Sympathy for the Harriers Editor

[annefsweeney]

I think something as catastrophic as a broken foot deserves a thread of its own, especially when the owner is our esteemed Harriers editor.
Steve - I am so sorry for you and what the next few weeks are going to be like (I write from considerable experience)
Still, we must be positive -
You can be a full time journalist. Can we expect the next Harriers mag to be a bumper issue - what about a holiday special?
You are now on one long holiday (not that you can do much - but still, it's a break, literally!!)
Best of all, you will only have to wash one sock instead of 2.
Just remember that you cant carry a shopping basket while on crutches!
With my deepest and heartfelt sympathy

[SteveJ]

Bad news for Steve Mort who has fractured a metatarsel in his right foot. All who have had, or presently having, injury lay offs for a prolonged period will feel immense sympathy for you Steve. Please when you can get about more easily, come down to the track (stopwatch holder?) and if you want a lift to an Inter Club, all you have to do is ask. There are enough people who train with you on Tues & Thurs whom I`m sure would be willing to place a crutch in their car...
Bear up and you`ll recover in no time.
Don`t think Steve will want injury related articles for the next Harrier but you never know...

[bobshepherd]

Hi Steve

I really sympathise with you & your injury. What a pain in the ******** it is when you are having such a good season with PB's etc.
For the few left in this world who don't know..... I also had a metatarsal problem. About 11 weeks ago my motor bike fell on my foot & hurt. Not Stressed, just broke! I started running again after 9 weeks, but I am grossly overweight and it's hard going! However in your favour, you have youth & good looks on your side & you are very sensible....
Robyn Anderson our brilliant fell runner had a badly sprained but well illustrated ankle problem at the same time as my foot and you can read about it below. (I also sneeked a picture of my foot into the same article).


www.prestonharriers.com/coniston_2007.htm

& also something that only Robyn spotted to put a smile on your face.

www.prestonharriers.com/special_sighting.htm

Good luck for a speedy recovery.
Very well done with the Harrier Magazine, it gets better & better.

[Martin Bates]

Good luck for a speedy recovery.

How did it happen??

[bobshepherd]

Hi martin

Pre-empting a reply from our recuperating editor. When my accident happened I did some research.
Stress Fractures

This usually will involve the second, third or fourth metatarsal bones. An athlete who has a second toe which is longer than their big toe will be particularly prone to a fracture of the second metatarsal.
Maybe Steve has a third toe longer than his big toe!
Stress fractures occur with perhaps a bit too much running, or maybe the wrong shoes; they do require rest, and then a gentle return to training. Phillipa is probably best to comment.......

[eddylittle]

Steve,

Wishing you a speedy recovery from your unfortunate metatarsel injury. At least you're now synonymous with the equally famous Beckham and Rooney (but without the ears thing!) who had also suffered from the same injury.

I think you can take a bit of comfort from us all that we all feel for you as we've all been struck down by injury at some stage in our athletics careers. You can take solice in that at least you got London Marathon and Freck 1/2 M out of the way before the injury.

As others have mentioned, when you're feeling up to it, if you want a lift to the interclub races, etc just give us a shout.

Hope to see you soon (but not too early - you need the recovery !!)

Eddy aka 'White Lightning'

[stevemort]

Thanks everyone for your messages of support. It *really* is helping me keep a positive outlook!

Referring back to Martin's query regarding what has possibly caused the injury; it's probably a combination of post-marathon (FLM), and also wearing some uncomfortable "casual" trainers whilst on holiday last month which slightly altered my running gait. This led to bad knee pain in my left leg, preventing me from taking part in the Preston interclub recently.

Possibly racing twice within a few days didn't help either, with both the Balckpool interclub and Freckleton half marathon last week.

Thanks again everyone!

Steve ;D

PS Looking forward to receiving articles for the next Harrier

[Dave Large]

Steve - it was quite a blow , hearing that the injury you suffered on the track tuesday night turned out to be a serious set back.

On varying notes, I'll comment as follows:-

With "Serious head on" - please ensure that you continue (or start ) with core stability exercises, your injury will not prevent you from doing so. You can also do leg strengthening exercises that will not impinge on your injury. Just because you're injured , it is not a passport for total rest - you're physio will hopefully have explained the way ahead.

In "joking & postive mode" -
1) In training and races ( for a short time only I hope) - I'll miss the upbeat cheerful galloping giraffe aka Steve Mort.
It won't be long before you come back and kick my butt and several others by once again producing quicker times than us.
2) Given my anticipation that you could still enter the Preston 10k via "carriage" rickshaw or other means - I am sorry to say that given hot conditons that we certainly hate (eg. FLM & Freckleton) , you wouldn't pick Rob, Dolly or myself to propel you .
3) If it's hot - i'm sure we'll look forward to you handing out cornettos with a smile at the finish.


As stated by others - you'll have no excuse for the next Harrier being of extra exceptional quality.


Keep your chin up .


Regards

Largey ( Dave)

[stevemort]

Had my appointment at the Fracture Clinic this morning. The cast was removed and replaced with a smaller version (which now resembles a slip-on shoe!)

Can't believe how much my calf muscle has wasted in 6 days! At least now I can work on building it up again. I also have a rather fetching velcro boot which allows me to put weight on the leg and walk again (still have crutches!)

Steve

[Neil Mc Donald]

Hi Ste
So sorry to hear that you are injured! As others have already stated take a rest, literally put your feet up and I hope you make a speedy return.

Take it easy matey! (AS I DO)

Neil Mc D.

[SteveJ]

Steve, you`ll now be able to propel yourself around the docks basin... fartlek sessions are still a possibility! Keep your chin up!