The Reluctant Runner

My Health Background

I have a complex medical history over many years resulted in progressive deterioration of nerve, muscle and tendon function in lower limbs, Neuropathy in both feet and chronic pain in both legs.

Previously therapies used included:

• analgesics

• medically administered acupuncture

• Pilates

• daily stretching/walking

• shock wave therapy

• Chinese massage

While these various therapies were helpful, they only provided limited relief and some such as analgesics were incompatible with daily life e.g. sleepiness and increased falls risk.

In 2022 I sustained a longitudinal tear of one of the tendons in my left ankle which took some time to diagnose and when it was eventually identified I learnt the muscles and tendons in my feet were in a very poor condition.

I had additional pain for ten months, lots of local inflammation and decreased mobility for nearly a year – my previous daily walks of several kilometers had decreased to virtually zero.

Surgical tendon repair was not an option

How I came to AquaSparke

After initially self-initiated a trial of anti-inflammatories my GP assisted in prescribing a regular anti-inflammatory and referred me to a sports physician for opinion re ongoing management of torn tendon and management of chronic pain and muscle wasting.

The sports physician supported nonsurgical approach, medication and added an air cast for several months. Pain improved significantly and I was advised that it was imperative that I keep moving or I would likely see further deterioration of muscle and tendon function leading to long-term immobility.

Given I had excellent results with strengthening of my torn tendon through with physiotherapy, it was suggested that further resistance work would potentially maintain limb function and mobility. The physician advised that water-based exercise would be the best option for a number of reasons such as benefits of resistance with less impact on potentially damaged tissues. The physician provided a formal referral to AquaSparke.

My initial reaction to the suggestion I attend AquaSparke

My initial reaction wasn’t great. Water based activities were one of the least attractive options I could have been given based on my personal preferences. However, the fear of becoming immobile if I didn’t at least attempt the programme had me in the pool and exercising. Time constraints were another obstacle I thought I had to overcome.

Specific Challenges

The following are just a few of the challenges I faced:

•       Altered proprioception in the water

•       Sensorimotor deficits

•       Aerobic fitness

•       Physical limitations and coordination

•       Attitude towards an activity I perceived I wouldn’t enjoy

Solutions to Challenges

•       An open mind

•       Targeted repetition

•       Water shoes

•       Learning how the water felt against my legs when I had the leg pattern correct

•       Trusting my body

•       Work within limits and gradually push them

Observed outcomes

After a short time participating in the program, I observed the following outcomes:

•       Improved flexibility lower limbs

•       Improvement in pain level – now not every day

•       Improved sitting tolerance and capacity to drive for longer distances

•       Gradual resumption of walking distances to around 30km per week from 1-2 km at start of program

•       Improved aerobic fitness

•       Some improvement in coordination – still not brilliant J

An unexpected benefit

In July 2023 several months after I had commenced the program, I was forced to miss several weeks due to work commitments. During this time, I noticed I missed the activity and the feeling of well-being/tiredness it generated. Upon reflection I realised there was something else happening. Due to my physical challenges I have to focus intently on what I am doing in the water and Di’s coaching me in the pattern repetition, I realised that this focus was forcing me to totally tune in to the moment and there were no other extraneous thoughts running through my mind.

I was in fact practising mindfulness.

Mindfulness

It dawned on me that focusing on the pattern had become a mantra and kept my attention in the moment and nothing else

Mindfulness is the quality of being present and fully engaged with whatever we’re doing at the moment — free from distraction or judgment, and aware of our thoughts and feelings without getting caught up in them  Headspace.com

Numerous studies are available which highlight the benefits of mindfulness in reducing stress and anxiety, improving mood and finding calmer ways of dealing with the challenges of life. Clinicians have also identified that mindfulness assists in the development of new neural pathways in the brain.

There are guides available for combining mindfulness with movement and exercise. I had found my own combination of mindfulness and exercise in a serendipitous manner.

Final Thoughts

Everyone has a back story that will influence their experience of the program. Sometimes program benefits will be realised that could not initially be anticipated or foreseen. The health benefits of my participation have exceeded my expectations and reservations.