Retford AC’s fell running enthusiast Gerald Connor has experienced almost every aspect of Blizard Physiotherapy’s multitude of athlete services over the last two years.
However, the V55 Yorkshireman was in a bad place in 2013, having suffered with a long term glute injury for some months.
The injury, which stemmed from issues with his lower spine, put paid to a number of overseas races he had planned before it became so severe that he was unable to even walk without being in a significant amount of pain.
As a result, Gerald was unable to run at all for 15 months, and was even told by a chiropractor that he was unlikely to ever return to the sport he loved.
Luckily, the 59-year-old discovered Blizard Physiotherapy, and, with the help of the clinic’s team of coaches, physiotherapists and masseurs, he is now running pain free, following a training plan from Dave Tune after ‘enjoying’ three lactate threshold tests, and, as an added bonus of improving his diet as well, he has also lost two stone in weight!
Here we ask Gerald to explain how all of these events took place, and what his plans are for the future now he is back running again.
Q. Gerald, what brought you to the Blizard Physiotherapy clinic, and how is your training going since you first came to see Dave and the rest of the team?

A. An old Retford AC club mate, Pete Tallens, told me about the benefits of lactate testing and training, so we will blame (credit) Pete!

I had got hacked off with always being injured, and thought I need to train differently, and smarter.

I had had a long layoff from running, for about 15 months, due to problems with my lower spine. This was leading to an array of injuries, as different areas of my body were compensating for the problem.
It was a vicious circle.

I was told at one point by a chiropractor that I probably would not run again.

However, after seeing Jenny and Caroline for physiotherapy, and Owen for massage, they got me back on track, and running again!

Alongside my physiotherapy treatment, I have had three lactate threshold tests, my most recent test being in May, after which I started my new training programme.

As a result, I have been training to heart rate for the last two years, with Dave advising me on a regular basis.

Training at the moment involves five days running, which includes recovery and threshold sessions of varying lengths of time. I also do two TRX sessions a week. Dave knew about these and encouraged cross training and factored them into the plan.

I report to him weekly as to how my training is progressing, and he also reviews my training plan on a monthly basis, helping me to set goals along the way.

The programme with Dave is the first time I have ever been able to use the right amount of training to aid my recovery, and over the weeks, the glute has eased, and I have increased the length of my sessions, and the intensity is getting there.

I have also had great support and encouragement from my training buddies at Retford AC and my partner Tammy has offered lots of encouragement. So I guess I am very lucky.

Q. What are your aims for this year with your running?

A. To stay fit and run to the best of my ability, but I am being cautious with races, as last year I had two overseas events planned, but, because of the injury, I couldn’t take part in either, as even walking was difficult. That was very frustrating.

However, I am hoping to run a 32 mile fell race in the Isle of Man in October with some Retford AC club mates. That’s my target, with as much training and racing as possible in between, so that I am at my peak, whatever that will be.

Q. Tell us about your astonishing weight loss – have you changed your diet significantly?

A. Dave encouraged me to lose a bit of weight, and, not surprisingly, he said it would help with the running. I thought I might only lose about 7lbs, but to date I have lost 27lbs!

I am surprised, shocked and delighted. The most amazing thing is, in terms of food, it has been very easy. I just eat healthily, and have never considered myself to be on a diet, but just making good choices, with some useful input from Dave.

Q. Finally, would you recommend Dave's services to other runners?

A. I would recommend Jenny, Caroline and Owen absolutely but definitely not Dave, he’s a nightmare..

Only joking!

I would absolutely recommend them all without hesitation!

Dave is not a miracle worker, as you have to go in with a bit of drive, motivation and determination, as, at the end of the day, the only person that makes it work or not is you.
Dave can give you the rights tools, but the use of them is down to you.
If it does not work you cannot blame anyone but yourself.

However, as Dave says, you cannot argue with the science - the evidence base is there.

Team Blizard do a great job, and it’s like being part of one big running family.