The Gwen Kieran Story to date ...

Fitness as a lifestyle is often talked about but very few people actually live this to the extent when every morning is another way to improve and find another way to train and push your body into another complex workout which will take you constantly to your limitations daily. It becomes a lifestyle when you continue that life. And only a few can live it. Even more demaniding is when your career is that of a Head Teacher for a local Primary School.

But imagine waking up one morning and not feeling quite right? You know your body and you know this is something that is more than a muscular twinge, a bit of fatige, overtraining . No this is serious and it takes a visit to the your doctor to discover actually what you are suffering from and the news you are given, is not great , in fact simply put its devastating. How do you cope?

Gwen has opened up and given us a very in depth understanding in what its like to go through the realisation that sometimes the news you recieve gives you another battle to face - one that is far harder then any physical challenge, this one is mental - this has your well being for the future at heart - this one is looking at your heart and lungs and this one is of those instances where you have to deal with it and its very real, if you don't the consequences could be fatal!

Gwen ....

I was diagnosed with a spontaneous pneumothorax on 10th June 2014. I was training for Black Sheep, I had a joint PT session with Keith Pockett on Friday 5th June led by Jason Harvey who put us through our paces. We really pushed each other and I never felt so strong, fit and lean, I was on form. We had a cracking session. On Saturday morning, Keith & I trained together. I did course 1, then Keith completed his and so on until we completed all 3 courses. We both felt really good, we were flying! I had also gained Sponsorship in June 2014, from SAS Nutrition who have continued to support and sponsor me since then.

Sunday morning I didn't want to get up (which was very unusual for me), I eventually got up after Midday and we went for a walk in the park. We walked up a steep hill and I was out of breath, I just put it down to tiredness. I was in a bit of pain Sunday evening and my body was making gurgling sounds (clearly the air leaving my lung).

I decided on Monday morning not to go for a run before work. I went to work and hadn't felt rightthroughout the day and made an appointment with the Doctor. The Doctor thought it could either be muscular or a clot on the lung and advised me not to go to the gym that evening.

Early Signs ...

I went to work the next day, I was struggling, I was out of breath walking down the corridor. I rangthe Doctor after persuasion from staff. I had an appointment for 4:50pm. Traffic caused me to be afew minutes late and when I arrived at the Surgery, I attempted to run as I was worried I would miss my appointment. I couldn't run and I knew this was then something more than a muscle strain. The Doctor was very apologetic and informed me that I had a collapsed lung (spontaneous pneumothorax) and I would be admitted to hospital. I got upset and rang Chris (my husband). I hadn't realised the seriousness of it, as when I drove home from the Doctors, I showered, straightened my hair and got into my comfy clothes. Chris drove me to Alexander Hospital, Redditch where I had my HR, Blood Pressure & ECG done. I knew I was in good shape (even with one lung) as my HR was 49! You've got to see the positive side in these situations. I was then operated on under local anaesthetic where a chest tube was inserted in the right hand side. This procedure took less than half an hour. When the procedure was completed, my first question was when could I start training again. He informed me I wouldn't be doing anything for at least two weeks and I would only be walking then! I was told I couldn't scuba dive ever again or fly for 3 months so we had to cancel our summer holidays. I didn't sleep very well that night as I was in a lot of pain. Consultant saw me Wednesday morning & informed me that the lung had not closed yet. When I coughed or took a deep breath, and if the water in the container bubbled, that indicated that my lung hadn't closed. So with little sleep the consultant told me I may have to have surgery this week and be transferred to Birmingham if my lung didn't close. This upset me and I was quite tearful that day. Rather than saying it could take a few days to close and explain the situation. They tend to give you some information and they leave you pondering!

Going to Hospital ...

On Thursday morning they moved me to the Respiratory Ward to add a suction tube to aid myrecovery. I was in hospital until Sunday. I thought I was doing ok until I went for a walk on Saturday to the hospital cafe and I was walking very slowly - it was the realisation of it all. They were unable to tell me why it happened as it tends to occur in young skinny men or in a fatal accident. They couldn't understand it, as I was fit and healthy - I confused them? (Easily done). I put it down to CTF burpees due to the lack of my mobility and thought I put my body under too much pressure??

