This whole Achilles rupture thing happened quite suddenly. The movement that triggered the rupture was not violent or intense, it just chose that moment to give out. However, I think I can safely conclude that it was a buildup of stress in that area and then “kaboom.”
When it happened, I was not surprised. I heard the “pop” and knew immediately. Frankly, I thought this would happen last year, but I sought treatment, was very careful, managed the injury the best I could and thought I fought it off.
Things were relatively pain free this year, I am in the best shape I have ever been in (confirmed by a recent fitness test – my VO2 max increased by 9 points) so of course something like this happened.
I was checking through old race reports and blog postings to confirm that the signs were there to predict this Achilles tendon rupture and sure enough….
“… I had some pain in my right hamstring along with my Achilles (usual thing since I started playing competitive tennis again). So I basically spent the rest of the day icing constantly.” - June 12, 2007
“I should also give credit to Dr. Andrew Romanelli of SPC. They had a free post-race treatment station at the race and I took full advantage. He diagnosed some possible causes for my knee pain and used ART to treat my aching knee and Achilles. He detected a lot of tightness and definitely broke down a lot of scar tissue in the area. I felt tons better.” - June 19, 2007
“Having pulled my hamstring the weekend before (still don’t know how), and with my ongoing Achilles problems, I did not do anything but ice, stretch and physio from Sunday – Wednesday. With Ironman Canada only a few weeks away this was a huge scare.” - August 16, 2007
“Other than my usual tight Achilles, I felt fairly fresh race morning.” - August 16, 2007
“This week I finally did 2 slow runs totaling 41 minutes (6.5 km). Both Achilles were still achy and so was my left knee.” - September 12, 2007
“As soon as I recover, left calf still very sore, I look forward to switching gears to some longer training hours for Ironman Lake Placid in July.” - May 11, 2008
There you go. This is one of the reasons to write about this stuff in race reports and blogs. You can trace back and find out some valuable injury history. The warning signs were there but I think it was inevitable. Other than sitting on my butt for the rest of my life, I am not sure there was much else I could have done to prevent something like this from happening. The wheels were in motion.
More to follow since I will have lots of time on my hands.
RH
Friday, May 30, 2008
I'm out for the season???
Hey kids! It looks like my racing season is done before it started.
I snapped my left Achilles Tendon last night.
I'll find out more details once I see the surgeon today.
But it looks like I'll be under the knife soon.
Check out the pics below if you don't know what this injury is about.
Plus, I've got some wicked videos of the kind of surgery I'm going to have.
Enjoy, I know I sure will.
RH
http://www.arthroscopy.com/sp09023.htm
Monday, May 26, 2008
Triathlon Canada's Response to OAT
Although I'd love to see the financial statements from event organizers to find out actual costs, I think Triathlon Canada President Stephen Holmes does a pretty good job of explaining where those costs are going. Putting on a race of that magnitude is expensive, but still too much for me to think of participating.
Check out the response below. It was sent to the president of the Ontario Association of Triathletes.
May 23, 2008
Ontario Association of Triathetes
1185 Eglinton Avenue EastSuite 304Toronto, OntarioM3C 3C6
Dear Sirs:
Re: Letter dated May 13, 2008 – World Olympic Triathlon Championship
Thank you for your letter and the concerns which you expressed therein. I can personally assure you that we are trying to provide the best experience reasonably possible for our athletes based upon budget and other constraints. The more feedback that we can get back from the athletes, the more we can improve our services and respond to athletes’ demands. In fact, our Chairman of Age Group Committee did a survey of athletes in regard to satisfaction of services and demands. Further, I have participated or attended at the last three (3) World Triathlon Olympic Triathlon/Sprint Championships, as well as a World Duathlon Championship. As such, I am very familiar with services rendered, uniforms and concerns.
Team Fee
A concern of our athletes was the level of services which were being provided to them as compared to other countries. For example, lack of bicycle mechanics, doctors, physiotherapists and sufficient managers and coaches. We responded to that need and for the last four (4) years have charged a fee of approximately $120.00 which was raised to $125.00 last year. We also strived to provide a consistent level of services for all age group teams. In regard to fees, it is our goal to break even over the years but at the same time provide consistent service while taking into consideration all costs.
