The prodigal runner returns. I've missed you all :)

[316neil]

Hello lovely running friends,

Well, it's been a while! I've actually been off HealthUnlocked for a few months and deleted my account, but I'm back now, although without my lovely graduate badges *sniff*, I guess I'll have to run another 10k to prove I can still do it I've not been one for social media much recently, and had a bit of a meltdown a few months ago, but I've really missed this forum and the support you've all given me. Strava is actually really good, but it's not the same as these forums. So here I am!

Running wise? Well yes, I'm still running! For those who remember me and my struggles from a few months back, I was doing really well, and aiming for a HM in March, and by early January I got up to 17.5k, but due to a silly error on my part, forgetting to put my orthotic insoles in my new trail shoes (don't ask!), yet still remembering to take the stock insoles out, I ended up with blisters, and some horrendous muscle issue on my left knee/thigh. It took me ages to come back from that. I remember my elation at reaching 5k again, when I'd only been able to do about 3k before my knee seized up.

Every runner's cloud has a silver lining though. One good thing that's come out of all of this is that when you're constantly doing 2 and 3k without increasing distance much, your pace improves naturally, and I went from doing 6:30 kms to well under 6, in fact I think my record is something like 5:15 or 5:20 now. The other thing is that having been running for a while now (I graduated C25k in Nov 2017 I think) I've felt able to run on consecutive days sometimes, and that has really helped my fitness level, plus I've lost half a stone since upping my running. I don't run every day, and certainly not consecutive long runs, but doing between 2 and 4k during lunch times at work has been wonderful.

I've finally worked out how Garmin calculates VO2Max as well - pretty sure it's take a random number between about -5 and +5 and add that to 40. I don't worry so much about VO2Max now

I still plan to do a HM this year at some point. I think when I get back up to 15k I'll start looking for one. I'm currently hovering round the 11k-ish mark and taking it slowly, injury is not nice.

Enough waffle from me for one evening. If any of my old friends from here would like to re-friend me, that'd be nice

Happy running folks!

Neil

P.S. Oldfloss told me I had to write this post!!

P.P.S. I should also add that I've actually started managing sub-30 minute 5k's now. I never thought I'd see the day. I mean, not very sub 30, my fastest was about 28:40 I think, but hey, it's progress

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate10]

Hi Neil, long time no heard, nice to hear from you, interesting post, I am glad that you are still enjoying your runs.

I am still here congratulating runners that complete the course and telling them how to get their graduation badge and giving some general advice.

I have just recently reran C25K and now going on to the Stepping stone podcasts with Laura. That 'dream' of running a sub 30 minute 5K has still not come true to me, congratulations to you for your sub 30 minute 5k in 28.40, perhaps if I keep running the 5K distance I may get a time of 29.59. Onwards and upwards for you.

[316neil Graduate10 in reply to AlMorr]

Thanks AlMorr , it's certainly good to be back, and it sounds like you've not all forgotten me judging by the state of my inbox this morning Good to know you're still here too, you are kind-of a rock as far as I'm concerned! My last post on the C25K forum before I left was actually saying that I'd done my first 30 minute 5k, not sub-30, but 30:00 - and I wasn't even trying, I was just on a longer run. I do appreciate all your support though, thank you!

[Tasha99 Graduate10]

Hello Neil! Well I still catch you on Strava 👍🏽 You can get a 10 mile badge now - just find the right post to ask for it.

[316neil Graduate10 in reply to Tasha99]

Thank you Tasha99 , I didn't know about the 10 mile badge, but I have done 10 miles, nearly 11 in fact, so I guess that means I can ask for it now

[UpTheStanley Graduate10]

Welcome home Neil. When I ran without my supportive insoles, my achilles dumped me on the IC for a fortnight ☹️

And 28’40” is very sub-30 mins! 👍😀

[316neil Graduate10 in reply to UpTheStanley]

Thanks UpTheStanley , yeah it is home Insoles eh?!

