Having spoken with a specialist I have my sights set on a late August, early September return which will see me return in time for the final two S3 rounds which is where I want to be. Luckily the summer sees a considerable lay off for the nationals I usually compete in (the ones that matter to me anyway). Starting back in September also allows me to assess where I'm at and make a decision on the Scott Time and Observation Trial which is as extreme as it gets. As I stand (or sit) it looks unlikely, even if I feel great that I'd risk it. A gradual comeback seems sensible with maybe the SSDT 2012 as a return to the more extreme trials (hopefully with a more successful outcome than this year.
Caused a bit of twitter stress yesterday by suggesting that running isn't that healthy for you. Check out my blog part one about honest nutrition and health advice and part two are you doing to much exercise, to see my stance on why its not good for you. I was challenged by a local PT who wanted to know why I'm so down on running. Seriously I have no issue with running, people enjoy it and compete. I compete on bikes and motorbikes, I enjoy snowboarding and various other sports. However, I do not consider them good for me and am not under the illusion they are good for my heart, waistline or anything else other than my ego. Running (or any other cardiovascular exercise is a stress upon the body. Its a fight or flight reaction which causes a cortisol release (the very same adrenaline response that convinces us we enjoyed it). As we get so called fitter (remember the fitness world says low heart rate = fit) adrenaline comes into play once more to keep our heart rate in a safe zone. This constant influx of cortisol causes all manner of damage within the body, sadly it also tricks us by giving us that buzz.
If you enjoy running (genuinely as in its your sport) then go for it, if your doing it, or anything similar like aerobics classes in the belief that it gets you fit and healthy, think again.