have to play if I want pain free tendons.
I’ve been up in Taupo enjoying the stunning weather, lake swimming daily in my 2XU wetsuit which is great as I don’t have to start each length without pushing off the walls, and I have not spotted any fish which is minimising my fear!
Running has started, as well as starting to crank the cycling which I am pretty excited about. I will post regularly in the next few weeks with progress updates!
Till then, I hope everyone had a great new year and is enjoying the ripper start to 2011.
Kate
