Strategy and Pressure Points

I’m still tired. Race to the Stones took more out of me than I was prepared to give, but when you’re up on the ridge you have no option but to dig deep. I put my trail shoes on the other day and those pressure points around my ankles were still painful a month on. My legs complained as I hiked the North Devon Coastal Path last week and reminded me of the Hell I had put them through.

When I decided to run an ultra-marathon there were more than a few raised eyebrows. It is not the kind of thing that someone with a chronic illness does. I’m sure people wondered if I could, in fact, complete the distance and were (perhaps understandably) concerned for my welfare. For me, it was a calculated risk.

With the help of my friend and mentor Catriona, I identified the steps I need to take to successfully navigate this part of my life with my sanity intact. I realised early on that it would be all too easy to allow my illness to preoccupy me and for it to become all-consuming. I resolved to focus on recovery and preparing for the tough times that would inevitably lie ahead.

Running has for over a decade, been my therapy. It was, therefore, only natural that running would feature as part of my treatment pathway and be a focus for wellbeing and recovery. I was assured by my renal consultant that while I can participate, I should, provided I listen to my body and obey any warning signs as and when they occur. Armed with this reassurance, these were my golden rules for getting though the race unscathed.

Drink Before You Get Thirsty: My single most important consideration was hydration. Re-hydration tabs and electrolytes were strictly off-limits as they all contain potassium. An essential mineral but potentially deadly for people with limited kidney function. I carried two 500ml water bottles and made sure I drained these between each feed station. At each station I made sure my pee was light in colour and took the opportunity to drink additional water.

Eat Before You Get Hungry: The feed stations were well stocked with a vast array of calorie dense options. However, I must avoid dried fruit, most fresh fruits, nuts, excessive chocolate and coffee, sports drinks and hydration tablets and potato-based snacks. I filled up on jam sandwiches, pineapple slices (a good low-potassium choice), freddo bars and salami sausages. It wasn’t the most balanced diet, but I never felt hungry or had a crash of energy.

Prepare for the Worst: I made sure my race number details were completed correctly. This is a common oversight that is a primary source of key information. I wore my Road ID tag as well as my Kidney Care UK wrist band. Medical professionals are trained to look out for these things. I was provided with advice on what medications to suspend whilst I was participating and made sure I had my medications with me. I avoided ibuprofen (very bad) and stuck to paracetamol for pain relief. I needed some of those.

By applying these rules of engagement, I came through the experience relatively unscathed, however I am hanging up my distance running shoes for now. I’ve raised a lot of money (courtesy of you all, my kind and generous sponsors) but I am generally exhausted. Coupled with the fact that I have now been diagnosed with a heart condition (I know, you couldn’t make it up) I think it’s wise. I will, however, be back at the Running Club just as soon as my swollen feet have gone down, and to hell with those pressure points.