Nerves, Marathons, and Rocket Launches: Life Lately

Nerves, Marathons, and Rocket Launches: Life Lately

Right, confession time: I’ve been a bit behind on blog posts. Not because I ran out of things to say (as if), but because I was busy transcribing my own whirlwind of an event. Turns out, trying to do the thing and write about the thing at the same time is like juggling chainsaws on a unicycle. Note to self: hire a stunt double for next time. So over the next few weeks, I'm going to be filling you in on the giant jigsaw puzzle that has been the last 6 months. Back and forth we go!!

Now, onto the big stuff—like actual surgery big. I recently had what can only be described as a major nerve remix. Six of them, to be exact. The fancy name is RPNI (Regenerative Peripheral Nerve Interface), but in simple terms: they took a bit of my hamstring, gave it a side hustle as a nerve host, and rehomed those six stump nerves with the hope they’d stop screaming for attention.

Will it cure my CRPS? Sadly, no. That beast remains. But the stabbing pains—those random, cruel surprise attacks—might just be tamed. At least, that was the plan. For a while, it seemed to be working. I even started wearing a prosthetic leg again, possibly up to 20% of the time. Sounds small, but for me, it’s like upgrading from dial-up to fiber broadband. Popping to the shops would no longer feel like an Olympic event.

But (there’s always a but), recently, the pain decided to go full drama queen. Even higher than before. I’m currently in limbo, waiting to see the doc to find out if this is just part of the healing rollercoaster or a wrong turn somewhere. When you’ve had six nerves rerouted, apparently nothing is simple.

And yet—training continues. Always. I’m now clocking in two ultramarathons a week, plus a “casual” standard marathon, two hours of interval work on the track, and long gym sessions with weights to stay strong and injury-resistant (or at least injury-resistant ish). Sure, it’s exhausting, but it’s also exhilarating. And the fire is still burning.

This year, I’m beyond thrilled to be fundraising for Childhood Rugby—a phenomenal charity helping young people from underprivileged backgrounds get into sport. That mission speaks to my core. Sport changed my life, and everyone deserves that chance.

And speaking of launches—next week, we go full rocket mode. I’m being officially launched (not literally, sadly) as an ambassador, just ahead of the launch of the Women's Rugby World Cup. It’s going to be big. It’s going to be bold. And I’ll be there, pain or no pain, with a grin on my face and probably a marathon in my arms!