This week was 32km back in home territory running from Centennial Park to North Bondi and back via Heartbreak Hill and Military Rd. A run that I knew and hoped I would like …
All started well, with a group of us running along and watch for “Hazards” along the way. We made our way up Heart Break Hill (my 3rd time in 3 weeks). A cracking pace was being set but it was not too bad. In my mind it was manageable, the group had paired back to 5 of us that where even singing as we ran through the top of Dover Heights. Just as the we rounded a bend and made our way down the Military Rd hill about 2.5km out of Bondi ….
I am unsure if I tripped or my left knee just gave way … either way I hit the bitumen hard.
The full impact of the fall was felt by my hands, chin and right knee. Once on the ground, I had a very familiar pain in my left knee. One that since 1993 I have come to know very well ….
In 1993 whilst happily playing a game of indoor soccer in a scout hall, I chased a ball and ran straight into a bench on the side of the hall. I immediately dislocated my left knee cap … The pain was cronic. I have since been told second only to that of child birth. A partial reconstruction of me left knee was required and since that night in September 1993 my left knee has never been the same ….
Back to 2008 and hitting the bitumen, I felt my knee and saw that it was not dislocated, first check, ok. Then CMB fellow runner suggested I get off road. Yes, I thought top idea so I got up and hobbled of the road with “tights’ Dave and Kingy helping me. By this time other Cantoo team members had come along … I had to keep going … I started a few steps and my knee was not taking weight … SHIT I thought.
I told most of the others to keep going, I had cash for a taxi if needed, I was going to take it slow.
Two of my great pals from the Cantoo Team stayed with me, Kingy and Captain Stu. We walked 20 metres or so. I started a slow jog …. It was taking weight. But it hurt and it hurt a heap. But I had to make it to Bondi, I love Bondi …
So for the next 14km or so this was how I made it back to Centennial Park, slow and steady working towards little goals. With my great pal Kingy by my side. Talking about everything to keep my mind off the pain (why is Bruce Macaveney not in the hosts chair at the Olympics?). But I made it back … A number of times a cab would go by and it was a temptation. HOWEVER I HAD TO KEEP MOVING FORWARD (KMF).
Kingy that run was for you 
So is this the end of the Campaign? I hope not …
Back at Centennial Park … Note swelling on left knee already!
Left knee is already starting to resemble a Footy!
Eeek!
ROCKY!!!!