This is a difficult post for me but today I have emailed Roger Smith to withdraw from this year's TGO Challenge.
I've been questioning how I walk, what I get out of it and where I like to walk. This has been reflected well in my blog and discussions resulting from my posts. But almost regardless of my questioning I feel time is overtaking me. My hip isn't making the month to month progress I had hoped for and with only 3 months to go now before the start of the Challenge, I am not confident of the hip being healed and my building up fitness to do the cross Scotland walk within the time set. I walked 5.5 miles on Saturday with Gareth and Cath, a walk I enjoyed very much. But forecasting the progress I've made since October when I sustained the main injury, I can't see I'll be fully recovered and fit enough in time.
Instead I have withdrawn in a decent amount of time for someone in better shape to take my place. This removes pressure off me to be ready in time and will save my Physio from the 'Will I be ready?' grilling I give her!
I can continue to enjoy the low level walking I've been doing, adding in more mileage and hills gently (up and downhill has started to be less painful) and giving myself time to recover at a less hurried pace. This doesn't mean that I wont be venturing into the big stuff; I'm really excited to be visiting Torridon with Kim in a couple of weeks but the walks will be low level and no summits involved! I don't imagine this will dull the experience at all; we'll be outside and surrounded by amazing scenery and Kim is an amazing person.
As a measure, the act of tendering my withdrawal has given me an amount of regret, but I think it's the right thing to have made the decision to withdraw. I daresay I will be jealous at the guys and girls setting forth in May, but instead will create alternative adventures to live out and enjoy!
I've been questioning how I walk, what I get out of it and where I like to walk. This has been reflected well in my blog and discussions resulting from my posts. But almost regardless of my questioning I feel time is overtaking me. My hip isn't making the month to month progress I had hoped for and with only 3 months to go now before the start of the Challenge, I am not confident of the hip being healed and my building up fitness to do the cross Scotland walk within the time set. I walked 5.5 miles on Saturday with Gareth and Cath, a walk I enjoyed very much. But forecasting the progress I've made since October when I sustained the main injury, I can't see I'll be fully recovered and fit enough in time.
Instead I have withdrawn in a decent amount of time for someone in better shape to take my place. This removes pressure off me to be ready in time and will save my Physio from the 'Will I be ready?' grilling I give her!
I can continue to enjoy the low level walking I've been doing, adding in more mileage and hills gently (up and downhill has started to be less painful) and giving myself time to recover at a less hurried pace. This doesn't mean that I wont be venturing into the big stuff; I'm really excited to be visiting Torridon with Kim in a couple of weeks but the walks will be low level and no summits involved! I don't imagine this will dull the experience at all; we'll be outside and surrounded by amazing scenery and Kim is an amazing person.
As a measure, the act of tendering my withdrawal has given me an amount of regret, but I think it's the right thing to have made the decision to withdraw. I daresay I will be jealous at the guys and girls setting forth in May, but instead will create alternative adventures to live out and enjoy!
A big ((hug)) for you making such a brave decision. It may not be your adventure for you this year, but hopefully for another time when you are stronger and fitter
ReplyDeleteI'm terribly sorry to hear about your injury, but applaud your gracious withdrawal. You'll just do the Challenge next year when you are fit and confident.
ReplyDeleteAww, there's always next year. At the end of the day, it's not the Challenge itself which is the most important thing, it's the being out, somewhere/anywhere. Maybe you should get yourself up here in May for something less demanding...
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to hear that but I'm sure this is the right decision. Take your time!
ReplyDeleteAnd after all, you could always come along when we are going to Rannoch Moore in april! ;-)
I know that you have thought long and hard about this tough decision. That it must have been difficult. I know that I was one of the voices that said you have plenty of time to get fit. However you know your injury. The challenge isn't going anywhere and you'll get it done next year all fit and healthy. Plus it gives a longer time to plan a brilliant route. You've made the right decision.
ReplyDeleteHey guys, thanks for your support; I'm lucky to have such a brilliant group of readers, well, actually, *friends* :o)
ReplyDeleteI do feel it's the right decision and it lets someone else step in. I had hummed and hawed and consulted my friends enough. I will still get out and about but maybe for 3 - 4 nighters rather than a 12 - 13 day walk in May. I have some ideas already but in the meantime, Torridon, look out!