Race Entry Fee
We appreciate your concern over the $300.00 fee. We also expressed this concern to the International Triathlon Union. I have learned that the actual cost of the event is $625.00 per athlete and there will be no surplus. I do know that it will be an extraordinary event, including the pre and post events. Regrettably, the cost of putting on an event in a metropolitan area is expensive. I can discuss with you in detail how the costs arise. In any event, this is a matter which is beyond our control. We have also heard rumours that the fee for Australia will be in excess of $400.00.
Uniforms
As you may recall, in our board meeting in Saskatoon, which you attended, this was a topic of discussion. Various designs were presented and it was voted upon, unanimously, that we would require the athletes to put together a consistent uniform package. As the host nation it is important that we provide the appropriate image. Our athletes are representing Canada and must be dressed appropriately. In the past we have often not been good ambassadors and have had a mixed variety of uniforms. Secondly, the biggest complaint that we have had from our age group athletes is the quality of the uniforms. Further, we have sold out consistently in regard to clothing. At the Fall, 2007 meeting, as you may recall, we discussed the price and the value which were provided. I have been assured that these are unique items which we are selling well below retail value. Our actual profit is $35.00 which is for the purpose of dealing with the administration of ordering, shipping and packing. In fact, we will lose money in regard to this matter. I do agree that the amount could have been communicated better and we will strive to improve this matter, however, this is not a “cash grab”. We strive to negotiate the best uniforms and values for our athletes.
I am concerned that athletes may not have been aware of the additional uniform cost at the time they signed up because this matter had not been unanimously passed by the Board. As such, if this additional cost caused them not to be able to participate I will bring it up with out Executive to see if there can be alternatives.
Accommodation
In addition, official hotels were negotiated with team rates for all age group athletes at the World Championships in 2008. This included Vancouver, Italy and Holland. Our past experience in regard to travel arrangements in Canada has shown us that age group athletes prefer to make their own travel arrangements, however, we did have travel packages for long distance and duathlon teams.
Management
I strongly disagree that management is disorganized at World Championships. You, as an excellent manager, know that this is not true. Again, I attended at the World Championships and know that it is not true. We have excellent people who volunteer and work very hard to provide the best possible service. While there will always be isolated incidents, we will continue to strive to provide the best services to our athletes.
We have set consistent policies as to the number of managers based upon the number of athletes attending, as well as duties and responsibilities. We require reports from our managers and evaluate performance.
Communications
I have contacted our office and have been assured that they had been sensitive and have tried to address all athlete concerns. We are aware that we will not be able to satisfy all concerns, however, I will personally review the matters to see if there can be any additional concessions. We are very sensitive to age group athletes. They are very important to us but however we do not have a lot of staff, nor sponsors in regard to age group teams. Sport Canada gives limited, if any, funds which we can use towards age group matters. Again, I recommend that if you have any concerns, please do not hesitate to telephone me so that we can deal with them immediately. I will, again, be in touch shortly in regard to the possibility of reimbursement.
I understand that your letter was sent to all OAT members, as well as PGB. I would appreciate it if you would also pass along my letter.
I will be in touch in regard to these matters.
Yours very truly,
“Stephen D. Holmes"
Per: Stephen D. Holmes, President
Check out the response below. It was sent to the president of the Ontario Association of Triathletes.
May 23, 2008
Ontario Association of Triathetes
1185 Eglinton Avenue EastSuite 304Toronto, OntarioM3C 3C6
Dear Sirs:
Re: Letter dated May 13, 2008 – World Olympic Triathlon Championship
Thank you for your letter and the concerns which you expressed therein. I can personally assure you that we are trying to provide the best experience reasonably possible for our athletes based upon budget and other constraints. The more feedback that we can get back from the athletes, the more we can improve our services and respond to athletes’ demands. In fact, our Chairman of Age Group Committee did a survey of athletes in regard to satisfaction of services and demands. Further, I have participated or attended at the last three (3) World Triathlon Olympic Triathlon/Sprint Championships, as well as a World Duathlon Championship. As such, I am very familiar with services rendered, uniforms and concerns.
Team Fee
A concern of our athletes was the level of services which were being provided to them as compared to other countries. For example, lack of bicycle mechanics, doctors, physiotherapists and sufficient managers and coaches. We responded to that need and for the last four (4) years have charged a fee of approximately $120.00 which was raised to $125.00 last year. We also strived to provide a consistent level of services for all age group teams. In regard to fees, it is our goal to break even over the years but at the same time provide consistent service while taking into consideration all costs.
