the blog of balance performance physiotherapy

Jonathan Lewis wishes Oli Dudley well prior to his departure to the Antarctic

You may recall the blog post about Oli Dudley who Balance has supported in his training and physiotherapy for the 7 in 7 on 7 Challenge. 7 ultramarathons (31 miles) in 7 days on each of the 7 continents. His mission was to go from novice runner to extreme ultramarathon distance runner and adventurer in a crazily short space of time.

Oli was using the g-trainer for alot of his training following back injury he suffered following a rapid increase in volume of training in his enthusiasm for the event which is raising money for childrens charities in the UK and Uganda.

Graham Anderson and Paula Coates have been providing physiotherapy, Jonathan Lewis (me) has been trying to persuade Oli to focus on improving his movement qualities, efficiency and fluidity. Oh yes, and a little bit of kettlebells!

So things were going well until 2 weeks ago Oli decided to player fotball in the snow and ice!!!! One exceptionally painful slip and an injured hip/groin/pelvis later and for most people the adventure would have been cancelled. Oli took stock and then decided he would get to the start line at all costs, even he made it for just 10 metres. Thats spirit and determination for you.

We met today for the last time before his departure, Oli has not run for 2 weeks now due to pain (even in the G-trainer). After some hip mobility work showed Oli his hip was finally improving we did a couple of timed kettlebell pieces – a 10 minute then 5 minute continuos set – the aim was to give a bit of confidence and get the heart racing and lungs open. Mission accomplished!

Oli has managed to bring all his sponsors together under the pressure of time and injury that we often see bring men and women to a grinding halt whether they are training for the London Marathon or to join the Royal Marines. He has shown amazing logistical organisational skills we wish him well and will be waiting for him for the final leg in London on March 20th!