Hamstrung By Tendinosis

Apparently, Tendinosis is defined as "an accumulation over time of microscopic injuries that don't heal properly". Great. I'd further classify it as unreasonable, unpredictable and unwelcome.
Last post was late October, since then, moderate left hamstring origin tendinosis has been diagnosed. Further, the changes most marked involve semimembranosus, with a small longitudinal split tear, approximately 2mm in diameter, 15mm in length. No big deal. I put that detail in, because that's what the MRI report says, and I would like to think I got good value for my $250.

Little running since early November; I even missed SMC #2. Unhappy chappy. So it's been a case of attempting reduced calorie intake and moderate cardio effort every couple of days. Boring. I've tried treadmill, exercise bike, walking Max, and weights (which is part of the routine anyway). I can scientifically conclude that life would be meaningless without running. As part of the physio rehab plan, I've got heaps of stretches and exercises to do, which seem to help. I'm now doing a little easy running: 8k, flat terrain, slow pace. Mentally, that helps. Not sure about fitness, but at least it's still better than most people I know.

I've signed up for the 50+ team that Sook54 is organising for December's SMC 10k #3, so that's my goal. The aim is to have fun, and perhaps run, in minutes, under our age in years.

NTR and Mouse are moving, so much excitement there. They are also seeking our help, in making sure 100 kids have a better Christmas this year by donating gifts, time or money to charity. It's a great cause, and I list how you can help below:

The 5 Steps to Helping 100 kids:

1. think about your year
2. if you can, acknowledge the success of it, by making a child happy at Christmas
3. buy a gift, wrap it up (ideas)
4. give your present to a charity of your choice
5. let us know so we can track the total, and add your effort to the the tally sheet to track our efforts. NTR and Mouse can give access to update the tally sheet on this website to friends who want it, or you can simply post a comment on my blog and I’ll email them with what you have done so they can update the tally sheet on their website
Thank you and have a great Christmas. I refuse to issue a bland and PC "Happy Holidays".

Edna Parker died recently. She had a good innings: 115. There are 89 supercentenarians at present: 79 women, 10 men. It made me check Wikipedia for records. It seems the current record holder is a French woman, Jeanne Calment. She made it to 122y, 164d. It seems she had all the right conditions to get there: she never worked, instead her marriage to a wealthy husband enabled her to pursue hobbies and sports. What is fascinating is this little gem:

"Calment smoked until she was 117, and only quit when she could no longer see well enough to light the cigarettes."

Amusing, but don't get the wrong idea: I hate smoking. Douglas Adams got it right
"If we see you smoking we will assume you are on fire and take appropriate action. "

Exit, stage left, while slightly hobbling