Since joining Simon’s training team, over two months ago, I have really enjoyed researching the current sports science literature on long distance running. Since starting running Simon has encountered some lower back pain, occasional cramping in his residual right leg, and soreness in the medial longitudinal arch of his left foot. I have been working with Simon weekly to help iron out any issues as they arise and prevent any new ones from occurring. I am in constant communication with his Trainer Jason Kenny and two way feedback is vital to aid in the success of this project. Being part of this team has been a great experience and I am looking forward to seeing Simon’s progress over the next few months.

                                                                                                                                     Orla Smyth

5 months in to the out on a limb challenge

It has been an exciting journey so far and nothing like I had expected.  It has been emotional, physical, tiring and demanding all rolled into one.  I like a challenge that brings you out of the comfort zone and I knew it would be tough physically but I never realised how mentally tough it was going to be.  I was never into running but since the time I had my accident and lost the leg I developed a desire to do a marathon, maybe it’s the old saying you never want something till it’s gone, and please believe me when I say, after completing my first 10k it was a very emotional feeling and I don’t mind admitting I had a tear in my eye.

I have learned from this experience that the commitment involved in athletic training would be life transforming.  Everything from my diet to my daily routine has been altered to achieve maximum health and fitness levels. From the first day I got the running blade I thought it was just a case of put on the leg and run, but how wrong I was.  And  now I realise that had it not been for Jason Kenny and his expert  knowledge of how the body works and  its  mechanics  in our training program , then the running blade would now be in the cupboard under the stairs and I would be laid up with an injury

 5 months in and there have been many changes, as I have got strong over the weeks so my body has changed in posture and shape, I can really see the difference and realise the progress we are making when we go into the Physical Education and sports sciences, Department University of Limerick [I feel like a real pro athlete in there, mind you the vo2 max testing was a strange experience,] Every 6 weeks adjustments must be made to the running leg in alignment and height due to these changes. IDS the prosthetic company who have sponsored the running blade have played a big part in getting me to where I am to date always being on hand at the drop of a hat. My body has taken a battering these last few weeks with aches and pains that have started to appear at the end of each weeks training, but once again I have been blessed the magic hands of Oral Smyth- Sports Injury Therapist, This is the only part of the training I look forward to ,once a week .  I have had quite a few ups and downs to get where we are at but Jason tells me this is all part of progress and   the main thing is we have arrived at this point injury free . He is happy that we are now at the stage were by we can start to put the miles in on the road..I know it’s a long road to get to the start line of the Dublin  Marathon

I have also realised the success of any project like this is having a good team behind you, I am blessed to have that, and to all involved I am truly thankful to you all