I went to see the consultant about my knee a few weeks ago - when I asked for the appointment the knee was really swollen, but appointments take so long to book nowadays the swelling had completely disappeared by the time I was called into his office. No matter; he explained in a very respectful manner that, no, I wasn't wasting his time at all. In fact he was pleased with what had been happening. The knee itself was ignored as he pored over the MRI scan and asked me loads of questions about what the symptoms were like. So I explained about the use of the brace, my half marathon time, my avoidance of fierce downhill descents as he fixed me with the clear gaze of someone who knew everything; like a Zen Master of the NHS.
I was just in the middle of telling him about the triathlon I had been asked to compete in when he suddenly interrupted me, and said 'just do it Mark!'
He went on to explain in honest and quite lyrical terms that as I had some grey hair on my head my knee was also showing some signs of age; there was clearly some damage, but so there would be after 30 years of competitive running. He was of the opinion that provided I was sensible, paid close attention to any symptoms and kept away from past hobbies that were clearly a bad idea, such as Kung Fu or ultra running, there was still a lot I could do.
I skipped out of his tiny office like a spring lamb, drove home and got my running kit out. Two hours later I had run all the exuberance out of my system but still felt pleased. I could do something - maybe not everything I dreamed of, but something. In a continuation of the excitement I entered the Brecon Titan triathlon - yes it is well-named - and set myself a challenge.
I have until June to get fit - ages yet, but I also need to develop some swimming skills. So, in the light of all this, despite the arrogantly foul weather today I ran to the swimming pool, swam about 30 lengths, then ran back home. The rain was so heavy I had to wring my clothes out when I got there, but it worked really well. I was ravenously hungry when I got home and still keen to do this triathlon, so here goes - I now have to plan a season of events while keeping an eye on the knee.