Taking time off ... And easing back into it ...

I had 3 weeks off and saw Consultant who was happy with my progress. I went back to work, phased return, that was hard at times too as I'm so use to being strong and in control. Work colleagues and pupils were amazing! There were days when it was tough or I would over do it, but I knew each day I was getting closer to recovery. I started back training by walking, then jogging and then PT session with Jason Harvey at Phoenix. I trained with Stu Leng a few times also over the Summer. I had so much support from Sanny Taylor who would constantly send me articles and research on lungs. It was brilliant, I've nicknamed him Dr Taylor! I had to build up my confidence and fitness again and I was determined to compete at Phoenix, I needed to do it for my own achievement. During those months leading up to it, I would have good days and bad. I had made a deal with Jas & Stu that if I did arun through for Phoenix and was way off, I wouldn't compete. They really didn't want me to do it andthis is where my stubbornness, determination and resilience comes through! There were moments where I thought I had pushed it or over did it and I really had to build confidence and aggression back -that took a while and not sure if I ever fully regained my fight or attacking personality on theX-Training Circuit. There was a bit of fear still lingering. I was so pleased with my Phoenix Performance and was much quicker than the previous year. I had the realisation of it all when I finished and what I had achieved. It was an emotional day. I had agreat amount of support, kind and meaningful messages from a lot of people both on and off the X-Training Circuit. This helps to keep you motivated and .......

Getting back on track ... then getting in a fall ...

I then competed in K2 X-Training Competition in November 2014 where I won and later in March 2015competed in Ironman where I finished 2nd overall and 1st Master. I was disappointed with my performance. I fell on the Wednesday morning where I was doing a 2 mile run before work. I badly grazed my face, knee and both hands quite badly which shook me up. I looked like I had being in afight with Mike Tyson.I was determined to do Ironman as I had trained hard for this event, although my head wasn't in the right place on the day.

A new approach ...

I had decided at Christmas that I wanted to do something different and I always fancied doing a fitness/bikini Competition. I entered Miami Pro Christmas Day and focused totally on this afterIronman. So realistically I only had 6 weeks but was really pleased with how my body altered and started to take shape thanks to the help and guidance from Scott Francis . I thoroughly enjoyed training for it and was getting stronger each week and dropping body fat! It was totally different to anything I had done before and hope to compete again this year in a range of competitions. It was hard at times, as you have to be strict with your nutrition. I was eating well and not much chocolate or wine passed my lips. I competed on 19th Apriland didn't place in the top 5. I thoroughly enjoyed the day. I need to work on my stage presence and confidence but I know that will come with more experience, practice and confidence. I also want to define my glutes and legs to another level. No matter what I compete at I am always wanting to go one better, achieve more, I don't know why you wouldn't want to? It's always about achieving beyond what you're even capable of. I am very determined (some would call it stubbornness) and resilient.

Another knock ...

Life is too short, live it to the best you can - you have to remain positive and see the best insituations, it's what drives me to succeed. I'm always looking at the next goal!

In May 2015 I wasn't feeling right and just put it down to tiredness and work. I felt edgy and moodyand the smallest of things would annoy me. I kept training and working hard. On Monday 18th May I had a very busy day at work and couldn't even face going to the gym. I had organised some posing practice that evening (for next Bikini Competition) and went ahead with that. On Tuesday morning I did a leg session before work as I had a late meeting and knew I wouldn't fit an evening session in. I was struggling, I had to sit down after each set of squats, which was unfamiliar. I did a 15 mile run on the treadmill and had to take the pace down as I felt tired. I finished the session and went to work. I got home just after 9pm. I was on a Conference the following day so decided to do my 5 mile run from home. I tried to run and couldn't do it, I walked for a bit and did think aboutwalking 2 miles around our village. I thought better of it and decided to come back. I travelled tomy Conference and then rang my Doctor. She rang back at 2pm and suggested I go for an X-Ray and arrange an appointment for tomorrow. I was just feeling lethargic and lacked any umph!! I did have a tightness in my chest and a cough (which are signs for a pneumothorax)

