On Monday night past I met my ENT consultant who confirmed that I do need an operation to sort out my sinus problem. He pencilled me in for the 27th September 2013 and told me that there is a 2 week recovery period assuming all goes according to plan. I have worked out that I should be back in my runners (fingers crossed) by Saturday 12th October a full two weeks before the Dublin marathon my penultimate event of 2013.
In the last 48 hours I have taken the decision to wire my brain in such a way that if I train hard up to the 27th of this month and get enough long runs in - take the 2 week rest post the operation and do maybe a weeks running after the recovery period - I will get my medal and get round Dublin in one piece. At this point I am not even contemplating that I wont make the start line, in the hope that my subconscious will kick in and the op will be straight forward and all will be well. So that's my plan - whether it works or not, I will know very soon that's for sure. I am not overly bothered about my time as being honest I just have not been able to get out running to do the proper training in the past 6 weeks, and having ran a couple of marathons, there is no substitute for pounding the roads - there are no short cuts with this type of challenge!!
Operation 26.2 is now back on and I am starting to get into the running again. If I get my medal here and run my last event in November which is the Mark Pollock "Run in the Dark" event, this year will have been a record breaker for me in terms of achieving my fitness and health goals and getting way out of my comfort zone. It bodes well for 2014 which I am already thinking about in terms of new goals and fitness challenges.
I am winning the MS war right now and I am hoping if I can nip this sinus problem in the bud that will help my all round health and well being moving forward.
So stay tuned and I will keep you posted on my progress.
#Attitude Is Everything
Wednesday, 4 September 2013
Sunday, 25 August 2013
Minor Operation disrupting Marathon Plans
Last Sunday I felt pressure gathering on my forehead as I was in the middle of a 7 mile run. A few weeks ago I had the same feeling and was diagnosed with sinusitis - a virus around the sinuses, which if you get a bad dose is very painful. I took some meds at the time and thankfully it cleared up.
However out of the blue last week it returned and was causing me some concern. The following morning (Monday) the pain became unbearable and I immediately got an appointment with an ENT specialist in the Royal for that afternoon. He got me seen and told me the sinusitis had returned and prescribed a high dose of pain killers and antibiotics and said I was to come and see him Friday to get a scan to see how bad it was. On Friday past I got the scan and got the worse news, 75% of my sinuses where inflamed and I needed a procedural operation to fix it. I was just glad to get the problem diagnosed and ultimately if it needs operated on then I need to get it sorted. Come to think of it I have had a problem with my sinuses for years so clearly I need to take the action and get it cleared once and for all. I hope to get the Op in the next 2 weeks and then there is 2 week recovery time. On my calendar it will be start of October before I can get training again - leaving me c. 4 weeks to get ready for the Dublin marathon - is this realistic all things considered?
This year has been fantastic in terms of the events I have completed and the goals I have achieved. Toughest being the 67kilometre adventure race - GaelForce in Donegal. In terms of satisfaction this year it has to be completing the Triathlons in Derry and Belfast - both incredible experiences.
If I don't make Dublin it will be a disappointment for me as I wanted to end the year on a high. I will see what happens in the next week as I see a specialist who will confirm the next stages.
Stranger things have happened but at the minute I may have to give way to this years Dublin marathon reluctantly - but I still have a small glimmer of hope flickering that I will make the starting line - so lets see what happens........
Will keep you posted.
Attitude Is Everything !
However out of the blue last week it returned and was causing me some concern. The following morning (Monday) the pain became unbearable and I immediately got an appointment with an ENT specialist in the Royal for that afternoon. He got me seen and told me the sinusitis had returned and prescribed a high dose of pain killers and antibiotics and said I was to come and see him Friday to get a scan to see how bad it was. On Friday past I got the scan and got the worse news, 75% of my sinuses where inflamed and I needed a procedural operation to fix it. I was just glad to get the problem diagnosed and ultimately if it needs operated on then I need to get it sorted. Come to think of it I have had a problem with my sinuses for years so clearly I need to take the action and get it cleared once and for all. I hope to get the Op in the next 2 weeks and then there is 2 week recovery time. On my calendar it will be start of October before I can get training again - leaving me c. 4 weeks to get ready for the Dublin marathon - is this realistic all things considered?
