As A New Season Approaches ...

Hello All,

As a new season approaches, I am about to put this one behind me! My hamstring is coming along really well. As of last Friday, the ultrasound revealed that the tear is down to 4mm x 2mm and there is no scar tissue left. I have had two series of plasma injections, weekly massage, and started with physiotherapy to work eccentric load on the muscle. In the next 2-3 weeks I should be able to put this injury behind me and feel stronger and wiser to start a new season.

In the coming weeks I'll complete a stress test with my sport psychologist and determine my level of stress whether I've rested enough to start a new season! And where that will be ... I still don't know. I am in conversation with a couple coaches and will know for sure in the coming weeks. So stay posted!

I hope you are all doing well. I hope those of you who competed in the cross country meet performed well and had some fun out there with your fellow runners! Keep up the great work!

Your Athlete,
Susan

Support Canadian Athletes!

Hello,

Here is a great video, sent to me by my sport psychologist to help gain perspective. I hope we can all get behind our Canadian Athletes this coming Winter Olympics and just support them all the way!

Click here for the video.

Your Athlete,
Susan

Photos from Arles Competition

12 Meeting International d'Athlétisme d'Arles

6 & 7 June 2009

Final score: 5696 points - 6th place finish



Your Athlete,
Susan

Jeux de la Francophonie

What a learning and eye opening experience the Francophone Games was for me! I arrived and it was a complete shock to my system and emotional state and I even considered just turning around and going back home. However, being able to adapt to tough and uncontrollable circumstances is also a part of being at this level in sports and competing in international competitions.

Before coming, we were informed of the Canadian travel advisory to Lebanon. However, somewhat naïve, you think if they designate this a competition site, then it must be considered safe on some level. Not so much! We had 24 hour military escorts to go just about anywhere. The track was only about 20 mins down the road from the village, however, we first had to load onto a special bus, and the military and police guided the bus down the road. The frustrating thing was that this whole process took up to two hours!

After dealing with the shock, I experienced the first couple of days here and leaning to just accept it for what it was, I started to just relax and focus on the reasons I was there – to compete and take in the experience of a multisport international competition. I was training every day and just focused on being ready to compete. However, four days out of the competition, during my last speed session, and my last 150m I tore my right hamstring. It was frustrating, as there was no indication or pain or tension in the muscle, it just tore mid-stride, and I was finished. I dropped to the track, experienced the fear of being in the hands of the Lebanese Ambulance crew, as I was rushed to the medical centre. Thankfully Team Canada sent a full medical staff, so I was treated by Canadian doctors and physiotherapists.

Unfortunately, putting an early finish on an already frustrating season, I did not compete. I was determined and tried to work with physiotherapist there daily, 2-3 per day, but there was only so much that could be done for a hamstring tear. So sadly, after speaking with the doctors, and still trying to warm up and compete, the pain was too high, and the risk too great, so I had to withdraw before the start of the hurdles.

Now I am back to working with Dr. Galea in Toronto to undergo plasma platelet injections and will soon start with physiotherapy, under the direction of Kevin Hickey and resume eccentric work to rebuild strength in my hamstring. I hope that in 3-4 weeks I am fully recovered and able to start my base training for a new season.

Your Athlete,
Susan