Calf strain healed nicely after 2 weeks rest and rolling and have since banked three lovely, enjoyable runs - 3k, 5.3k and this morning another 5k. This morning was heavenly - see pic - on my now regular running route through woods and parkland. Legs felt heavier than usual, but that’s probably because I walked 10 miles on Saturday followed by the 5.3k run on Sunday! I am no spring chicken, and should bear that in mind sometimes...
Anyway, long story long, I am going to park my 10k aspirations for a short while. I am really, really enjoying the 5k distance, and honestly feel filled with joy after every run. I want to get back in the rhythm of 3 runs a week again, and reintroduce some intervals - and maybe then join the next 10k plan. There’s no hurry, after all. 😁
Where can I post when the need strikes, though?! I feel a fraud posting on here, and similarly on the C25K forum. I am in the twilight zone. 😱
Happy running you lovelies.
Sadie-runs x
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Sadie-runs
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Lovely to see you back dearest Sadie And i can relate to the enjoyment factor. i would stick with that and you will find the longer runs creeping in without you noticing. And post on here! You've done long runs in the past and will in the future, and this is the forum where all your old friends are hanging out xx
Aw, thanks lovely Flick. And you are right, of course. Before my injury, I was naturally increasing distance anyway...once I am truly back to form, I can see that happening again.
I do pop on the C25K forum now and again, just to give support where/when I can, but it is nice to have a place to witter on to those who know me, and to catch up on progress with my friends. And I am curious about longer runs, so I enjoy reading about everyone else's 10k adventures on here! xxx
What a beautiful route - how lovely. I think you can post wherever - I haven't made my 10K either, even tho I have been aiming for a while now. Its always good to read the advice and ask for help tho and I don't think anyone minds at all. Enjoy the shorter runs
Thanks Emma! I do know more people on this forum, so am always checking in to see how everyone is doing. It is such a lovely friendly place to be on the internet! x
Aw that's great news Sadie. I'm so pleased for you. It's been a while but your patience has paid off.
That's a gorgeous photo, no wonder you love running there 🙂
You're quite right to do what you want to do with no pressure. And as for posting, I'd say post wherever you want. I know as a new graduate I loved seeing photos and reading posts from experienced graduates but that just doesn't happen so much now on the C25K forum. I guess because it's got soooo much bigger it's fairer to keep it for all the newbies' questions. But keep posting, that's the main thing! Welcome back xxx
Yeah, it was around 3 weeks on and off, but felt like a lifetime! I am a running injury drama queen though, it really was quite a mild strain I truly felt happy to be alive this morning in my lovely park. And thanks – I will post all over the shop then!
Hope that all is well with you and your running, lovely IP.
Thanks Chris. There was a tiny part of me that felt I had let people down by signing up to the 10k programme and not doing it, but i am happy I have made that decision. I shall stick close to the 10k forum though, to get all inspired. x
And all is well with the world again! The pleasure of running extra special when it's been denied for so long. That's great news. Continue to enjoy - and to post wherever you like, surely? I bet it's not long before the 10k itch kicks in again ....
You are so right, Linda! It was almost worth the injury lol! My runs so far have felt really special, and it has given me a new appreciation of the fact that I can now run. When I think where my fitness levels were this time last year, sheesh! Grateful, that's what I am. And fitter than when I was in my 20s! I have a sneaking suspicion too that the 10k itch will need scratching at some point this summer…Hope all is well with you! xxx
All is definitely well! I'm still working to the 10K plan, albeit on the treadmill. Hip is actually improving a bit even while I'm increasing distance which is great. I probably won't risk an outdoor run til I hit 10k - don't want to jinx anything and then regret it. It's dreadfully tedious on the treadmill, but even so I feel better than when I'm not running at all so this will be my short term plan. Happy running. But take care of the calf
😊Thank you dearest Jan! It is a lovely running route, I am so lucky. It is always so peaceful at 6:20am too, just the odd dog walker and squirrel. Sometimes a flock of parakeets if I am lucky!
I will join the quest, that is a great idea! I was religiously doing 3 runs a week before my calf debacle, I don't think it will be hard to commit to again. I am slightly anxious about doing myself an injury again, but hoping the chances of that happening are decreasing as I up my strength exercises. My Pilates teacher has started to incorporate weights into our sessions, and it is tough (but good!) – I did 50 variations on a squat with weights in my hands last week yikes! And I am planking like a woman possessed, so go core!