I think my problem is I worry too much about how other people are doing in comparison to me, and kind-of forget that my running journey is my own. I have friends at church who run, most of whom are faster than I am, so I constantly feel like I have to prove something, when I don't. I'll learn

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10]

You've got the badge now... But if you want to run it all again

Great to have you back here

And.. you are very speedy....and, we have missed you a lot... and Strava is good... but this is home... and family xxx

[316neil Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss]

Awww thank you for the warm welcome back Oldfloss , it doesn't matter how long I've been away, I'd still have had you in my head repeating "slow and steady" like some sort of parrot, obviously a very lovely one Thanks for sorting the badges for me, I really appreciate that.

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10]

Hi Neil, how lovely to hear from you again. Welcome back! 😀

Glad all’s back to being well with you now and that running has helped that process. Yes I certainly remember your insole issue!

So keep posting! It’ll be fantastic following you on your HM journey - I’m currently aiming for 10 miles myself - did 14k this week ..... then just maybe a HM could be in my future too!

Exciting times! 👍👏👊🏃‍♀️🏃😀

[316neil Graduate10 in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Thanks cheeky! Yes, I remember the insole issue too, in fact my left calf still remembers it, and lower legs are prone to tightening up just at the thought of it. I think I'm going to have to install some sort of permanent foam roller 😂

Sounds like you're doing really really well though, congratulations on your progress, really lovely to see.

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10 in reply to 316neil]

Your poor calf is your constant reminder never to forget your insoles again! 😅😅

Thanks, yes I’m really enjoying my running at the moment. Isn’t it wonderful having it in our lives? 🏃‍♀️🏃🏃‍♀️🏃😀

[316neil Graduate10 in reply to cheekychipmunks]

I actually got a second pair of the insoles, that would have been way cheaper than what I've spent on the physio 🤣 Yes, it is wonderful actually, I love the way it can lift my mood. I know that if I just get out for a 20 minute run during my lunch break on a day when I'm stressed, it just sorts me right out.

[UnfitNoMore Graduate10]

Welcome back Neil. I think I remember rightly in that you were running Lyme park pretty recently... in which case there’s a HM in Tatton Park on November 3rd that I’m aiming at now. 29:59 is sub 30... 29 is very sub 30... don’t knock your achievement, it’s very very sub 30.

[316neil Graduate10 in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Thanks! Yes Lyme is one of my regular haunts, though I have yet to brave a park run. It's flippin' hilly, one of the hilliest in the country. I have run the course by myself, and might even do that this weekend for "fun", if you can call mountaineering fun.

I'll certainly have a good think about Tatton, sounds like it could be a possibility. I'm determined I want to reach the HM distance by myself first though

[UnfitNoMore Graduate10 in reply to 316neil]

I was knackered as tailwalker at Lyme... that first km is damn tough... I do fancy training on that bit of it though, that would be a great hill session... rest of it is pretty easy!

23 weeks to Tatton, if you’re ready by then it would be a pleasure to run with you. If not, we shall meet at some point.

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate10]

Hi Neil, lovely to have you back posting your running news again..we have missed you on here, even though you are on Strava.

You have gotten faster and stronger lately and that HM is definitely in your sights again if you want it. Your lovely buddy Sadie is on that mission too!

Remember to keep posting now you are back...we know you love a cuppa and a chat!😊xxx

[316neil Graduate10 in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

Awww thanks Jan. Yes I'm definitely going to work up to the HM distance again, I was getting within a few k of it before. And don't worry, I'll keep posting

[SaskAlliecat Graduate10]

Welcome back Neil! Nice to hear you're running regularly and have healed from your mishap. What a great silver lining - sometimes we get so focused on running further, it's nice to reign it in and look how fast you got! Whoohoo!

[316neil Graduate10 in reply to SaskAlliecat]

Thanks SaskAlliecat , it's good to be back, and yes, the speed increase was a lovely surprise when I realised what was happening. I'm now struggling to slow down for the longer runs of course, but when I do manage to, it's just bliss

[Sadie-runs Graduate10]

About time, buddy! I have been watching your progress, recovering from injury, on Strava, and I must say it is phenomenal! I know it must have felt like a very long time, but you handled it well - listening to your body and being patient is the only way with injury. And look at you now! Go on - sign up for a half! You are more than capable. But if you do, promise me you will do at least one strength session a week - core, glutes, hips!