Race Entry Fee
We appreciate your concern over the $300.00 fee. We also expressed this concern to the International Triathlon Union. I have learned that the actual cost of the event is $625.00 per athlete and there will be no surplus. I do know that it will be an extraordinary event, including the pre and post events. Regrettably, the cost of putting on an event in a metropolitan area is expensive. I can discuss with you in detail how the costs arise. In any event, this is a matter which is beyond our control. We have also heard rumours that the fee for Australia will be in excess of $400.00.
Uniforms
As you may recall, in our board meeting in Saskatoon, which you attended, this was a topic of discussion. Various designs were presented and it was voted upon, unanimously, that we would require the athletes to put together a consistent uniform package. As the host nation it is important that we provide the appropriate image. Our athletes are representing Canada and must be dressed appropriately. In the past we have often not been good ambassadors and have had a mixed variety of uniforms. Secondly, the biggest complaint that we have had from our age group athletes is the quality of the uniforms. Further, we have sold out consistently in regard to clothing. At the Fall, 2007 meeting, as you may recall, we discussed the price and the value which were provided. I have been assured that these are unique items which we are selling well below retail value. Our actual profit is $35.00 which is for the purpose of dealing with the administration of ordering, shipping and packing. In fact, we will lose money in regard to this matter. I do agree that the amount could have been communicated better and we will strive to improve this matter, however, this is not a “cash grab”. We strive to negotiate the best uniforms and values for our athletes.
I am concerned that athletes may not have been aware of the additional uniform cost at the time they signed up because this matter had not been unanimously passed by the Board. As such, if this additional cost caused them not to be able to participate I will bring it up with out Executive to see if there can be alternatives.
Accommodation
In addition, official hotels were negotiated with team rates for all age group athletes at the World Championships in 2008. This included Vancouver, Italy and Holland. Our past experience in regard to travel arrangements in Canada has shown us that age group athletes prefer to make their own travel arrangements, however, we did have travel packages for long distance and duathlon teams.
Management
I strongly disagree that management is disorganized at World Championships. You, as an excellent manager, know that this is not true. Again, I attended at the World Championships and know that it is not true. We have excellent people who volunteer and work very hard to provide the best possible service. While there will always be isolated incidents, we will continue to strive to provide the best services to our athletes.
We have set consistent policies as to the number of managers based upon the number of athletes attending, as well as duties and responsibilities. We require reports from our managers and evaluate performance.
Communications
I have contacted our office and have been assured that they had been sensitive and have tried to address all athlete concerns. We are aware that we will not be able to satisfy all concerns, however, I will personally review the matters to see if there can be any additional concessions. We are very sensitive to age group athletes. They are very important to us but however we do not have a lot of staff, nor sponsors in regard to age group teams. Sport Canada gives limited, if any, funds which we can use towards age group matters. Again, I recommend that if you have any concerns, please do not hesitate to telephone me so that we can deal with them immediately. I will, again, be in touch shortly in regard to the possibility of reimbursement.
I understand that your letter was sent to all OAT members, as well as PGB. I would appreciate it if you would also pass along my letter.
I will be in touch in regard to these matters.
Yours very truly,
“Stephen D. Holmes"
Per: Stephen D. Holmes, President
Monday, May 19, 2008
OAT's Letter to Triathlon Canada
I saw this on the OAT Website a few days ago.
Good to see the provincial organization sticking up for its members.
Right now it costs a fortune to go to World's.
It sure makes those Ironman North America races seem like a bargain. As a loyal Ironman Lake Placid customer, I dare say it is worth every penny.
I am interested if those going to World's this year (or in year's past) feel the same.
This Letter was sent to the President of Triathlon Canada on behalf of our members
May 13, 2008
Stephen Holmes
President,
Triathlon Canada
Re: 2008 World Championship Teams
Dear Stephen:
Our office is being inundated with complaints from our members and as their advocate the Board of Directors of the Ontario Association of Triathletes feels compelled to speak on their behalf.
While athletes understood there would be costs, the addition of unexpected fees has made being a member of these teams a financial hardship for many of our members.
