the MRI, one of which is reproduced here. It clearly shows fluid (white bits) on both sides of the pubic bone, thus causing inflammation on the pubic symphysis joint holding the bone together. Wear and tear - yes I know, I'm getting old - plus weak abdominal and adductor muscles have led to this state of affairs which will keep me off games for a number of months..
None of this surprises me as there has been such a long lead in to it; the abdomen pain first manifesting itself in early July. I'm pretty sanguine about it all as life goes on. I had far worse news on a different level last Friday, running is just a recreation. As Sophocles stated, we runners live on "the razor's edge of luck" (thanks Mucky Knees, are you down in Ciren later this month by the way?) and I've sliced off a bit too much. At 52 and with a World Champs to run in, I don't regret having pushed hard as I don't know how many more chances I'll get. That attitude is also relevant at much younger ages: make hay whilst the sun shines. It is far easier to train hard with a young body but also without the constraints of work pressures, family etc. So you 20 somethings, don't talk about training hard 'in a few years', get out there now and go for it.
It does frustrate me somewhat that having initially seen my GP a couple of times to ensure that my abdominal pains were nothing more sinister, and getting the all clear on that front, the NHS then washes its hands of the situation and passes me onto the private sector. All the State propaganda propogates an active healthy lifestyle, running being one of the main ways to express this, yet when health issues arise the State isn't interested. Maybe I should take up smoking, at least I'll get free treatment when the inevitable happens.
Last week didn't help my non-running physique. With Natalie off to Paris to work for a year we had a couple of big special meals with her; we then had friends from Germany staying for two nights, one a big meal with lots to drink at home, the other a large and excellent curry in town. Finally on Saturday we went to a 60th birthday party at friends in Surrey. There were 16 of us and every couple provided a course. Lunch started at 2pm, after the obligatory glass of champagne, and went on well into the evening. Our host, Paul, has the finest wine cellar I know and we did our best to help him drown his sorrows - it was his birthday and 60 has hit him hard.
With Messrs Edelsten & Curry both hitting 65 this month and occasional golfing partner Dave Cowell just turned 60, I'm almost feeling young at 52 despite all my aches & pains.
Finally, best wishes to Cirencester's club captain, Adrian Williams, in the Berlin Marathon next Sunday. He's had a few problems in his build-up - turning up for a race a week early; going off course in Milton Keynes ½ Marathon; turning his ankle whilst warming down from a session; travelling too much for work (only himself to blame as it's his own company and he makes far too much money!) and hurting his back after camping for a week with his family. A London Marathon AAA qualifying time would be pretty impressive after all that and should be easily achieved, as long as he doesn't fall down the aircraft steps in Berlin. Good luck matey, you deserve it.
