Yes people it has been a long time since I last blogged, mainly due to the troublesome knee injury that I picked up whilst in Spain, which then hassled me until a week ago, close to 5 weeks in total. I won’t dwell on negativity but it has been a trying time, having put so much hard work and dedication into my prep for the 2011 season and to then see all my progress slowly slip from my fingers tested me in more ways than one.... but I’m back and this time no injuries and no one will stand between me and certain success.
I was struck hard mid February by knee troubles, a disorder referred to as a patella tracking issue, my lateral thigh muscles had become too strong for the vastus medialus and in turn was pulling the patella from its proper groove causing mass inflammation. The diagnosis was quite slow taking nearly 2 weeks, but once confirmed under close advice from my coach Scott McDonald from Winning Solutions and Simon Walsh from the massage clinic based above Molloys Lifestyle Pharmacies in Bunree, Ballina, we developed a steadily progressive rehab programme to bring me back to form with a mixture of exercises and physical therapy which it seems has done the job.
But 4 weeks on from my initial aches and pains I’m here in Belgium having completed a string of challenging training rides around Flanders with no issues as of yet. This year I’m living in the Hof Ter Kammen, a cycling specific accommodation located a mere 1km from the base of the legendary koppenberg climb, it’s a big change from my home last year which was Lierde. It’s good to have more people around me and then to be only 2 km from the Asfra shop makes speaking with our team manager much easier than the 20km haul that I was faced with each time last year.
On the nutritional front, I am embarking on a healthy eating plan in attempt to shed the excess kilos that I unfortunately gained during my time off the bike. Having spent time discussing my diet with my nutritional sponsor James Geraghty of Molloys Lifestyle Pharmacies, the routine I will follow is a mixture of well timed meals along with the correct sporting supplements which together will have me in perfect shape come the drop of the flag.
Over the coming weeks I will be competing in many races here in Belgium in a hope to bring myself to top form for two large stage races in Ireland that I have many large ambitions for . The next while will not be easy but I have much dedication and discipline, as long as my bike holds up beneath me the road ahead looks bright and fast!!!
So Until next time keep it real people!!!