I may not make my HM dreams, but am gonna try my hardest, and it would be lovely to know you are struggling alongside me 😂😂😂 just like we did for 5k then 10k. 😁

Welcome back!

Sadie-runs

[316neil Graduate10 in reply to Sadie-runs]

Hey there dearest VRB Sadie-runs , it's good to be back! I hate injury, but it's been an interesting journey. I'm not there yet, in fact my calf muscles are moaning at me after my run this lunch time, but whatever... I've got a foam roller and I'm not afraid to use it 😂

I just know you will ace this HM training lark. I really hope I can join you, it will be fun!

P.s. you're so much better than me, you know that, right? 😘

[Sadie-runs Graduate10 in reply to 316neil]

1. I am SO not better than you

and...

2. Comparison is the thief of joy

Sadie xxx

PS I struggled around an 11k run (with walk breaks) today and my piriformis is shouting at me! Why do we do this to ourselves?! 🤪😩

[316neil Graduate10 in reply to Sadie-runs]

1. You SO are! (Though I concede I probably won't win this argument 🤣)

2. Actually, that's very true.

So... let's just say that we're better than each other, OK?

Congratulations on your run, 11k is never easy is it, particularly when your bum's complaining at you!! I still break out into a cold sweat thinking about that horrendous trigger pointing thing the physio did to my butt that time. Worked though And we do it because we're addicted(!), and if you're like me, you really love the positive changes you see in yourself as a result of running. You go for it Sadie, that HM is yours!!

[Irishprincess Graduate10]

You deleted your account!!! 😱😱 I think you lose all your posts and replies too?

Anyway welcome back. Those are brilliant achievements there, well done to you.

[316neil Graduate10 in reply to Irishprincess]

Thanks Irishprincess , yes, thinking things through has not always been my strong point 😂 It's great to be back though, and thank you for saying those nice things!

[Sandie1961 Graduate10]

Welcome back Neil. Good to see you are back to good health and congratulations on the 5k time. Still a dream for me!

[316neil Graduate10 in reply to Sandie1961]

Thank you Sandie1961 , that means a lot. I have to say, doing a 5k at that pace is difficult for me. My friend went out and did a parkrun after not having run for about 2 years, and managed it in about 26 minutes or something daft like that. Some people just find running easy, but I can't say it's come naturally to me. Mind you, he did end up with an old achilles injury flaring up!!

[over61andstilltrying Graduate10]

Welcome back! Good to see you again and what amazing progress post injury! Congratulations! 🍾🥂🏅🏃🏻🤸🏻‍♂️🏃🏻🤸🏻‍♂️🏃🏻🤸🏻‍♂️👏🏻👍🌟 💥⚡️🎉😊

[316neil Graduate10 in reply to over61andstilltrying]

Aw thank you, it's good to be back amongst friends that's for sure. And thanks for your comments on my progress. A former version of me would have just given up, but pushing through just felt right. When I hit 10k again, I screamed and punched the air! I suspect the passers by thought I was a bit odd lol

[over61andstilltrying Graduate10 in reply to 316neil]

I have also been trying to come back from injury - hamstring. There I was just jogging along at an easy conversational pace ... and ... ping! Boo! That was Feb 6th. I m now so slow compared to my pre-injury running and have only reached 7.6km where as I had been over 11km. Ah well .... All the very best to you 😊🏃🏻

[316neil Graduate10 in reply to over61andstilltrying]

Oh Lord, sorry to hear you've been struggling with a pinged hamstring over61andstilltrying , but really glad you're on the up again. I've found it hard to get back, and I'm still not where I was, though hopefully am more disciplined at the stretching thing now. Thank you for your good wishes, and all the very best to you too!