This year has been fantastic in terms of the events I have completed and the goals I have achieved. Toughest being the 67kilometre adventure race - GaelForce in Donegal. In terms of satisfaction this year it has to be completing the Triathlons in Derry and Belfast - both incredible experiences.
If I don't make Dublin it will be a disappointment for me as I wanted to end the year on a high. I will see what happens in the next week as I see a specialist who will confirm the next stages.
Stranger things have happened but at the minute I may have to give way to this years Dublin marathon reluctantly - but I still have a small glimmer of hope flickering that I will make the starting line - so lets see what happens........
Will keep you posted.
Attitude Is Everything !
Tuesday, 30 July 2013
Triathlon Number 2 - Sunday 4th August 2013 - #ClimbingHigher
This Sunday I will be swimming up Belfast Lough taking part in only my second ever triathlon. I have to tell you that although I am a little bit apprehensive about the swim, I am looking forward to the event.
There should be plenty of spectators and I believe hundreds of competitors, so bring it on. In the past 7 days I have had a very special gift arrive to our home. My first son Conor Patrick was born on Friday and hopefully come this Sunday both him, my daughter Lilyanna and wife Kate will be cheering their dad over the finish line, that's the plan anyway!!
2013 has been my best year yet and we are only half way through. I have so many things to do in the next 6 months and will hopefully be revealing them very soon.
I have to admit the 67km event in Donegal a few weeks ago has wiped me out as I still have a virus swimming around my bones, but I'm hoping come Sunday morning at Donegall Quay, the adrenalin kicks in and the Duncan Goodhue comes out in me in the swim, the Chris Froome in the cycle and the Mo Farah in the running - its best to aim for the top!.
So I will keep you posted on how I go and I just hope that my goals and progress is helping others believe that you to can take control of your body and mind and achieve your goals. The best place to start is to write them down. So far this year I have hit every target -I think I need to aim higher.
#AttitudeIsEverything
There should be plenty of spectators and I believe hundreds of competitors, so bring it on. In the past 7 days I have had a very special gift arrive to our home. My first son Conor Patrick was born on Friday and hopefully come this Sunday both him, my daughter Lilyanna and wife Kate will be cheering their dad over the finish line, that's the plan anyway!!
2013 has been my best year yet and we are only half way through. I have so many things to do in the next 6 months and will hopefully be revealing them very soon.
I have to admit the 67km event in Donegal a few weeks ago has wiped me out as I still have a virus swimming around my bones, but I'm hoping come Sunday morning at Donegall Quay, the adrenalin kicks in and the Duncan Goodhue comes out in me in the swim, the Chris Froome in the cycle and the Mo Farah in the running - its best to aim for the top!.
So I will keep you posted on how I go and I just hope that my goals and progress is helping others believe that you to can take control of your body and mind and achieve your goals. The best place to start is to write them down. So far this year I have hit every target -I think I need to aim higher.
#AttitudeIsEverything
Monday, 15 July 2013
Climbing Higher *** July 2013
This past ten days have been rough for me - out of nowhere I have been thumped with a virus which I thought at one point I was never going to shake. It wasn't the flu but shook my body from head to toe and It felt at times I had drank 10 litres of red diesel. Not a nice feeling.
The doctor told me to rest and get plenty of fluids into me along with paracetamol and hopefully it would pass. Well I think I am out of the woods as today was the first day in nearly two weeks that I was able to go for a run and a cycle - way too long for me.
Whenever these things happen to me I become extra concerned as I feel it could be the onset of a relapse and that's the last thing I want to happen at this point. As I suffer form relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis, that's generally what happens. Virus type symptoms sneak up on you and before you know it you are in the middle of an MS exacerbation which could put you back months. Thankfully it wasn't a relapse so lets move on!!
This year has been a fantastic year all round to date as I've hit every goal so far on the list I made in December 2012. On 4th August I will be competing in my second Triathlon in Belfast and I am really looking forward to the event. There will be a big crowd on the day and it will be extra special as I will be running through my adopted home City with friends, family and others cheering us all on.
I have to say the buzz of doing a Triathlon is fantastic as I completed Derry only a few weeks ago, I definitely have the appetite for the sport. It gives me extra pleasure as someone with MS according to the textbooks and medics isn't really supposed to be doing Triathlons, so I like proving people wrong and raising the bar generally giving others hope.
In the next two weeks I will be running, cycling and open water swimming as much as I can to ensure I am ready for 4th August.