The cost for anyone who qualified has now reached $675 ie:
· team fee $125
· race entry fee $300 (which is outrageous for an Olympic or sprint event)
· mandatory uniform package $250 (many believe this should be elective)
· and this doesn’t include the cost of attending a qualifier, purchasing the required competition suit , airfare and hotel
For those who petitioned to be added to the team it’s over $800.
Many of our members are upset with Triathlon Canada’s apparent use of the 2008 World Championships as a “cash grab”. Triathlon Canada’s failure to disclose all costs in advance and refusal to refund fees paid by those who can longer afford to go adds additional support to this opinion. Athletes do not see the value for their money: the management of Team Canada at worlds is routinely disorganized; team events seem to be last minute arrangements and poorly done; uniforms are poor quality in spite of assurances to the contrary and often do not fit; and accommodation arrangements for the team - particularly in our own country - are non-existent
OAT members currently make up over 38% of the National Triathlon Age Group Triathlon Team. This percentage is even higher for some of the other National Teams. Most of them are unhappy with Triathlon Canada’s apparent insensitivity and lack of respect for them as individuals and athletes.
As the National Governing Body, responsible for supporting the provinces and encouraging the development of our sport in Canada, this approach must change. An aloof attitude, insensitive to the concerns of all individual age group members, will do nothing for the development of triathlon. In fact, this may well lead to a reduction in the number of OAT (and other PGB) members joining National Teams. In a province where Ironman and half-Ironman (70.3) is the major competition, Triathlon Canada and ITU are losing the battle.
I would encourage you and the Triathlon Canada to take a serious look at the policies governing the national teams. The focus must be on the athletes not on maximizing revenue. At the very least we ask that Triathlon Canada refund the team fee for people who found they could no longer able to participate once all the “undisclosed fees” were made public.
I look forward to your actions in this issue. I would be pleased to contribute to the review of team policies I expect you to conduct this winter.
Sincerely,
Originally signed by
Andrew ArmstrongPresident,Ontario Association of Triathletes.
cc. OAT Board, PGB Presidents, Triathlon Canada PGB Representative, Triathlon Canada Regional Representative, OAT Members
Good to see the provincial organization sticking up for its members.
Right now it costs a fortune to go to World's.
It sure makes those Ironman North America races seem like a bargain. As a loyal Ironman Lake Placid customer, I dare say it is worth every penny.
I am interested if those going to World's this year (or in year's past) feel the same.
This Letter was sent to the President of Triathlon Canada on behalf of our members
May 13, 2008
Stephen Holmes
President,
Triathlon Canada
Re: 2008 World Championship Teams
Dear Stephen:
Our office is being inundated with complaints from our members and as their advocate the Board of Directors of the Ontario Association of Triathletes feels compelled to speak on their behalf.
While athletes understood there would be costs, the addition of unexpected fees has made being a member of these teams a financial hardship for many of our members.
The cost for anyone who qualified has now reached $675 ie:
· team fee $125
· race entry fee $300 (which is outrageous for an Olympic or sprint event)
· mandatory uniform package $250 (many believe this should be elective)
· and this doesn’t include the cost of attending a qualifier, purchasing the required competition suit , airfare and hotel
For those who petitioned to be added to the team it’s over $800.
Many of our members are upset with Triathlon Canada’s apparent use of the 2008 World Championships as a “cash grab”. Triathlon Canada’s failure to disclose all costs in advance and refusal to refund fees paid by those who can longer afford to go adds additional support to this opinion. Athletes do not see the value for their money: the management of Team Canada at worlds is routinely disorganized; team events seem to be last minute arrangements and poorly done; uniforms are poor quality in spite of assurances to the contrary and often do not fit; and accommodation arrangements for the team - particularly in our own country - are non-existent
OAT members currently make up over 38% of the National Triathlon Age Group Triathlon Team. This percentage is even higher for some of the other National Teams. Most of them are unhappy with Triathlon Canada’s apparent insensitivity and lack of respect for them as individuals and athletes.
As the National Governing Body, responsible for supporting the provinces and encouraging the development of our sport in Canada, this approach must change. An aloof attitude, insensitive to the concerns of all individual age group members, will do nothing for the development of triathlon. In fact, this may well lead to a reduction in the number of OAT (and other PGB) members joining National Teams. In a province where Ironman and half-Ironman (70.3) is the major competition, Triathlon Canada and ITU are losing the battle.
