Passing the mantle: Death Race 2012

For the first time in four years I did not attend the Canadian Death Race, although we did still make a substantial donation to our Race Against Death Charity. After two full years of rehab I can say the torn adductors in my right groin have healed to the point of rarely bothering me.

That problem has been replaced by another far more vexing and persistent problem of bilateral calf tightness and cramping/fasciculations. The verdict is, this is a form of compartment syndrome that happens when I run. The biomechanics of my lower leg are apparently so off that I develop inflammation and swelling of the intra muscular compartments within a few moments/miles of starting to run. The swelling then cuts off the blood supply and causes local focal muscle pain in various areas of my calves, which becomes debilitating. There appears to be no cure for it except discontinuing the activity indefinitely, e.g. no running for me.

Sadly, the diagnosis does not explain the vexing and recurrent agonizing calf and adductor cramps that occur more or less independent of activity, hydration or electrolyte status. Neither does the slew of normal lab values, including thyroid and adrenal evaluations. My guess is it's neurogenic but there is no real way to prove it.

So I am out of action possibly for good, but the news is not all bad! My sister Cathy has been inspired by my earlier successes and has taken up the mantle of ultra runner. At the very least I can coach her well, especially on what not to do!!!

She has completed her first 50k in a good time and with no injuries, so with a little luck she will carry the flag for us at next year’s “race against death”, the Canadian Death Race!