I need to get my body and mind more so strong again so I can do this event and the added bonus would be to get a personal best which I am confident of doing.
Stayed tuned for more updates as I will keep you posted
#Attitude Is Everything
The doctor told me to rest and get plenty of fluids into me along with paracetamol and hopefully it would pass. Well I think I am out of the woods as today was the first day in nearly two weeks that I was able to go for a run and a cycle - way too long for me.
Whenever these things happen to me I become extra concerned as I feel it could be the onset of a relapse and that's the last thing I want to happen at this point. As I suffer form relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis, that's generally what happens. Virus type symptoms sneak up on you and before you know it you are in the middle of an MS exacerbation which could put you back months. Thankfully it wasn't a relapse so lets move on!!
This year has been a fantastic year all round to date as I've hit every goal so far on the list I made in December 2012. On 4th August I will be competing in my second Triathlon in Belfast and I am really looking forward to the event. There will be a big crowd on the day and it will be extra special as I will be running through my adopted home City with friends, family and others cheering us all on.
I have to say the buzz of doing a Triathlon is fantastic as I completed Derry only a few weeks ago, I definitely have the appetite for the sport. It gives me extra pleasure as someone with MS according to the textbooks and medics isn't really supposed to be doing Triathlons, so I like proving people wrong and raising the bar generally giving others hope.
In the next two weeks I will be running, cycling and open water swimming as much as I can to ensure I am ready for 4th August.
I need to get my body and mind more so strong again so I can do this event and the added bonus would be to get a personal best which I am confident of doing.
Stayed tuned for more updates as I will keep you posted
#Attitude Is Everything
Sunday, 30 June 2013
Endurance - The name of the game!!
If you are looking for an endurance test in the next 12 months to test yourself both physically and mentally, sign up for Gaelforce North next year. Yesterday afternoon after 6 hours and 15minutes
of running, cycling and kayaking, I crossed the finish line in BunBeag Donegal, one of Ireland's hidden treasures. I had just completed one of the best adventure races on the Island finishing some 148th out of over 400 competitors which I was delighted with.
The course comprised 25km of running, a 40km cycle and 2km kayak along some of the most scenic routes I've ever witnessed. As if the challenge itself wasn't big enough, one of the things outside everyone's control was the weather, and living up to the name of the event, it blew a gale all day and bucketed out of the heavens for most of it. This made the challenge a lot more difficult and when I crossed the line in Bunbeag I had exhumed almost every last drop of energy I had. It really is an awesome challenge physically and more so mentally. During the cycle I looked at the speedometer and noticed that it had taken me over 10minutes to cycle the last 3 miles uphill. Considering I run averaging 8minute a mile, you can visualise how difficult it was to actually keep the bike moving forward - absolutely brutal!!!
Anyway I did it and its another goal I have smashed this year in whats turning out to be a fantastic year for me health wise. In 8 weeks time I will be 7 years diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and its events like Gaelforce that keep me grateful of the fact that I am in good health and winning the war with the MS - long may it continue.
This week I will be in the gym mostly doing a recovery weeks swimming and weights program so the limbs can recover for my next challenge in only a few weeks time.
I have been training hard in 2013 and trying to lead a healthy lifestyle and I am now more convinced than ever that exercise is a huge part of the reason why I am beating MS and generally doing well. I notice more and more people are exercising which is great, but we need everyone to be doing it. Exercise is a great weapon to fight against physical disease but even a stronger weapon to deter and stop the onset of mental illness, which is hugely destructive.
I am very active on twitter and I get emails regularly whereby people are inspired to get up off the couch and get out there and do a little exercise just because they have maybe read a motivational tweet I've posted - how powerful and brilliant is that!!
So the moral of the story is get out there, get active, get out of your comfort zone, keep your body and mind active as the health benefits far outweighs the hassle - trust me on that.
Also If you want to really test yourself and get a goal in the diary for 2014, GaelForce North will not disappoint.
#Attitude Is Everything
of running, cycling and kayaking, I crossed the finish line in BunBeag Donegal, one of Ireland's hidden treasures. I had just completed one of the best adventure races on the Island finishing some 148th out of over 400 competitors which I was delighted with.
