After a very challenging week at work and still recovering from my acute abdominal pain episode last week, I attempted my first run outside. It was complete crap; my treadmill run earlier in the week felt better. However, I went out with the intent of listening to my body and just doing whatever it would allow. Well, it told me off right from the start. The legs were like 2 heavy sand bags, my right knee was twinging (likely from navigating the fresh snow), and I had a stitch that I couldn’t shake despite running slow which got me worrying if it was the start of another episode. I was also nauseated when I went out for my run but that isn’t that unusual after this kind of week given the poor nutrition, lack of sleep, and falling off they hydration wagon. Usually the feeling passes once I get going but nothing was passing today. So I carried on to at least get past the toxic 20 (I know it is called toxic 10, but I suffer more from a toxic 15-20) to see if it would feel better. It didn’t. So I made my way home and called it quits after 25 minutes. I’m ok with it being a bad run. There were lots of things stacked up against me this week.
I got home, showered, meal planned for the week (we will eat something other than processed food out of a box this week!) and went shopping. And what did I find, but the cutest little socks that made me so happy! They’re not running socks but being a small animal veterinarian (and after my recent fox encounter), they are perfect work and at home socks (the words are on the soles so if you sit with your feet up, they have a saying. I loved them before I noticed that and then couldn’t resist them when I saw the sayings 🙃). I’ve got groceries put away, meal number one in the slow cooker and a plan to get a better run in on Sunday. And who knows, maybe hubby will even join me?
I’m not worrying about my HM plan right now, putting it aside until life settles down (we have a funeral to go away to this week, plus 2 fun trips planned and another weekend on call all in the next month). But this year, despite another backslide as always seems to occur this time of year due to factors out of my control, I’m not going to let it get me down. I purposely didn’t sign up for the Hypothermic Half in February due to this reason. I KNOW I will reach the distance in the spring, in plenty of time to prepare for my “hilly as hell” (the race director’s words, not mine 😅) 20k trail race in the fall. This set-back will not beat me down this year. How can it when I’m armed with the cutest socks ever, and there are still pug, pig and lamb ones waiting for me at the store 🙄😆.
Onwards and upwards, it’s mental health type runs for a bit, listening to the body, clearing the mind and running whatever my body allows.
Written by
SaskAlliecat
Graduate10
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Sorry to hear that you’ve not been feeling 100%. Sounds like it just wasn’t a good ‘running day’. Good luck for next time. Hope you get your strength back soon. Take care. xx
Thanks Lavender. I just saw the nasty weather you're dealing with in your neck of the woods. Take care out there. The videos of the ice is insane! I imagine it'll be awhile before you can get outside for a run.
It is so hard to pass up a cute pair, especially if cats are involved. I'm impressed that I was able to walk away from the pig, pug and lamb....for now.
It warms my heart to see there are other sock people here
Hope you are doing better soon Sask. Great socks there! I’ve been off running for the last couple of days with a chest cold. Will be missing the Sat group run for the first time in a year. Its that time of year I guess. May just grab some podcasts and run in circles on the indoor track
It's been a while since you've had to run the track. That'll take you back. Don't get too dizzy 😉; maybe change direction every few k is you're planning a long one just to change it up 🙃. Best of luck. I hope your cold is running it's course quickly
Lovely socks Saska, very funky. I used to have a few pair of cute socks, but everytime the granddaughter comes to visit, a pair always go walkabout, rather than getting peeved I shall accept the compliment that I buy great socks. Glad you are feeling better. 👍
I'm fortunate to be the only girl so my stuff stays put. Every now and then I will find that my husband has put my boring socks in my son's drawer thinks they're his but now he's starting to approach his Dad's shoe size so that they're sharing. I'll likely be the one messing up whose are whose now 😉
Sask, you need the pig, pug and lamb socks too, you know you do! Speaking as another sock person, it’s only right you get them! Who knew there were so many sock people on here? 😅
I hope you start to feel 100% soon. You did the right thing listening to your body. I’m already feeling less fatigued after my few days off and I’m looking forward to resuming running next week. A rest is good for all of us. 👍 Look after yourself. 😀
It took all my power not to go back and buy them right away. Although when I was lying in bed this morning, trying to not get up so early, I was thinking about what outfits I could wear each type of sock with. I'm sure I'll be heading back and getting the others once I know they are comfortable too and not just cute (see, sometimes I can let my head rule 😆).
