Sri Lanka 2022: Ultra-marathon runners & osteopathy
What an unpredictable, challenging and frustrating couple of years during COVID with many cancelled plans, time lost with friends and family, life being put temporarily on hold. Rewind back to January 2022, a snap decision was made due to an Instagram post that spurred me to message an old friend about the incredible opportunity to travel to Sri Lanka as an Osteopath for an Ultra-Marathon.
It was a firm pressing of the “f*ck it” button - a decision I will not regret.
The Ultra-Marathon event organised by Ultra-X consisted of 250km over five days with daytime temperatures exceeding 37 degrees and humidity being above 85%, with routes mapped out over variable terrain through breath-taking rural Sri Lankan landscapes.
Before first light, the therapy team (three osteopaths, one chiropractor) had the responsibility of pre-race taping, treatment and support for the runners.
During the race, each of the therapy team were assigned to a checkpoint to provide injury assessment, hands-on treatment, and essential support e.g. topping up water, cheering runners into the checkpoint (whilst dancing along to a fantastic playlist, of course!).
As the last runner passed the checkpoint, it was time to pack up, jump in the jeep, and back to camp to get ready for the runner’s return. We then provided post-race treatment/advice and caught up with the runners and their wonderful stories of the day.
Over the course of the week, the heart-warming, motivating and very real conversations with truly interesting individuals has inspired and humbled me. This has led me to reflect upon my own approach to life, goals, experiences, relationships, health, challenges… and has influenced my return to running – watch this space!
What have I learnt?
It’s okay to be nervous to do something new, to be in situations that are unknown and to have to adapt to be in circumstances that are unfamiliar. Get outside of that comfort-zone. It’s empowering and confidence-instilling to be able to look back and see what you can achieve when you challenge yourself, immerse yourself in fulfilling environments and surround yourself with people who are right for you.
This epic adventure re-affirmed my passion for my work and the huge applications that Osteopathy can have, not just within the four walls of the clinic but also in the ‘wild’.
There is a world outside of work. It’s no secret that I struggle with my Work-Life-Health balance at my own detriment. I have sacrificed the ‘health-life’ part of the equation by pouring too much of me into work for too long. Big and positive changes are on the horizon.
Most memorable moments
Dancing in the heaviest rainstorm that I’ve experienced to date (and that’s a lot coming from a Cornish woman) surrounded by the therapy team whilst our bemused runners look on from the treatment tent (Heat got to us? Peak tiredness? Serious need of a shower? – Pass the Head & Shoulders!) It was all laughter until the reality hit that the heavy rain had quickly become a flash flood… and even then, the whole team remained positive despite the sudden camp evacuation.
Having the best views from the treatment couch – herds of buffalo passing by through a gorgeous (soon to be flooded) reservoir, open paddy fields with wading birds, large monitor lizards passing by the end of the gazebo, inquisitive Sri Lankan children full of smiles and laughter, incredible electrical storms.
The wildlife (don’t get me started on my love of elephants). The landscape. The happiness, calmness and generosity of the Sri Lankan people.
Sri Lanka was not high on my travel Wishlist, it was barely on my radar. This epic adventure has been life-changing, an emotional rollercoaster, and an adventure that will remain close to my heart.
Sri Lanka – I will be back again. Hopefully soon.
Ayubowan.
