D-day..It arrived

After months of preparation and tedious sessions and testing. Simon stood on the start line of the Dublin Marathon with every emotion running through his mind. His body was in turmoil as it suffered from an injury to his shin bone (Tibia) picked up a couple of weeks prior. The only injury he sustained in the 9 and a half months.  But against the wishes of his team he felt he needed to at least cross that start line and make an attempt regardless of the consequences he was warned about. He wanted to pay homage to everyone who helped him and show them that he would try at least for them, regardless of his own wellbeing.

His MRI showed up stress reactions in the trebuclae causing extreme pain when extra force is exerted onto it. The tibia is the larger of the two shin bones and as a weight bearing bone is more susceptible to stress fractures, particularly in the lower third. This happens when overloading the bone with continuous muscle contractions, such as running.Continued use would cause a break in the leg, and for a man with one leg this seemed like an insane idea. If you injure your foot or leg you can get around on crutches, for Simon this is not an option. Running just 200 meters was agonising not alone a full marathon and all this Probably the worst news for someone like Simon, being that he is 110% committed and determined to complete any task given to him and that he poured every waking hour into doing this. Everything in his life was put on hold for this event.

The race began and the burning sensation kicked in, Simon tried to compensate and lean more onto his running blade but as the pain in his knee started to develop he was forced back over onto his good leg and the shin started to ache. He managed to complete the10K split at 10:04:03 am with a time of 01:00:47 and pace of 09:47 min/mi. How? we will never know, but only can assume he has an incredible tolerance to pain. It was at that point that he realised that he would jeopardize his future chances and that there were other Marathons to run.

Even though we all completely disagreed with his choice to run, we chose as a team to make an effort and support him. We were all nervous about how it would turn out and would he listen to his body? It is without doubt that we all couldn’t believe how far he made it into the race and were blown away by his effort, each of us knowing that we would be reluctant to stand up let alone make an attempt to run a Marathon. There was nothing but respect for this man amongst us all, who had all the odds stacked against him.

This is not the end but simply the beginning of what is to come, Simon Baker will run again and will set his sights on the ‘Great Limerick Run’ in May 2013 and you can be certain he will start and finish it…!

Regardless of the final outcome, the project itself was a complete success. The phenomenal facilities, The testing results, the training, the recovery sessions in pool and masseuse. The information gathered is now the first of its kind here in Ireland all which will go towards the selecting & searching for an athlete to compete in the 2016 games in Rio de Janeiro.  

We are all on the edge of our seats now as the time to the Marathon draws even closer. Just under two weeks to go now and all of the Team are pulling out the stops. Simon is like a lab rat being pulled and dragged in every direction at the moment, but it is deemed necessary for the final phase of the project. Simon is under control with everything and is focusing both mind and body on the task at hand. He is very confident and positive.

We had a general meeting, the last of which all the Team will sit together before the race day. Plans are now in place for pit stops, travel, Nutrition and Supplements which have been kindly sponsored by USN Ireland, and any accessories that are required on the day. But our main concern was the shin splints in Simon’s leg as they are a constant niggle. It was decided by both Biomechanics Department and the Physiology departments, and in conjunction with IDS that Simon would need a wedge inserted into his runner to shift him back over as he was pronating. As a result it has given Simon greater Stability and better alignment.

Simon was given strict instructions to now rest up the leg and to focus his attention to the pool, doing aqua jogging. He has also been told to focus on core work and flexibility keeping the joints supple and a regular blood flow to all muscles. He is receiving regular sessions with Orla Smyth to iron out any knots.

All in all everything is on track as the deadline approaches .

