After my nasty tumble on Tuesday I’ve had a couple of extra rest days to give my nettle stings a chance to stop itching and my damaged hand a chance to heal.
Falling over so dramatically had knocked my confidence a little, so I was hoping that a short run with my friend (who is on week 4 of C25K) would help build my confidence. Unfortunately, just as I’d turned down Mr R’s offer to accompany me on his bike, my friend then texted to say he couldn’t run today.
I was tempted to go back to bed, but I was worried that the longer I put it off, the more anxious I would be. I’d like to say I leapt out of bed, but I’d be lying… I’d dragged myself out of bed and got into my leggings (not so easy with one hand out of action) and vest, and just about managed to get my running shoes on and tied up. I would do a gentle 5 or 6km I thought and got myself warmed up with some dynamic stretches – balance seeming ok.
It was damp outside, but not enough to deter me, and nipping back inside for my cap would hopefully keep my glasses rain free (I tell myself this every time it rains, but it never works) as I wanted to have complete visibility to avoid any obstacles.
The first km was hard especially as it became all too apparent just how sweat inducing a neoprene wrist splint can be. My injured hand became warmer and wetter than the rest of me, but I was thankful that I hadn’t been put in a plaster cast. During the next km I realized I was retracing some of my steps from my previous run, but my confidence was growing so I thought if I could just make it to the guided busway, I would see some greenery and flowers and then turn back.
But by the time I got there I was now hatching a plan to show those gremlins, tree trunk and nettles just what I was made of. I would continue on and get past the point where I’d fallen, and that’s jut what I did. Mercifully, before I got off the tarmac pathway the drizzle had ceased and my glasses were clear – visibility and a sense of balance perfectly restored, and I was ready to face my demons.
It wasn’t long before I could see the offending mound of nettles and then came to the little tree stump that had conspired with my vertigo gremlins to ground me. “Ha… not this time you b@**@**,” I thought (apologies for the profanity, I hardly ever swear). They weren’t getting me this time. I kept my eyes on the pathway, slowed down, but I continued running past my nemesis. It wasn’t going to take me out this time. In fact I kept going just to prove a point, and then turned round to go home. I’d run over 7km and did a yah boo sucks tongue sticking out as I returned past the point of my previous downfall, and headed for home with renewed confidence.
I covered 13.6km in total, albeit at a much slower pace than usual, but I was happy with that. I was slightly less happy with the state of my neoprene splint, which was absolutely soaking on the inside and is now drying on the line after a gentle wash, while I look after my fractured thumb unassisted, and conquer the skill of typing one handed and trying to use my mouse with the wrong hand.
Thank you to everyone who gave me sympathy and encouragement earlier this week.
Rasouski!! I missed your post last week. What a story! It's great you could regain confidence after such a fall. Hope your fracture will heal quickly. It's such a drag on hot days to have to put up with a cast. So hang on and take care!!
Anyone else dream of running?!!
Confidence v's Gremlins
Progress - and those pesky Gremlins
Sweat, blood and too much mud! 
