danny crates

After all the upsets of Beijing 2008, I decided that was no way to finish a 10yr career.  So off I went again, to battle the highs and lows of winter training.  Pounding the streets in the pouring rain and running on the mud soaked grass.  Oh the joys!!!!

The injuries and troubles of Beijing were now behind me; well almost I still felt pain in my right Achilles every time I ran.  This alone was making the winter training tough going, both physically and mentally.

March brought the much-needed warm weather trip to San Diego. Training was finally coming together, and keep it to yourself, but I think the Achilles was starting to settle down.  I was now feeling confident about the forth-coming season and the fast approaching Paralympic World Cup.

Preparation was going very well, until 4weeks pre race, I sustained a grade one tear to my left hamstring.  Frustrating would be an understatement.  But as always, I took the optimistic approach.  Still 4weeks to go.  After 2 1/2weeks I was back into full training, with a quick 4 days out recovering from a bug my wonderful son picked up and lovingly shared with me, and the family, great!!!

I decided to race just 4 days prior to the world cup.  I felt I needed to get some rust out of the legs.  A good job too.  That was the slowest 800m I have ever run.

Sunday 25th May finally arrived.  The Paralympic World Cup was upon us, and here was my chance to prove to the World that I was back.  The apprehension had really started to get to me. The pressure I was feeling to once again lead the field in 800m running.  This was not helped by the last 4 weeks training.

As the race approached I had calmed myself with the knowledge that I had achieved in my sport and this was only the beginning of the comeback.  This enabled me to relax a bit.  I even shared a laugh in the moments before the race with the current World Record holder.  Something I would never have contemplated in races past.  All that said though. Once I put on the GB vest I had only one intention, TO WIN.

This race was even more special to me, my son Henry was there to see me race for the very first time.

Danny Crates Paralympic World Cup 09

As the gun went I suddenly felt at home, back racing.  At the bell I felt comfortable and found myself working through the pack. As we approached 600m I was leading the current Paralympic champ and poised to attack the race leader.  When suddenly I felt some twinges in my left hamstring.  Within 10m it was over.  I had stepped off of the track in pain. As an athlete that is the lowest feeling, sitting on the edge of the track, watching the race conclude without me.  This was the only race I have failed to finish in 10yrs.

I was scanned on the Tuesday and it was revealed I know had a 5cm grade two tear to my hamstring.  4-6weeks rehab.

So what now? Same as always, stay positive, do the rehab (well most of it) and get back out on the track.

See you in 4 weeks!!!!!