                                                                                                                Jason Kenny

5 weeks to go till I hit the start line of the Dublin Marathon

I must admit I am the first that would say listen to your body and listen to your team. But I must confess that as the Dublin half marathon date arrived I did the opposite. In the last few weeks my mileage went from 25 miles to 68 miles and my confidence rose, at the same time I started to become one with my running blade. At this time I also started to get pains from an old injury on my shin where I broke it 20 years ago .At first I said nothing thinking it would soon go , but instead it got worse and I could no longer hide it from the team . My Sports Injury Therapist Orla Smyth had spent the last 8 months keeping me in shape and injury free, so she was the first to realize that something was not right as she treated me . I never let on how bad it was but knowing her profession inside out I could not fool her for long .She asked me to pull back on the training to give the site a chance to heal , I agreed but deep down I knew that this was not an option for me . My Trainer / Coach Jason Kenny was soon also on my case to pull back from training and gave me other exercises to do which would work on my cardio while taking the pressure of my shin.  I agreed but again knew this was not an option. I am not a fool and didn,t think I knew best but it had taken me so long to tune my brain into running with the blade , this had been the hardest part the getting used to the sensation and I knew from research and by my own experience that if you go more than a few days without running on  the blade you lose the connection between blade, brain and stump . I can assure you its not like riding a bike . I had the Dublin Half Marathon only a week away and was told by my team that I was not to run . Like a bold child I agreed and the next day headed off to my Doctor for some pain killers, I felt that if I could just get this half marathon out the way , my confidence levels  would be high and I I could rest after.. As I stood on the start line with 5 min to go I texted Jason [trainer] to let him know where I was and apologized for my actions. As I crossed the start line I put myself hypnosis techniques into place and focused  on the positive with only the finish line in mind  … all was going well and the pain killers and anti inflammatory tablets were taking the edge off , until the 10 mile mark when the shins started to burn . I thought I was in trouble and would have to stop , but my running companion helped push me on and over the line in a time of 1hr and 48 min, Even tho I was glad we had finished I was disappointed with  the time . Once across the line I headed for my kit bag were I dosed up on my pills. Now I had to face the team as I knew they were going to stick me in the naughty corner when I got back. As much as I understand and respect their decisions and realise I have made their job even harder, I do think they also know why I had to cross this mile stone in our challenge .Now i have been given strict orders to put the blade away for at next  2 weeks and its in the pool for 3 to 4 hrs a day aqua jogging  [ they tell me its for recovery ,, its harder than running on the road ] also some Tibiallis stretching … I know this time I have been lucky.. Have I learned a lesson??

LISTEN TO YOUR BODY AND LISTEN TO YOUR TEAM …..

Simon arrived at Delta Sports Dome’s Altitude Gym on Friday to partake in an aerobic based circuit session with Andrew O Neill Bsc Sports & Exercise Science & Director of The Altitude Gym. The gym simulates training at Altitude by pumping hypoxic air into the room. This particular gym can simulate altitudes anywhere from sea- level to 5000m above sea level, this equates to oxygen levels of 21% to 11%.  Simon and his trainer Strength & Conditioning Coach Jason Kenny trained at 2800m or 15% oxygen levels. When the human body is exposed to reduced oxygen levels it struggles to produce the same amount of energy that it would at normal sea level conditions. This struggle means a host of physiological adaptations occur that enhance the bodies respiratory and cardio-vascular systems. In simple terms our aim is to get Simons body to utilise oxygen more efficiently and increase his V02 max in a smaller time period than would be required if training at sea level conditions as he is now only 7 weeks out from the marathon.

                                 Simon baseline heart rate and blood oxygen saturation (SpO2 ) levels were measured before he entered the gym. Simon completed a simple ramp test to see how susceptible he was to altitude, during this test his heart rate and (SpO2) levels were continually monitored. After a few minutes recovery the two boys started the session. This included 3 different sections:

Section 1 Treadmill: 6x 30sec on/ 30 sec off @ 16km/hr

2 min recovery

Section 2 Row: 6 x 150m rows (aim was to complete each one in under 30 sec) / 30 sec recovery after each one.

2min recovery

Section 3 Bike: 6 x 30sec on/ 30 sec off @ gear 15 and Aim was to stay over 130 RPM on each effort

5 min recovery/cool Down

Again throughout the session the guys SpO2 levels and Heart Rate were continually monitored. From this we noted Simon is capable of working at an intensity that drops his SpO2 % levels into the low 70’s. This is a testament to the athlete he has become and his training to date, as most athletes once they reach the lower 80’s tend to give up!  It was a joy working with Simon and seeing how driven he is to achieve his goal.

On the 25th of August Simon competed in the Dublin 10 Mile race in preparation for the Dublin Marathon. Simon completed this with a group of 12 people from IDS in cappagh Hospital. Simon ran with the group as they were there to support and encouarge his fantastic achievements to date and considering 90% of this group never ran before, so it was an amazing result for everyone involved. After much pressure Simon was forced to leave the group and to get in a good run. Considering a couple of pit stops to attend to his leg he did a good run in 1:24:44hrs. Well done to everyone involved and it's fantastic to see everyone making such a huge effort and being there to support Simon. Well done...!

