In August 2021 I was diagnosed with a degenerate condition in my right foot which couldn’t be remedied through surgery. Getting the news from the Orthopedic Surgeon was deflating. As the surgeon himself remarked, “Patrick found it difficult to hear as he is very enthusiastic about his running.” It meant that for the foreseeable future at least, I would have to scale back my training, focus on rehabilitation and strength & conditioning, and wouldn’t be able to even contemplate undertaking another marathon.
I have been passionate about athletics most of my life, since I took up cross country running as a nine year old, and feel grateful that I have been able to take part in nine marathons and compete and win medals in track and cross country competitions at Juvenile, Junior and Senior level. I feel privileged to have made many friends through the athletics community. For a long time running has been my primary means of getting exercise and my go-to activity for maintaining my mental health. Having to significantly reduce the frequency of my running proved to be a big challenge.
I was recommended to replace some of my running time with swimming and cycling. I never learned to swim properly but my mind was made up to give it a go and I undertook a block of lessons with a coach from the local swimming club. When I moved to Liverpool last September I decided to continue weekly lessons and practice at the University of Liverpool Sports Centre. Swimming gave me a new challenge to get back into the pool and become a confident, life-long swimmer; and it helped me considerably in my rehabilitation.
I was determined to develop my swimming technique and progress to swimming lengths but to do so I would have to overcome my fear of swimming in the deep end. This took much determination and it was only recently after much perseverance that I was able to pass the ‘Deep End Test’. I haven’t lost my fear of the deep water but have learned to respect it. Swimming is an important lifesaving skill and I’m grateful for the new lease of life it has given me.
I haven’t given up running and cross-training through cycling, swimming and the gym has certainly helped me to get back to regular training. Although my weekly mileage was significantly reduced I have learned to be in gratitude again for the gift of running. Taking up the parkrun in Liverpool, training regularly with the adult group in my club and still competing in road races and cross country has lifted my spirits and made me more resilient to never give up. With practice everything can be achieved.
Brilliant stuff Patrick.
Very proud of you, as always.
Fair play Patrick! You are great encouragement. We swam every day as children, and in recent years I have been determined to get back in the water. Finally managed it this year, with the encouragement of friends. Since you’re a man that likes a challenge, why not try a bit more wild water swimming. Come on in, the water’s freezing???
Good to hear this story. I ran with you on the UL intervarsity team fadó fadó and I feel exactly the same about running. New skills from new challenges- that’s the beauty of this life. Thank God that we can meet the challenges and feel gratitude.Hope to catch you on a run again sometime or for a cold water dip in the Atlantic!