FAST50: Its a long “run” to the top

The journey back to running is a long one for Steve. Pain in the knees 12 years ago, forced an early retirement from all forms of running. The prognosis was double knee replacement due to the absence of cartilage. There was no FAST40 story for Steve. For most of the last decade Steve mostly ran for fun and could not do any serious sprinting.

Over that time, this injury was left to its own devices, untreated and ignored. FAST forward 12 years and the damage that was already done has resurfaced. Rather than continue the same approach of accepting surgery as the solution, Steve embarked on a program of Active Recovery and Strength training, that unfortunately to date has not been enough to enable a return to running alone.

A recent visit to Doctor Wilson Lo (Bruce Sports Medicine) has offered some immediate relief from the pain. The inflammation around the left knee, that has been causing Steve’s pain, was treated by Dr Lo through a procedure known as knee aspiration or arthrocentesis. During the procedure, the build up of synovial fluid, which acts as a lubricant and shock absorber within the knee joints was drained. This has relieved pain and reduced the swelling around the knee. Giving immediate relief and the ability to bend the knee.

The Doctor also recommended a visit to the Podiatrist to be fitted with orthotics in Steve’s running shoes (including spikes) to reduce the pressure on his knees as a result of his bowed legs. Dr Lo also suggested that Steve looks to improve his quad strength in addition to his existing Active Recovery and Strength Training.

Once the orthotics are fitted, a return to running training is possible with a view to assess impact after a month. Steve knew when he began his FAST50 journey, that it would be a long run back to the top. Despite the setbacks and pain, the thought of once again racing down a track is enough to fight through the pain and turmoil to keep going slow on the way to being FAST.

Everyone has their own story. What is yours? For more information on being a FASTER Master and joining the FAST & Active running group, please contact FAST Running for further information.