Also this week Simon started increasing his miles. He knocked up a staggering 68miles. Simon is doing veryu well and is comfortable now with his leg. All the fine tunning has finally paid off and he is able to concentrate now on his runs. A few issues that have arisen is the issue with his shin on his left foot, with excess compensation and constant pounding it has left him with some discomfort around the tibia. With rest he is recovering well and using hot and cold packs has taken down the inflamation nicely. Alowing him to continue on with his training. 

Well 10 weeks to go and countdown has really begun.. I can now finally say I feel comfortable in the running blade.  Even though it still takes me 20 mins to settle into the socket, each time I put it on to run .I really feel all the hard work has started to pay off. It’s not till I take a min to recall the months of up’s and downs since January do I realise how far we have come as a team. I have learned so much about the body, how it all works and connects together , everything playing a vital role in my completing my challenge , from the mind to the feet  and its comparison to a machine, and like a machine all the components need to be looked after and serviced regularly. It’s also learning and understanding how it all works. From this you learn to respect your body. If you look after it, listen to it you will start to realise anything is possible with the right tools..On the 25th August I will compete in the Dublin 10 mile race … I am not looking for any time just happy that I have inspired a group of about 12  from the prosthetic clinic [IDS Cappagh  Hospital , Finglas Dublin ]  to run with me .For most of these it will be there first time entering such an event and a first to run 10 miles .Some have expressed a concern about slowing me up , but we will start as a group and finish as a group , This for me is to show as a team you can do so much more  For me it’s all about participation and the taking part.
                                                                                                                                                  Simon Baker

With training in full flight Simon is progessing exceptionally. He is committed as always and following the program with great detail and leaving no stone unturned. As mileage increses now, his stride pattern is comfortable and his running ability has become second to none. He has encountered a few small issues in the lower lumbar area as a result of changes having been made to the running blade. But these fine tunining moments were well and truly forseen. Simon has been using the pool in the University Arena to help create less impact on the joints and keep constant symmetry. With the re-introduction of serious core work in the gym , he is back on track and with the increased input of Orla Smyth, Sports injury therapist twice and three times a week, he is feeling the benefits.

Simon has also had the pleasure of meeting and running with Walter Bortz, who is 82yrs young and is on a mission to complete a 100 marathons before he is a 100yrs. Walter with his wife Ruth Anne, who is also 82, completed a full Marathon created by Derek Mackessy of the University Arena. Walter was accompanied along the way by Simon & Director of the University Arena Dave Mahedy. An inspiration and proof that fitness is key to lngevity and good health.

Biomechanics performance tests number 3

It was great to see Simon back in the biomechanics lab at the University of Limerick fit and healthy and raring to go. PhD student Laura-Anne Furlong and myself put Simon through his paces with balances tests, running and walking gait analysis and drop jump strength tests.

First up, the balance tests. This is an indication of core strength, flexibility and muscular support around the hips and feet that Simon has been working on tirelessly with Jason Kenny. Today not only did Simon improve balance performance by 11.1% on his good left leg, he showed an amazing 23.7% improvement on the right prosthetic leg. This should mean a smoother running action and ability to cope better with the odd bump the Dublin marathon road surface throws up.

Next was gait analysis and Simon is showing more propulsion with each step indicated by higher underfoot vertical forces. Given the additional spring the right prosthetic blade is providing, minus the momentum and body weight normally found in in the right lower leg, Simon and Jason have developed a smooth running style by increasing left leg strength and maintaining right leg strength. Overall the impulse (force x time) is equal and running is a lot smoother than it was in January! Step length has shortened a little but if it feels comfortable for Simon it is not a problem and some more flexibility work will add a couple of centimetres before October.

Drop jump explosive jump tests were really impressive. Compared to January Simon is now jumping higher, producing more force for the same amount of time on the ground. Simon’s Reactive Strength Index has increased 19% left leg and 15% right leg. What this means is that Simon can now expend less energy to gain the same amount of push for each running stride, running more efficiently.

Individually the values from these tests might not mean much to the runner, but add them all together and the % increase in performance shows all the training has been spot on.

One more set of tests planned for early September.

                                                                                                                                    Dr.Ian Kenny

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