"I'd rather be seen on my bicycle than on a park run" - Quote from the dark side

Thursday 19 August 2010

I’m in prime shape and so are you!

I went for a physical checkup yesterday and mainly to get an idea of the injury to my chest during my fall on Sunday. My chest is by far the worst of all the injuries and I still can’t lift my left arm above my head. Yesterday it was both arms so there is improvement already!

In the end it is not that bad…nothing broken or cracked. They actually checked me for a cracked sternum, but it is just badly bruised with some damage to the cartilage in the area. It isn’t too serious and I have done two 9km runs this week without much pain but it hurts like hell when I tie my shoes.

The red area shows where I have some damage.

Anyway, I decided to do a complete checkup while I was at the doctor. His verdict: I am in prime shape and in much better condition than 90% of the people 20 years younger than me that he sees. Go me! He also added that I am in prime shape mentally as well, strong, positive and happy. He then made my day. “It’s all because you run. Running keeps you in shape physically and mentally” was his wise very well accepted by me words. Yes, of course he is a runner himself, I won’t go to a non-running doctor.

I posted about this earlier in the year. We runners are in much better shape than we think or realize we are. You can read that post here.

So, today I salute all of you (and myself), because you are in such great shape! Hats off to us all!


29 comments:

misszippy said...

Awesome! And so glad nothing is seriously injured. Heal quickly!

Jennifer said...

Johann, Glad you are on the mend! I know what you mean with being in the best shape. It took me so many years to figure it out and although I am well into my 40's I feel better than I did even in my early 30's! Cheers!

Natalia said...

Good news on the chest injury, and phenomenal check up! Mooi loop!

Julie said...

Hi Johann,
Why am I not surprised? You are in top shape because you work hard and train smart:) I am so happy to hear that you are on your way to a quick recovery! Take care of yourself:)

Quinton J said...

GOOD NEWS MY BROER!!! And hopes for a speedy recovery. Also, not only are we runners in better physical shape than our non-running counterparts...a recent study posted in a credible medical journal also showed that runners are up to 3 times sexier.

Anne said...

Glad you're healing well :)

You are definitely in top shape...and yeah, since I started running, I'm getting fitter and fitter :) We rock!

Rad Runner said...

EEk! glad to hear you are all good (for the most part!) maybe we need to send you some sandals for the time being so that you don't have to tie your shoes :)
Thats so awesome about the health talk with your Dr! High FIVE!!!

Teamarcia said...

Yay for a running doc!
Sorry about your fall (join the club) but glad to hear nothing's broken. I'm sure it's due to your supreme fitness! :D

HappyTrails said...

Glad to hear that there is no serious damage. It's great to be fit - that's why all of us 40-somethings look so dang good, right? Good running this week and mend quickly Johann!!!

Lesley Looper said...

Wow, very encouraging words from your doctor, both in terms of your injuries and especially in terms of the rest of you! You're a running inspiration! :)

ajh said...

Sorry you still hurt but I love the things your doctor said. Thanks for sharing.

Heather said...

Sounds like you got good new all around from your doctor and being told that you are in prime shape mentally and physically...that's the best! Hope that you recover quickly from your injuries.

Emz said...

BROER? Can Q not spell? And you please ask him which "credible medical journal"showed that runners are up to 3 times sexier?! I thought it was 4.

Way to go Mr "PRIME" time!!

Mike said...

It's nice to hear a doctor say something besides "running is hard on your knees"

Giorgio said...

I'm glad to hear good news about the injury to your chest. The doctor said : "Running keeps you in shape physically and mentally” ... maybe he is a runner, that's why he said that :)
Take care Johann!

KovasP said...

Speedy recovery!

Sherri said...

I have to agree, running keeps everything in balance!
I'm not sure I would get the 90% categ
ory though!?

Mark said...

Love the post my friend! Sorry about your injury but glad you are recovering.

DRog said...

Yo Johann!
thanks for visiting my blog!
go YOU! keep it up ...mental and physical benefits are huge
-Derek

judy said...

Johann I really really loved this post...esp because you are in good shape! By the way you don't ever need to be a gadget runner cuz you are a superhero :)

NY Wolve said...

Yikes ...that looks like it hurts! A couple of years ago, when I was training for a marathon, I went in for a physical. The doctor took my pulse and with a stern face, asked if I was on any medication, drugs, etc. I said no, anxious. She then said, well, I am not sure what to make of it, but your heart rate is right at 50 bpm which is very unusual for a 40 year old male. I beamed and said, well, it isn't an accident...! Made my whole day

The Boring Runner said...

Ouch, I've never personally had any experience with it, but I've heard that sternum damage is really painful. Maybe you should buy some velcro shoes so you don't have to tie them!

Andrew Opala said...

One word - "Velcro" ... no shoe tie-ing necessary

BTW I picked you as one of the blogs that stands out for me. You can find the rest of the story in an email I sent to you or at my blog: http://runningmanwannabe.blogspot.com/2010/08/oops-too-long-and-cherry-on-top.html

shannon said...

Agreed, running has so many benefits, both physically and mentally. You will probably heal much quicker from your injury, compared to a non-runner, because of your superb physical condition too!

Black Knight said...

I have a running doctor too! Sorry for the injury but now you know that you are in perfect shape. Good luck to the Springbocks today!

Molly said...

Glad everything looked okay, cheers right back at ya!

wendy said...

Wow! That was SOME fall! Glad you are going to be ok! Why does it not surprise me that runners are in great shape physically and mentally? I have never met a runner I didn't like : )

LMC said...

Glad to hear that nothing's broken or cracked! I've always just assumed that runners are healthier both physically and mentally. It's motivating to hear a doctor concur! Hope you keep healing quickly!

Christina said...

I hate it when I fall and it sounds like yours was a dosy. Glad that you go a good bill of health and your chest is just bruised.