On Wednesday 20th May, I got to Evesham hospital at 3:50pm where I had an X-Ray. I was told to take a seat, at no time did I think it was another collapsed lung. The X-Ray showed this was the case. I was in shock and got a bit tearful as I wasn't expecting it. I rang Chris and told him. His response was 'not again'. I was then taken to hospital by ambulance. The ambulance crew were brilliant and couldn't understand as my SATs were really good. We had plenty of banter on our way to Redditch Hospital. I was taken in straight away and another chest tube was inserted. I was anxious as a trainee doctor completed the procedure and I was informed that my condition was life threatening. The consultant had to intervene as tube was incorrectly placed. The ambulance crew stayed with me. There was a lot of blood in the tube so my container was red rather than clear. I was unhappy with the way the procedure was carried out. They took an X-Ray soon after and my lung was back up. Chris then joined me. I was admitted and stayed in a side room until a bed became available later that night.

Getting the bad news ...

On Thursday I had a blood test and a CT Scan as they needed to find out why it happened again. After the first spontaneous pneumothorax it is likely to happen again within a year.  CT Scan & blood tests came back clear. The Consultant saw me Friday morning and told me it could be hormonal/menstrual linked and then walked off! I contacted my HT mentor who's brother is a consultant in Canada to ask him if he knew if there was a link between collapsed lung and menstrual. There is and it's called Catamenial pneumothorax. It's very hard to diagnose and we still don't know if this is the cause. I was discharged from hospital on Friday 22nd May with my lung back to working order. I gradually built up my walking again as part of my recovery. I worked from home responding to emails and completing school reports. I returned to hospital on 11th June for my follow up consultant appointment, where I had an X-Ray again and to be told later that my lung had gone back down by 10%. I just burst into tears as I wasn't expecting this. I found this really hard as I was worried that I could never train to the level and standard I was use to doing. My sport is such a big part of my life and my identity and I couldn't imagine living without it!

On Friday morning, I was told to go and have another X-Ray to assess my lung. What a roller coaster!My lung had gone slightly up Friday morning. I felt great on Monday 15th, had planned my nutrition and next competitions. I withdrew from my next Bikini Competition in July and decided to do a different qualifier in August. I was back in the game and was focused again which was a great feeling. Tuesday I didn't feel as good, felt tired and didn't want to do much. Chris & I went for coffee and cake in Broadway and had a lovely afternoon. I knew I wasn't myself.

The news gets worse ...

On Wednesday 17th June I had another X-Ray followed by Consultant appointment. I started again with my list of questions, only to get to the 2nd one, when the Consultant asked if he could speak. My lung had gone back down and I would need surgery. I was ok with it as I knew it had to happen. I made some phone calls and had a coffee. I told the consultant I wasn't happy with how the procedure was done last time. He reassured me and he carried it out himself in the afternoon. That evening I was in so much pain, like I never experienced in my life. I couldn't sleep and no amount of painkillers were helping. On Thursday morning I was in such agony that they gave me morphine by mouth ,this clearly didn't agree with me and I was ill three times in the space of an hour. It wasn't pleasant. They transferred me to Heartlands Hospital Birmingham by ambulance just before 3pm. I was emotional, tired and drained that day. I met with Consultant that evening and asked numerous questions. He thought I was in the Medic profession, I had months of research under my belt!! I had an ECG and more blood tests done, these all came back clear. I had lung surgery Saturday morning(20th June). I had general anaesthetic where my right lung was cleared, washed and stapled. A drain was inserted in my right hand side. I felt sore but good on Sunday and was in good form with having several visitors throughout the day. On Monday I was very tearful and sore. The chest drain was removed on day three post-op with a satisfactory X-Ray. On Tuesday evening I was going home and it was nice to be back and in my own bed.

Setting a new set of targets ...