I would encourage you and the Triathlon Canada to take a serious look at the policies governing the national teams. The focus must be on the athletes not on maximizing revenue. At the very least we ask that Triathlon Canada refund the team fee for people who found they could no longer able to participate once all the “undisclosed fees” were made public.
I look forward to your actions in this issue. I would be pleased to contribute to the review of team policies I expect you to conduct this winter.
Sincerely,
Originally signed by
Andrew ArmstrongPresident,Ontario Association of Triathletes.
cc. OAT Board, PGB Presidents, Triathlon Canada PGB Representative, Triathlon Canada Regional Representative, OAT Members
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Mississauga Half Report - May 11, 2008
I wanted to run a sub 1:40 half-marathon and managed a 1:38:59. So considering that I ran in 1:46 last year, I was happy with my performance.
This was my 5th year running the event and it is still remains as one of my favourites because of the course, time of year, and organization.
I did have one complaint and that was the taste of the water at the aid stations. Major chlorine taste. It was as if they scooped it from their backyard swimming pool. My stomach was still acting 2 days after the race. I skipped a bunch of aid stations because I could not take in more of the stuff. Who knows?????
Although I am happy with what I did, I am not overjoyed. I had a faster finishing time within reach but my usual finishing 4-5 km kick was not there. My legs were toast. My quads were tight, my chronic left Achilles, calf and soleus problems surfaced, a nasty blister was developing by my right big toe, and add to that the strong wind during that final stretch. I just tried to maintain some sort of tempo to make sure that I at least got my sub 1:40. Not quite like the good ole days of 1:28, but I was also 20 pounds lighter then too.
After the race, I was waiting for a friend to finish and I was right beside Mike “Pinball” Clemons (A wicked football player, a class act, and he cut a promo for me during my radio broadcasting days) waiting for his wife to finish the half-marathon. As she approached the finish with her friend, he took a picture, ran up to both of them, and handed them both a bouquet of flowers. He got a huge “Aawwww” from everyone of course.
As soon as I recover, left calf still very sore, I look forward to switching gears to some longer training hours for Ironman Lake Placid in July. My next race will be the Lakeside Duathlon in June.
This was my 5th year running the event and it is still remains as one of my favourites because of the course, time of year, and organization.
I did have one complaint and that was the taste of the water at the aid stations. Major chlorine taste. It was as if they scooped it from their backyard swimming pool. My stomach was still acting 2 days after the race. I skipped a bunch of aid stations because I could not take in more of the stuff. Who knows?????
Although I am happy with what I did, I am not overjoyed. I had a faster finishing time within reach but my usual finishing 4-5 km kick was not there. My legs were toast. My quads were tight, my chronic left Achilles, calf and soleus problems surfaced, a nasty blister was developing by my right big toe, and add to that the strong wind during that final stretch. I just tried to maintain some sort of tempo to make sure that I at least got my sub 1:40. Not quite like the good ole days of 1:28, but I was also 20 pounds lighter then too.
After the race, I was waiting for a friend to finish and I was right beside Mike “Pinball” Clemons (A wicked football player, a class act, and he cut a promo for me during my radio broadcasting days) waiting for his wife to finish the half-marathon. As she approached the finish with her friend, he took a picture, ran up to both of them, and handed them both a bouquet of flowers. He got a huge “Aawwww” from everyone of course.
As soon as I recover, left calf still very sore, I look forward to switching gears to some longer training hours for Ironman Lake Placid in July. My next race will be the Lakeside Duathlon in June.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
1:38:59.6
Confused by the title???
Think Mississauga Half Marathon.
http://www.sportstats.ca/display-results.php?lang=eng&racecode=42816&first=&last=hospedales&page=0&sortby=place&city=&sizeofpage=200&limit=2000
I'm too busy stuffing my face with KFC as a mini reward.
Race report to follow.
RH
Think Mississauga Half Marathon.
http://www.sportstats.ca/display-results.php?lang=eng&racecode=42816&first=&last=hospedales&page=0&sortby=place&city=&sizeofpage=200&limit=2000
I'm too busy stuffing my face with KFC as a mini reward.
Race report to follow.
RH
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