[over61andstilltrying Graduate10 in reply to 316neil]

I still have no idea why my hamstring pinged. I always warm up and always stretch afterwards and do strength exercises on my non running days.Perhaps I do it, but do it all badly! I have just learnt from reading advice on my computer from a multitude of sources.

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate10]

Oh Neil! I knew you'd been quiet but I didn't realised you'd deleted your account! Don't be doing that again 😉

Thank goodness for Strava! You'll get that HM before you know it.

I love the vo2max description! 🤣 I'm trying hard to ignore both that and training status as it can really suck the joy from an otherwise amazing run 👍

We all have our high and dips bit better to lurk in the background for a bit. We're always here when you need us... and even if you don't! 🤗🤗😁

[316neil Graduate10 in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

Thank you Jo, yeah, sorry, lesson learned And yes, I think I will aim for a HM this year if I can. Very true about VO2Max isn't it? I've learned not to trust it after a long slower run. This may be obvious to most people, but it seems you just have to take a long term view on it.

I need to mention that seeing your achievements on Strava has kept me going, seeing how you go from strength to strenth. Thank you, and actually you should be very proud of what you've achieved!

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate10 in reply to 316neil]

It's so easy to get sucked in by the tech. I still feel I have to work harder when Garmin says I'm unproductive... but I'm working on that! 🤣

Thank you. Yes, I'm really chuffed with how I've been doing of late. I'm still very aware of how fast things can go wrong so trying to ensure the right balance just in case! 👍😉

[316neil Graduate10 in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

Well I believe in you! And actually, I need you there for inspiration Garmin? What do they know!!

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate10 in reply to 316neil]

🤣🤣🤣 that's exactly what I try to tell myself when it puts down my efforts!! What does it know!! It's just a glorified (expensive) calculator 😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣

[Jell6 Graduate10]

Welcome back, badge and all!🤗

[316neil Graduate10 in reply to Jell6]

Thank you Jell6 ! It's good to be back. And yay, the badge is there

[Deals1 Graduate10]

Hi

Welcome back!!

Thought I hadn't seen u in here. Just strava. Support on here is fab. 😊

[316neil Graduate10 in reply to Deals1]

Thanks Deals1 ! Yeah... just hiding really, but back now. You're so right about the support. I have a good friend, the vicar from our church actually, who runs ultra marathons for fun(!) and he noticed loads of people commenting on my Strava stuff and concluded that I must be part of some amazing big running club. He's right on that

[Anthie Graduate10]

Quite an inspiration, Neil! Amazing recovery!! I wish you all the best for your plans and great summer runs.

[316neil Graduate10 in reply to Anthie]

Thanks so much Anthie , it's not been the easiest few months running wise, that, and the hit my mental health took with not running so much, but I'm back now, and you're right, summer running, yay!

[Realfoodieclub Graduate10]

Welcome back, glad you decided to come back to us. 😀 I have a love hate relationship with my orthotics, I only got them last year, they have worked wonders but I’m still not a big fan, they have made me faster (for me). Take it nice and steady and I am sure you will get to a HM. Happy running. Rfc x

[pianoteacher Graduate10]

Good to have you back Neil 😁

[Hidden]

Welcome back Neil- I was worried about you! Please don't disappear again- I just HATE it when VRBs do that.

Amazing progress. If you want to compare speed with someone- compare with me, you are definitely speedy in my world

[quirkybee]

Ooh Neil, I've missed all your posts, both in the sense of missing you and that I've actually not seen as in, missed your posts, haha. 🤣🤣

So glad you're back my lovely friend, you're on the road to recovery and that's a positive thing, so head up high, best foot forward, (if you have one right now with your injury, lol) and get running.

I'm not running yet 😩 but I will soon, looking forward to a virtual cyber run with you soon 😘😘 xxx

[316neil Graduate10 in reply to quirkybee]

Awwww thank you dear Beth, I'm working on getting back to full strength, a few bumps on the road, but I'm determined to get there. Having had a PT session today (See other post) I now have a load of stuff to do which should help.

Always happy to have a virtual run with you! You take care now xxxxx