Hope you are enjoying your springtime running, my lovely friend. xxx
Nice to have you back Sadie, running in true form. Beautiful spot you've got there. You know you'll always be welcome here! Enjoy the 5k runs, continue to build strength and stay healthy. My running has been so sporadic and then I got hit with a nasty cold so all I can think about are short little jaunts right now but that is a-ok!
Thank you Sask! I am feeling fit, and want to stay injury free…that's my goal. And sorry to hear you have been unwell – how frustrating. Short little jaunts to keep the running fire alive sounds like a good plan though. I wish you sunshine and a return to full strength soon. x
Yey...nice post Sadie...lovely lovely photo, what a beautiful route? I make no wonder you feel joy after every run...that’s how it should be xx I’m in the twilight zone too, but I like posting on the 5k & 10k pages because I think all our friends who are currently on the 5k programme need to read all about life after graduation...I think, even when I do hit 10k I will still post on there...I would miss it!!! I like to read about everyone’s journeys too & give advice, encouragement & tips when I can. I also like to read everyone’s 10k journey too, & read about how that is actually possible!!!! I find 10k runners very inspiring...I can’t imagine running that far!!! I’m not quite ready to do the 10k yet either, so I’m quite happy to stick to the 3 happy runs a week, how about, when we’re ready, we could progress to 10k together??? xx
Thank you MC! Being in nature is so good for the soul, and this park is beautiful. You wouldn't believe it is in London, would you? I feel like I am in the countryside running here, and it is such a lovely contrast to the concrete jungle of central London where I work.
I find 10k runners very inspiring too, and also love reading about the triumphs of those starting out on the C25K journey. It is weird – for me, doing C25K feels like a million years ago, but I remember it like it was yesterday!
Ooooh! If the stars align, and we both feel ready around the same time…let's do it, Mummycav! I could use a buddy. xxx
Yeah, great news! So pleased you are back out there, on an insanely gorgeous route to boot!! Have a wonderful time over the next few weeks filling your running boots x
Ah thanks for thinking of me! Still no good. Am getting psyched up to see a sports physio when I get paid... gulp! Just can't bear to be missing out on all this gorgeous Spring running xx
🙁 Aw, so sorry to hear this, FPF. Yes, get thee to a sports physio. I know the cost can be eye-watering, but I am sure they can fix you. Keep us posted, we all miss you! xxx
Cheers, mrrun! And yup, I am one of *those* hypochondriac runners. It was a teeny tiny strain, but in my head it would become a muscle-tearing nightmare if I didn’t rest it. I do suspect I am over-cautious. I am highly strung, like a grand national horse. But running like a champ again now hoorah!
Yeah, those Grand National guys are hard maintenance. You won't see them running with strains.
I'm different. I live expecting an injury so when it happens l am happy that l knew it was coming. My stretching routine is obsessive, never to be missed and once l put my lower back out trying to 'protect' it. Lol, oh dear....
LOL indeed! I have a sneaking suspicion I strained my calf by over stretching. After introducing some hill training, my calf muscles got really tight (for the first time ever, I was horrified). Started stretching them like a woman possessed...may have taken it too far...gah.
Look, even something as flexible as chewing gum snaps in the end. I got some golden tips from a chiropractic near Croydon yesterday. The guru worked on my posture, now I'm walking like an Olympic ice skater.
What a lovely inviting path! Glad to hear you're over the calf strain and back out there and posting on here (what's with all the fraud stuff? Though I do sometimes feel like I'm mistakenly among the grown ups when folk start discussing their HM ambitions 😂).
As to how far you're running - do what you feel like. I ran around 5k and no more for ages I like putting in a longer run at the weekend now - but only because I love it (especially in this lovely weather) and there's no pressure.
Run what makes you happy = my new mantra, I love it, Deb! And thanks for your lovely reply.
I love reading everyone’s race reports, but as of yet have no desire at all to race. Sometimes that makes me feel that I am not a proper runner. Silly the things we tell ourselves, eh?!
Anyhoo, I reckon a few more weeks of interval runs and 5ks, and maybe, just maybe, I will start building up to longer runs again...
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And i can relate to the enjoyment factor. i would stick with that and you will find the longer runs creeping in without you noticing. And post on here! You've done long runs in the past and will in the future, and this is the forum where all your old friends are hanging out xx
I bet it's not long before the 10k itch kicks in again .... 
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