A day I will always remember – Wednesday 22 April 2015 – the day I ruptured my left Achilles tendon. A complete rupture at the juncture of the Soleus and Gastrocnemius, devastated would be an understatement. My 2015 calendar of bucket list events included my first bodybuilding competition set to take place with Miami Pro on Sunday 5 July 2015. I continued to train at the dismay of family and friends until, as a result of my Achilles operation; a diagnosis for Deep Vein Thrombosis was made on Sunday 10 May 2015. I was injected with Clexane (blood thinner) and sent home with an appointment to return the following day and express instruction that I was NOT to lift any heavy weights. Needless to say that put a stop to my competing plans – well at least for this year anyways.

In addition, I had my very first triathlon scheduled for Sunday 12 July 2015 set to take place at the picturesque Dorney Lake, Berkshire. With the number of women partaking in triathlon growing year on year the Shock Absorber Women only event organised by Human Race events felt like a great choice; supportive and encouraging environment to embark on my first ever triathlon experience. Sadly this had to be put on hold too boo!

Alas all is not lost and there is a light at the end of this seemingly long and gloomy tunnel. At 5 ½ weeks post op I am full weight bearing and recovering well. I have planned my next body building competition for this time next year to give me plenty of time to build the best me AND I have entered the Human Race HSBC Triathlon scheduled for Sunday 13 September at the same location. I am so excited that I am hopping around in my seat writing this.

For anyone reading this, an Achilles rupture is possibly one of the worst soft tissue injuries one could endure. The Achilles is one of the toughest tendons in your body and for good reason. Three relatively large and extremely strong muscles in calf all attach to the back of the heel bone via the Achilles tendon. The forces generated through this tendon during running are some of the largest anywhere in the body. I will be competing as a novice during the September event and will be expected to swim 400m, bike 10.6km and run 2.5km so for good reason this triathlon is no longer an experience to be ticked off a bucket list; this triathlon will be a huge step on my road to recovery. My recovery and rehabilitation mean the world to me and Human Race are celebrating 25 years of organising triathlons so if I am going to do it, who better to do it with.

Inspired? Have you ever thought about a triathlon? Are recovering from injury? Do you just fancy a challenge? Human Race is offering all my lovely readers £5 off any 2015 triathlon entry. Just enter ‘KISDISCOUNT’ at checkout for the discount to be applied.

Have your diary poised and ready? Check out the Human Race 2015 Calendar here

I look forward to seeing you all there and wish you luck in the event you decide to enter.

Love and Light

The Baking BodyBuilder