In running terms there’s not much to report. I raced at Blaydon and got my usual ‘Blaydon Stitch’ and didn’t perform as well as I was wanting to. I followed this up with a 2nd place at the Newton Aycliffe 10k and then a few days later I came to a complete standstill!!
During the Newton Aycliffe 10k I really struggled on the hill. Anyone who knows me wouldn’t be surprised at hearing this as I’m not a great hill runner, but the hill wasn’t really that bad that I should struggle on it. I also found that my legs were feeling really bad after the race which was a little worrying. The following Tuesday night I went to do a track session at Gateshead Stadium. I felt half asleep during my warm up and then about 50m into my first stride I stopped and walked off the track. I was absolutely wiped out, zero energy and my legs were totally non responsive. That night I went home had my tea and went to bed at 7.30 and knew nothing more until 10.45 the next morning!!
I spoke to my doctor and got blood tests taken to check on my ferritin levels and a few other things. When the tests came back they showed that my thyroid levels were low. This, along with my iron levels, is something which we have been keeping an eye on over the last few years after suffering from episodes of black out during and after training or racing. My thyroid levels have always been borderline but my Doctor has been happy to not administer medication for it as they usually stay at a consistent level. It has now dropped to the ‘under active’ range and so he has suggested that I take some medications to help to stabilise it.
I start my tablets this week and will have to get regular blood tests to see how my thyroid is reacting to them. I have been told that I am likely to be on this medication for the rest of my life but to honest I don’t mind as long as I get my energy levels back!
99% of my race plans have been scrapped and I will play this by ear as I go. I do plan on running the Tyne Bridge 5 mile race on Tuesday night as I had already committed to it but I know I won’t be setting any fast times. Right now it is all about getting my health back to where it should be and not worrying about training and racing, there’s plenty of time for that in the future
In the meantime I am enjoying a great month of sport with Wimbledon just finishing and the Tour de France now in full swing, along with regular Diamond League meetings and of course the Olympics not far off, July is a sports lover’s dream! I have been lucky enough to get my hands on Olympic tickets and will be heading down to watch some of the action the 1st weekend in August. I really can’t wait to get down and get amongst the buzz of it all, it’s going to be awesome.
I was very lucky to go to Athens to watch the Games in 2004 but the fact that I have quite a few friends competing in these Games makes it all the more special!
On that note, a huge well done to the four North Easterners who made the athletics team – Jo Jackson, Laura Weightman, Nick McCormick and Ross Murray along with my coaches daughter Eilish McColgan and long-time friend Lynsey Sharp and not forgetting former runner and Sunderland lass Jill Scott in the Womens Football Team. I hope that they all do extremely well and have a great experience, competing in a home Games really is a once in a lifetime experience to be cherished.
Thanks x