The course comprised 25km of running, a 40km cycle and 2km kayak along some of the most scenic routes I've ever witnessed. As if the challenge itself wasn't big enough, one of the things outside everyone's control was the weather, and living up to the name of the event, it blew a gale all day and bucketed out of the heavens for most of it. This made the challenge a lot more difficult and when I crossed the line in Bunbeag I had exhumed almost every last drop of energy I had. It really is an awesome challenge physically and more so mentally. During the cycle I looked at the speedometer and noticed that it had taken me over 10minutes to cycle the last 3 miles uphill. Considering I run averaging 8minute a mile, you can visualise how difficult it was to actually keep the bike moving forward - absolutely brutal!!!
Anyway I did it and its another goal I have smashed this year in whats turning out to be a fantastic year for me health wise. In 8 weeks time I will be 7 years diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and its events like Gaelforce that keep me grateful of the fact that I am in good health and winning the war with the MS - long may it continue.
This week I will be in the gym mostly doing a recovery weeks swimming and weights program so the limbs can recover for my next challenge in only a few weeks time.
I have been training hard in 2013 and trying to lead a healthy lifestyle and I am now more convinced than ever that exercise is a huge part of the reason why I am beating MS and generally doing well. I notice more and more people are exercising which is great, but we need everyone to be doing it. Exercise is a great weapon to fight against physical disease but even a stronger weapon to deter and stop the onset of mental illness, which is hugely destructive.
I am very active on twitter and I get emails regularly whereby people are inspired to get up off the couch and get out there and do a little exercise just because they have maybe read a motivational tweet I've posted - how powerful and brilliant is that!!
So the moral of the story is get out there, get active, get out of your comfort zone, keep your body and mind active as the health benefits far outweighs the hassle - trust me on that.
Also If you want to really test yourself and get a goal in the diary for 2014, GaelForce North will not disappoint.
#Attitude Is Everything
Saturday, 22 June 2013
Climbing Higher - 2013 #SmashingGoals
When I sat down in December 2012 a few days after Christmas, I was writing down a list of things I wanted to do and achieve in 2013. You could call this my goals list. I have been doing this for the past few years and honestly its much more powerful when you do this exercise, as if it really is a true goal of yours then by writing it down, subconsciously you are at the beginning of achieving it.
As most of you who are following my journey know at this stage I am a huge advocate of exercise namely running in the past few years, and believe it has been a huge reason behind me winning my MS battle to date. On the list of goals pre Christmas I put down to compete in a triathlon this year, as I felt this would be a huge challenge, massive achievement and another milestone in my journey.
For those who are not sure a triathlon comprises three elements namely swimming, cycling and running. So in January I started to prepare and bought myself a racing bike and started training on it once a week building up to twice a week. The most challenging part of this event for me was always going to be the swim as although I could swim, 50/100 metres was plenty for me and I wasn't really a fan of deep water. So I started to get onto the pool and start my swimming training around February. The running element was always going to be my strongest part of the event so I have continued to run throughout this year and thankfully I am getting a little stronger in this area and have remained pretty much injury free to date.
Well this time tomorrow night I can re-visit my GOALS booklet and put a line through another goal, as if all goes according to plan I will have completed my first triathlon. Tomorrow morning at 9am I will enter the river Folye in Derry with 499 other triathletes to start the swim. I am really excited about this event as I have heard fantastic feedback from other triathletes in terms of the enjoyment you get out of competing in this type of event. Considering I only got my wetsuit 5 days ago and did my first open water swim 3 days ago, I could be slightly better prepared, however there is no turning back now.
I never ever thought someone with Multiple Sclerosis could compete in triathlons, run marathons, cycle for miles, challenge themselves, challenge others opinions on the condition - in fact do literally whatever you want to do. Well you can. If there is one person reading this who gets even a little bit of HOPE from it then - hey presto, my drive and focus has been all worth while.
When I am swimming up the Foyle river in the morning in what should take me 25 minutes to complete, I will spare a thought for anyone struggling with MS, and others who are struggling generally, being very thankful that I am strong enough and healthy enough to compete and complete my first triathlon.
Watch this space and remember #Attitude Is Everything
Cd
As most of you who are following my journey know at this stage I am a huge advocate of exercise namely running in the past few years, and believe it has been a huge reason behind me winning my MS battle to date. On the list of goals pre Christmas I put down to compete in a triathlon this year, as I felt this would be a huge challenge, massive achievement and another milestone in my journey.
