5k... and an interesting visit to the physio

Hello lovely running friends!

It's been an interesting kind-of day. I woke up with the urge to run, good because it was my day off. I had planned to try and do another long run of around 12k, but I got volunteered to give my dad a lift somewhere. Yes, I'm back living at home aged 43. Not what I had planned... but such is life!!

So my running time was cut somewhat short, and I only really had time to fit a 5k in. Not my fastest 5k at 33:03, but also not my slowest by any means, and what I was happy about was that my first km pace was equal to my last (6:37). The first was level and I was using everything I had to slow down and pace myself. The last one was up a short but very nasty little hill, so I'm happy with that. The ones in the middle varied a bit as there's some funny business with paths and steps as I change from the canal towpath, run down a short road, and onto the Middlewood Way. But - whilst not traditional negative splits, it's a start. I was also really pleased that nothing hurt, and I feel great after it. I'm hoping my next run will be a longer one

So - back home, cup of tea, shower, cup of tea, lunch, cup of tea (see a pattern here?) then the physio again, who was very pleased with my progress and said "just keep doing what you're doing" and wants to see me back in a month. Nice to have a vote of confidence. He also told me how to get from the main road to the other canal I'm wanting to explore, which was helpful, and I may well need that for my next long run

On my way out I got chatting to the senior physio who was telling me all about this thing called spinal stabilisation. What it basically tries to do is correct some of the problems we cause for ourselves by sitting at a desk for too many hours a day and driving. Apparently we have some muscle chains which spiral round our body, stabilising everything, these operate when we're active. We also have vertical chains which operate when we are resting. I don't fully understand the details, but they have a programme called "Spiral Stabilisation" which relaxes tension in the vertical chains, and strengthens the spiral ones, which tends to relieve things like back pain, and helps you with your gait when you are running. Sounds interesting anyway, and my physio is going to explain it all at a little extra session we've arranged.

It almost sounds too good to be true, but it's got to be worth a try as far as I can see. I think it involves using those bungee cord type things somehow. I'll report back when I've tried it!!

That's all from me for now, hope you're all doing OK.

Run safe!

Neil

[ju-ju- Graduate10]

Well done 😎

[Hidden in reply to ju-ju-]

Thank you! Only a short one, but quite fun since when did 5k become a short run??

[mountaindreamer Graduate10]

Well done getting out. 😊🏃‍♂️❤️

Sounds interesting Neil...just about to start my own exercises now...(my Sports Therapist has them all videoed in a plan in a PT app, which emails me daily to sign in and do them!! 😂😂)

[Hidden in reply to mountaindreamer]

Thank you! Good luck with your exercises, hope they really work.

[Goforitmama Graduate10]

It’s great that you are open minded and are willing to try. We never know until we try, it could be golden words of wisdom.

p.s. with all this tea I am beginning to wonder if your faster runs are due to a caffeine high. ☕️🙂

[Hidden in reply to Goforitmama]

Well it kind of makes sense. The spinal stability programme is supposed to be helpful for people who spend long hours in front of a computer, and behind the wheel, both of which are me!! I shall report back!

[Goforitmama Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Yes please, do let me know if you benefit, any day that I can learn something new is a good day!

[Hidden in reply to Goforitmama]

You and me both!!

[Hidden in reply to Goforitmama]

Incidentally, I wonder if my faster runs are due to too much tea / needing the loo? 😂

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate10]

Well done Hidden , you’re doing great...That spinal thingy sounds interesting, anything to help our runnng eh? Not that you need much help! Looking forward to hearing about it x

[Hidden in reply to Mummycav]

Why thank you Yeah - it certainly grabbed my attention. I'm quite excited to see what it's all about actually. How are you doing these days Mummycav ?

[Sadie-runs Graduate10]

Nothing hurt and you felt great after? That’s brilliant Neil! That physio has really sort you out and I am very pleased with this!

That spiral stabilisation thing sounds very good indeed. I worry about how desk bound my job is (so get up and walk and stretch as much as I can). I must say, Pilates has worked wonders for my core and back and I am sure this has in part contributed to my injury free running this past 7/8 months. Do update us when you know more!

You are going from strength to strength Neil, so big well done!

Sadie-runs xxx

[Hidden in reply to Sadie-runs]

Thanks Sadie, as they say, a run is a run, and it's especially great if you don't break yourself doing it!!

I'll write about the spirally stuff just as soon as I have my first session in a fortnight, it sounds interesting actually, I have honestly felt so much better about running since I stepped up my stretching. The C25K ones just weren't enough.

Anyway, I'd better go to bed, as I'm old and tired, and am seriously considering trying a new route tomorrow with hills. Hopefully I won't die!!

[BaddieThePirate Graduate10]

Hi Neil, which physio do you use? I've come out from seeing mine a little confused. He is excellent at relieving pain, but not a runner and I'm wondering about seeing another for some clearer advice.