I'm glad your days off did you some good. We're in some crazy weather again for the next few days, so I may be limited to my treadmill, which will definitely be short runs then. We shall see what becomes of it all. We just booked our next skiing/snowmobiling holiday for mid February so can't risk a fall or injury if we end up with another pile of ice again which is likely given the fresh snow, warmer temps, freezing rain and 90kph winds their forecasting in the next 2 days 😭
We definitely go from one extreme to the other in the batt of an eye around here. It is looking pretty nice out there right now, so I'm thinking I might try again right away before the weather changes 🤔
It sure is a tough month to stay on track, that's for sure! But before we know it, the snow will melt, the flowers will try to bloom and we'll be complaining about ticks and being too warm on our runs (ok, I can wish, right? That is still a good 4+ months away for me 😟)
Well, at least you know why the run didn’t feel so good, that’s something. And cute socks to cheer you up - yay! You are running in tough conditions - both weather and busy home/work life, so I am impressed you got out at all. Here’s to a more enjoyable run for Sunday. I will join you! Mental health type runs are a great idea. Take care Sask, hope you are feeling back to full strength soon.
Aw those socks are so cute! Hope you’re feeling better soon. I had a run like that on Thursday, nothing went right, heavy legs, sore knee that’s never bothered me and the stitch from hell that I couldn’t run thru oh and for the first time in 2 months I had to walk. But I still managed 20 mins before heading home. So onwards and upwards.
It is amazing the power of these forums, to help us not get hung up on a bad run, accept it for what it is, just a bad run. Sorry to hear you had the same experience but we'll rock the next one, and if not, then the next one.
I just put the kitten ones on and instantly smiled, especially when I put my feet up, called to hubby and kiddo and they both chuckled when they saw them. Goal achieved, teehee. They are quite toasty warm, too.
Love that phrase mental health type runs. Sometimes we just have to run for fun rather than feeling like we have to make a PB or be aiming for something. x
It's taken a while for me to figure that out, but it sure made a difference in my outlook on running. My transition to trail running made the biggest difference in my attitude. Running for the pure joy, ignoring the pace, stopping to take in the scenery (or to just catch my breath), take a pic or have a little snack. I still measure my distance which gives me my pace but it is what it is. Some days are fast, some days are slow, some runs are good, some are bad, but they are all runs.
Those socks are so cute! Love them. It's so frustrating when our heads say we should run and our bodies are saying no. But as you say you won't be beaten and you'll be out there again no time. Pity you can't wear the socks on a run 🙂
I probably could wear them on a short run but given they are mostly cotton, they're likely a blister waiting to happen. I got some awesome insanely bright pink 3/4 Lycra trail socks and lovely full length pink, purple, peach and green compression socks that I can't wait to break out once I'm out of my boring black winter thermal socks. Come on spring 🌷🌷🌷🌸🌸🌸☀️
Sometimes we just have to accept that there are good days and bad days. You gave it a go, when you could just have stayed inside, and it wasn’t great, but sounds like you have plans for how to make the next one better. Lovely socks, bring a smile xx
A crappy run is better than no run, that is for sure. And given how much I've been on the couch lately, it was good to get outside, in daylight. The sun is shining now aith only a light breeze so I am very tempted to get out today before the weather goes to pot overnight 🤔
Oh I love them, they’re so cute! They’ve got to make you feel better! Even after your crappy run Sask, you can still take the positives from it....and you are doing exactly what you should, listening to your body because you know if you don’t, disaster will strike....I’m sure you’ll be better on Sunday & yes, that HM training will still be waiting for you....enjoy your fun trips that you have planned xx
Thanks MC. We just booked our hotels for our February ski/snowmobile holiday so that is something else to look forward to, especially because they're supposed to get nailed with snow again. Yeehaw. It'll be a week of no running again, but once I accepted that the HM will need to wait, I feel better about it. My husband is on medication for depression and this time of year is very hard on him. Snowmobiling does for him what running does for me so I'll do whatever I can to help him (plus I really enjoy where we go snowmobiling. It is absolutely gorgeous with lovely trails). He supports all my running in the other 3 seasons, I can do this for him. I don't have to run a HM right now (I just wanted to).
