Sprains, tragedy and triumph

This is my first (extremely long) post, but I thought I would catch you up on my journey.

I have always said that I can’t run due to having terrible shin splints, and this has been my excuse for years.

After piling on 3 stone in since 2016, half heartedly trying numerous diets and work out routines, I decided this would be the year I stick to a program and start running. I remembered one of my friends completing it the year before and I was in awe, and so I thought I could at least try week one.

I started my first run in July, no gear, old shoes, with phone in hand and headphones flapping everywhere. It went ok, however my shins were burning after doing this.

Thank goodness I found the forums! That’s when I learnt about how much getting the correct footwear counts! Although I couldn’t afford gate analysis, I took myself down to sports direct and tried on every running shoe, ended up with some £40 karrimors that were fantastic starting off, and soon I no longer had to worry about shin splints.

Jogging around my local park became cathartic to me, until one day somebody decided to dig a hole, big enough to fit a pole in, but in the middle of the running path. Next thing I was on the floor, sprained ankle. I remember being so upset I asked people for advice when I should start again, I rested a week, and then cautiously got back to it.

I even ran on holiday in August! These were my hardest runs as they were uphill, I could barely complete them and i looked like a big tomato afterwards. I think this was week 5, and I thought to myself... maybe that’s the best I can give.

The forum really helped to keep me going, especially reading how other people were struggling.

At the beginning of September, I witnessed a person jump in front of a tube. This was extremely upsetting, something I’m still working on getting through.

I started a course of counselling, but continued running, and I’m so grateful I did, spending 30 minutes focusing on running really helped clear my mind.

I decided to sign up to a park run, for my week 8 run 3. Wow what an atmosphere! Everybody was so friendly and it was so well organised. Even though it was 28 mins run, I kept going and managed to complete the 5k in 30:29! I was worn out but so happy I had made it! This was honestly one of the best moments of my life, actually finishing a goal!

After that I did one more run... and stopped. It’s almost like I completely forgot about it for three weeks. Until last weekend, when I met a girl who was running a 10k this weekend. I was like... hang on... wasn’t I a “runner”? The next day I signed up for a 10k, the Olympic Park winter series on the 1st December

So I have now completed week 1 of jujus plan. I ran a lot slower this week I think due to wanted to ease back in slowly.

If for some reason you have made it this far, thank you for reading, I will hopefully be more active on the forum.

I have lots of questions to ask, but the main one is how do I get rid of blisters on the soles of my feet????

Thanks to all of you for keeping my going x

[Hidden]

Wow! That has to be one of the most inspirational posts of the year. And you are well on track for 10k if you've run 5 in such a good time. I'm truly sorry you had to witness the tube jump incident. I'm not sure how any of us would cope with that, so kudos to you for working through it and keeping running. i hope lots of people read your post and take encouragement from it. You are a star x

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Thank you that’s really kind to say x

[Dizzysmum17 Graduate10]

Well done for getting out there - an amazing and inspirational story. All the best with the counselling and the 10k - just keep following ju-ju’s plan and you’ll be fantastic! 😉 🍀 🏃‍♀️😘

[Hidden in reply to Dizzysmum17]

Thank you xx

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate10]

What a lovely lovely post, you’re determination & strength is so inspiring, that’s a brilliant park run time too!! I’m sure you will absolutely crack juju’s plan, I can just tell be your will to succeed. What a traumatic experience for you though? Anyone would surely need help getting through witnessing something like that, having running on your side will help you too, it’s so good for the soul. I’m looking forward to reading your posts & keeping up with your journey, we’re all rooting for you...👏🏻👏🏻 Also, I didn’t know gait analysis wasn’t free?? It is in my local running shop so I just presumed it was everywhere?

[Hidden in reply to Mummycav]

Thank you for your reply ☺️ Yes I am glad I had the running, it truly is good for the soul!

So I went into the shop and the gait analysis was free, but the cheapest shoes were over £120 which I just can’t stretch to this year, and I think I’d be too embarrassed to get the gait and then no shoes... maybe it’s something I’ll look at again after Christmas period is over x

[Irish-John Graduate10]

Well done! That's a lot of struggle successfully completed

Re blisters - good shoes are wasted without good socks Try switching around between different sizes, fabrics, weights etc and hopefully you will find the combination of cushioning and friction reduction that will solve the problem.

Wishing you many happy miles in your future ☺

[Hidden in reply to Irish-John]

Ah yes ok thank you! I will invest in some better socks than my current primark cheap ones 😁

[Hidden]

Lovely post. Well done for discovering the joy of running and the way that it can keep you going through good, and truly awful, times. Keep dropping in here, your experience and help and inspire others. It also makes me want to run!

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10]

Oh wow CB, I can’t get my head around what you witnessed. You’re clearly a strong person, and how wonderful that running is helping. Shame you had the injuries, but at least those are history now. 😀 Isn’t parkrun awesome - bet you’re glad you discovered that! 🏃‍♀️❤️🏃‍♀️

You’re a speedy one too, and I have no doubt you’ll smash 10k soon, no problem. Keep us posted won’t you? 👍

[Hidden in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Thank you ☺️ yes I will keep posted throughout the journey! X

[over61andstilltrying Graduate10]

Congratulations to you! 🎉And all the very best for your 10k training. A number of folk have said how having a goal to work for real keeps them focused. i expect that you will find the same. Thank you for sharing your journey.

[Hidden in reply to over61andstilltrying]

Yes I think that for me having a goal is really important, even yesterday through storm Callum I was telling myself just get out and do it or be behind schedule 😂

[Equi-geek Graduate10]

Wow you’ve been through a lot! Thanks for posting - it was a good read and I’m dreaming of doing a 30min 5k some day! The very best luck your 10K journey will be less eventful and that event in December sounds amazing - what a great target in such an inspirational location. Wish I could advise about blisters but can’t help. Take care and 🤞🏻

[Dexy5 Graduate10]

You have overcome all obstacles to get to this point Curlybird, well done you. I cant help with the blisters apart from checking out running socks which have no seams and may be a bit more cushioned. Good luck with B210K - taking it slowly is good as you increase distance. I'd put emoji snails here but they aren't available on this pc.

[Hidden in reply to Dexy5]

Thank you, I will definitely look at better socks! 🐌 pace for me 🐌