For those who are not sure a triathlon comprises three elements namely swimming, cycling and running. So in January I started to prepare and bought myself a racing bike and started training on it once a week building up to twice a week. The most challenging part of this event for me was always going to be the swim as although I could swim, 50/100 metres was plenty for me and I wasn't really a fan of deep water. So I started to get onto the pool and start my swimming training around February. The running element was always going to be my strongest part of the event so I have continued to run throughout this year and thankfully I am getting a little stronger in this area and have remained pretty much injury free to date.
Well this time tomorrow night I can re-visit my GOALS booklet and put a line through another goal, as if all goes according to plan I will have completed my first triathlon. Tomorrow morning at 9am I will enter the river Folye in Derry with 499 other triathletes to start the swim. I am really excited about this event as I have heard fantastic feedback from other triathletes in terms of the enjoyment you get out of competing in this type of event. Considering I only got my wetsuit 5 days ago and did my first open water swim 3 days ago, I could be slightly better prepared, however there is no turning back now.
I never ever thought someone with Multiple Sclerosis could compete in triathlons, run marathons, cycle for miles, challenge themselves, challenge others opinions on the condition - in fact do literally whatever you want to do. Well you can. If there is one person reading this who gets even a little bit of HOPE from it then - hey presto, my drive and focus has been all worth while.
When I am swimming up the Foyle river in the morning in what should take me 25 minutes to complete, I will spare a thought for anyone struggling with MS, and others who are struggling generally, being very thankful that I am strong enough and healthy enough to compete and complete my first triathlon.
Watch this space and remember #Attitude Is Everything
Cd
Thursday, 13 June 2013
Multiple Sclerosis Awareness
Today I was speaking to a friend who told me her aunt was diagnosed with MS over 20 years ago and she was shocked to here that I also had the condition. She was the third person this week to inform me that they knew someone quite well who suffers from MS. It is amazing me how common this MS thing is getting in Ireland and although I have no facts to back this up, it seems that more and more people are getting diagnosed Every year -frightening.
They say 12000 people have MS in Ireland, my own view is a more accurate figure could be double that number. I have no idea why this is and why the condition seems to becoming more widespread, however what I do know is we all should know a lot more about it, as if this was the case the stress of a diagnosis would undoubtedly lift.
Like every illness but especially MS there seems to be so few people who are doing well, even though there are plenty of ones leading a very normal active life. If you do have MS and are doing well and feeling strong, I would encourage you to share your story, as it will lift and empower others to try and fight back against their condition and take control. There is a real shortage of MS patients prepared to speak out and share their tips and advice of how they manage to beat it on a daily basis.
I decided to share my story 3 years ago for this very reason, and got so much from it decided to write my book and thankfully it has received a very positive response from those who have read it.
It's coming up to my 7th anniversary of Me being acquainted with MS and I think I am going to have a small party to celebrate that particular birthday. I have a lot to thank my MS dx for as one thing I do know is that it has made me STRONGER!
Thankfully my health is tip top at the minute, I'm running and training hard and the MS is in my pocket for the time being. Long may it continue.
Later this year I will be out and about sharing my story speaking at some events. Keep an eye on my site for updates www.conordevine.com
#Attitude Is Everything
#Cd
They say 12000 people have MS in Ireland, my own view is a more accurate figure could be double that number. I have no idea why this is and why the condition seems to becoming more widespread, however what I do know is we all should know a lot more about it, as if this was the case the stress of a diagnosis would undoubtedly lift.
Like every illness but especially MS there seems to be so few people who are doing well, even though there are plenty of ones leading a very normal active life. If you do have MS and are doing well and feeling strong, I would encourage you to share your story, as it will lift and empower others to try and fight back against their condition and take control. There is a real shortage of MS patients prepared to speak out and share their tips and advice of how they manage to beat it on a daily basis.
I decided to share my story 3 years ago for this very reason, and got so much from it decided to write my book and thankfully it has received a very positive response from those who have read it.
It's coming up to my 7th anniversary of Me being acquainted with MS and I think I am going to have a small party to celebrate that particular birthday. I have a lot to thank my MS dx for as one thing I do know is that it has made me STRONGER!
Thankfully my health is tip top at the minute, I'm running and training hard and the MS is in my pocket for the time being. Long may it continue.
Later this year I will be out and about sharing my story speaking at some events. Keep an eye on my site for updates www.conordevine.com
#Attitude Is Everything
#Cd
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