I went for a walk on Wednesday morning to the Post Office (200m) and I was struggling to put one foot in front of the other. I felt like a 90 yr old woman. That day, I knew it was going to be a long process and I had to take each day as it came! Each day I walked a bit more and had to see each step as progress.

On Monday 29th the nurse removed my stitches. On Thursday 2nd July I saw the Consultant in Heartlands. He was very pleased with my progress and my lung was in full working order. I was so relieved and had being feeling so much better - amazing what a week can do. I'm currently walking 2-4 miles a day. I am due to see the Consultant again Thursday week (16th July) at Heartlands so hopefully will get the all clear, get my biopsy results and be able to start back in the gym and start to build up my fitness. My next competition will be the UK Ultimate Physiques qualifier on 16th October, followed by Miami Pro on 24th Oct and hopefully finals of UK Ultimate Physiques on 7th November.

As a Head Teacher , what has been the impact surrounding your working schedule ?

I'm still responding to emails and keeping my hand in when needed but I've had to step back a bit in order to recover fully. I've been signed off work for 6 weeks. I have a great team who are doing ana mazing job! I will pop in next week after my Consultant appointment to say hello and goodbye to Y6 pupils who will leave Friday week. I will hit the road running in September.

If you had a crystal ball –  what does the future hold?

I will continue to compete in UK Ultimate Physiques Competitions and selected X-Training Comps throughout the year.

You have been at the forefront of X Training for a number of years, why I do you think the advanced ladies is such a struggle to gain numbers, but the Intermediate and Beginner are now flourishing ?

X-Training is growing which is great to see. Numbers are high for certain X-Training Competitions. The step-up is big, strength training, belief and confidence is key for Advanced Level. Intermediate Competitors who have won consistently throughout a competition year should then be encouraged to move up to advanced level.

With your injury still under investigation and ongoing, what has the recovery process been like?

I just have to take each day as it comes and believe that anything is possible. It gives you the opportunity to reflect and set future goals. My next Competition and come back will be Gym Ironman 2016 as I think K2 is too close.

About the sport – describe your time in first doing , finding out why it appealed to you so much and if you could pass on any advice – what would you say ?

I started X-Training in Autumn 2008 where I met Sue Henderson & Stu Leng at Sue's Boot Camp Birthday Party. I needed a new challenge as I had competed in Athletics since I was 9years old, at a decent level running 10k (38:10), half-marathon (1:24) and marathon (3:07). I entered my first Intermediate Ironman and was taken under the wing of Stu Leng. I didn't look back, my body and fitness levels changed, I was lifting weights and I had the competition appetite again. X-TrainingCommunity are fab - very friendly and welcoming. It's a great way of getting involved in fitness and achieving your goals. It gives you a challenge regardless of what level you're at. I competed at Intermediate level for just over a year and then bravely decided to move up to advanced level. I then had to look at my training in a different way and sought advice on strength and weight training with Richard Eastell. This again gave me another challenge, perspective and love for training. It's so important to mix your training to keep you fresh, motivated, challenged and stronger fitter you!Anything is achievable if you put your mind to it. Believe in what you are capable of!

Final Words ...

I would like to thank several people who have helped me through my journey - Stu & Annette Leng,Richard Eastell, Jason Harvey, Keith Pockett (training partner), Phoenix X-Training Team (you know who you are), Sanny Taylor (Dr Sanny) for his lung articles and health advice, the Fennell's, MariaCullen, Aileen O'Brien, Work Colleagues, Emma Hughes, Charlie Isles, Helena & Chris Augousti, Jo Alexander for her constant positivity, Chris & Carol Cummins for their constant support, laughter and friendship. A special thank you to Scott Francis for his input and guidance.

It's a great sport to be involved with, such a community, family and friendly spirit where you arewell looked after and cared for! I would like to thank everyone in the X-Training circuit for your constant support and I wish you every success for the year ahead! Believe in yourself and strive tothe top - anything is achievable! Create your opportunities and fulfil your potential.

I couldn't have recovered or competed without the support, time, love and strength that my husband has given me. He has being my rock, my realistic and patient chimp!