No you absolutely don't need to run one right now, you're husband needs you at the moment and it sounds like you're going to be having loads of fun together?! Sounds wonderful...you need all your energy to focus on helping him get through this difficult time so just put the HM on the back burner till the warmer weather arrives x
Just love those foxy socks.... how cute are they. Well done on at least getting out and trying. Hard run but you did it. It’s difficult to know when you are ready to run again after being poorly and life does get just a bit too busy as well juggling everything that comes our way. I go on call too for a week and it makes running hard as have to take 2 phones. Constantly checking work phone etc. Just can’t relax on a run. And you are spot on. You will get there this spring in your training. It’s about getting balance right some weeks too. Enjoy the runs for just being runs with fabulous headspace included for free 💗
Thanks Wimborne. I now have the call forwarded to my personal phone so I could get out on call, but lately it has been so busy, I just can't bother. Work-life balance is a challenge at times, but running has helped, as long as I don't make runnng a chore. I've learned on those weekends and week after being on call to let it go and enjoy what I can. It helps that my race is a long way away, too, so really there is no pressure to meet a goal other than what I have set for myself. I just know I don't want to still be trying to hit the distance as I approach my race, because it is so hilly, I'll need to focus on hills again once the weather is better. Happy headspace runs sound perfect, for now 😊
Hmmmm, that's an idea, I somehow didn't think of. Perhaps I better test a pair today, instead of leaving them for work on Monday so I can go get the other socks in time for work 🤔. I definitely need to thin out my everyday sock/underwear drawer though. I'm pretty sure there isn't room for these ones as it is (and my running sock/underwear drawer is also bursting....I may have a problem.....😂)
Ah the delights of the body not letting you do what you want! Like your positive take on everything - you will do it in due course. Think in your neck of the woods the weather isn't totally conducive to running in the great outdoors. Keep battling on...maybe the vet that is you should heed those abdo pains, yes/no!? Actually, that stitch-like pain...could be the psoas muscle complaining, occurs and mimics an appendicitis - and it's not 😱. Happy running when you feel better 🌻
Interesting thought on the psoas muscle 🤔, especially because I had back pain initially for a couple weeks prior to the episode after snowmobiling on holidays for a few days. We'll see what the ultrasound shows, but if it is clear and I'm still having issues, I may need to get back to my physiotherapist and see what she thinks. I've enjoyed this yearlong reprieve from Physio but maybe it is time to pay for another wing in her new building 😄. All kidding aside, she helped me immensely with my chronic tailbone pain and at least if I do have to go back, it might notbe pelvic floor Physio 🙏
I love the idea of running to clear your head and listening to your body. Nothing wrong with that at all. I’m glad you cut the run short. It sounds like you had loads of reasons to be tired and low in energy. Fab socks and I’m impressed that you didn’t buy the entire zoo. Enjoy your run on Sunday.
Thanks Paula. Our weather is changing drastically overnight so I ended up convincing hubby to go out with me for a short tootle this afternoon before the weather changed. The legs were less heavy but I had another stitch that wouldn't pass. We kept it a nice easy 20 minutes so tomorrow we can hunker down in the house and hopefully avoid the crazy winds, freezing rain and icy roads that they are predicting. And the new socks are super warm and comfy so I may just be heading back for the rest of the zoo 😆. If I'm (un)lucky (?) they'll be sold out and they'll save me from myself
Thank you for posting SaskAlliecat. I am in need of some motivation, and your post provided that, so thanks to you. I had to smile at the socks. I may go out and buy my wife some.
I have only just finished Ju-Ju's first week regime, and it's the start of week 3. I work away from home Monday to Friday and last week was particularly busy hosting visitors from EU. So my mind was fully on work, and each evening back to the hotel, I felt I needed sleep before exercise, and a good dose of mindfulness (Calm) before bed. I did get out for a pint and a vegetable curry mid week. My guests were shocked I had neither rice nor chips with it, preferring a large salad. It fit within my calorie plan, so even better result!
So I am off to a very poor start with bridge to 10K, but I felt proud this morning to have achieved my first 5.5km run in 41 minutes. I only just graduated couch25K on 5Jan19, so I am not in a hurry to smash bridge to 10K and get an injury along the way. It's also been unusually cold in the Midlands where I stay to work, and that has put me off, as well as forgetting my running "baseball cap" that keeps my head warm. Lots of excuses, but so far, that's week 1 in the bag and only 14 days behind the trend. LOL.
I'm glad my post helped you out, and yes, definitely buy wifey-poo some cute little socks! Work can make getting out for a run a challenge some times but do whatever works for you. Sometimes a quick little 15-20 minute run is all you have time for and that is better than nothing, other times your body will be screaming at you to sleep instead. I'm getting a little better at reading my body, it seems, and realizing work is work and I can't let running become a chore (if I force myself to get out for a scheduled run when life is just too busy). If the bridge to 10k doesn't fit your life right now, just get out and run what you can, when you can and try again when the time is right. Best of of luck with your busy work schedule and congrats on the 5.5k run.
Cute socks, and mindful running - a good combination. And please take me out on a run virtually, as I am still on the IC and your runs always sound quite lovely
I'm so sorry to hear you're on the IC. My back is flaring up again (too much lying on the couch this weekend or was it the 2 short runs? or is it related to whatever caused my initial pain) so I'm off running for the next week. We've got lots going on this week so a little break will be A-ok but I'm looking forward to finally getting a run in when life gets back on track. I wore my fox socks today and despite feeling crappy and sad, they made me smile (especially when I could slip off my shoes, stick my feet in the air, and show my coworkers the "foxy lady" 😂. It's a good thing they all know I'm a huge dork 🤓 Take care of yourself and I'll definitely take you with me on my next run!
Thanks for the virtual run next time, physio tomorrow with the gruesome twosome who are pulling bits of me in different directions! Hope your back gets better and that you too can enjoy a short run when you can. Take care
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week3run1 ✅. 3 x 17 mins with 1 min walks. 
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