Tough and difficult decision to make, but there will be other challenges - better to get fit and healthy so they will be enjoyable adventures!
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear this but we all know our our bodies and I think you'd be more disappointed if you had to put out halfway through the challenge.
ReplyDeleteThe challenge takes its toll on fairly fit bodies and as others have said there is always next year.
George
A though call. Get well and do it in 2012 =)
ReplyDeletePhil, I know you'll appreciate the decision to be made; thanks :o)
ReplyDeleteGeorge, Nail on the head! I would beat myself up if I had to pull out once I'd started, especially if I knew I wasn't 100% to start with. I'd rather make a logical decision than do that!
Hendrik, That's very nice of you. I shall go out and build up the walking again properly and will see what 2012 brings...
George and Hendrik
Sorry to hear that Helen, it must have been a tough decision, but I agree it would have been even more disappointing to pull out half way across. It will be a far more enjoyable adventure fully fit. Good luck with the physio and take your time.
ReplyDeletei'll just second everything everyone else has said. Much better to walk your own walk, in your own time. As we all know, its not a race!
ReplyDeleterest up ready for Torridon, look fwd to the reports and phots, somewhere I've not been.
Sorry that has happened. You'll come again. 2012 TGO needs to be marked in your diary. All the best in getting back to full fitness.
ReplyDeleteThanks guys. I've had great support from most people, both here and on Facebook, and it is very much appreciated.
ReplyDeleteI have also had a lovely email from Roger Smith saying that I'm without doubt taking the sensible course, hoping I will make a full recovery and that they would be delighted to welcome me to the 2012 Challenge. And a final "Take care and best wishes - and do what the physio tells you!"
Well done for staying so positive Helen.
ReplyDeleteI look forward to reading your Torridon report.
All the best
Steve
I really do understand how you are feeling. Last year I had to make a last minute withdrawal from the 9 Edges Challenge, which I had been looking forward to for quite a while.
ReplyDeleteOnce I got over my disappointment I decided to use it as my fitness goal giving myself almost a year for the physio to work and for me to ease myself slowly back into the required level of fitness. Maybe you will be able to do something similar.
However it does sound as if you already have something to look forward to with your trip to Torridon, which will hopefully make up for some of your disappointment.
I think you've done the right thing: it's a serious undertaking and you want to be in a position to enjoy it. There will be other years.
ReplyDeleteI know we talked about it on the wander last week Helen, but it's a brave decision and the right one if you don't feel well enough. I know this must be incredibly frustrating, but I hope providence comes in to play and another opportunity will come up for you.
ReplyDeleteJust noticed your post - you've made a brave decision - and as others have said, you will enjoy the Challenge better if you are fully fit. Look forward to meeting you on a Challenge in the future.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to hear you had to drop out - but now you have lots of time to heal and prepare for 2012! Much better to do that than to risk pain and suffering this year.
ReplyDeleteVery sorry to hear that, but I think your decision is the right one. I had to pull out of my cycling LeJOG a couple of years ago and I was devastated. Like you, my recovery was slow but things did eventually come good. Last year, I rode the coast to coast... a fantastic trip. The LeJOG is still in my sights once I can negotiate with the other half on timings (!) My physio always tells me to be patient and positive... I may grumble, but she's generally been right so far.
ReplyDeleteAaah there's always next year (fingers crossed).
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to hear you had to drop out - but now you have lots of time to heal and prepare for 2012! Much better to do that than to risk pain and suffering this year.
ReplyDeleteTough and difficult decision to make, but there will be other challenges - better to get fit and healthy so they will be enjoyable adventures!
ReplyDeleteI know that you have thought long and hard about this tough decision. That it must have been difficult. I know that I was one of the voices that said you have plenty of time to get fit. However you know your injury. The challenge isn't going anywhere and you'll get it done next year all fit and healthy. Plus it gives a longer time to plan a brilliant route. You've made the right decision.
ReplyDelete