WARNING... Floss ramble Really, REALLY long one too !!!
Here I am again.... still running.
After my last ramble...things have moved on... not far... and not fast. I got the all clear from my Physiotherapist to run again, on June 22nd; again, not far... not fast... but to run.
I have not posted since then, because I did not know how it was all going to shape up...and I do not want to be a whiner or a a whinger. I have had to begin again...more or less... the orthotics take some getting used to, and I have found it very tricky. Twinges here and there, and a really deep seated ache, occasionally, and trouble walking !
June 23rd...32:10 ...4.00 km
June 28th...6:42... 1.01 km
June 29th... 8:23... 1.25 km
July 1st...24:28 ...3.00 km
July 4th...22:46... 3.00 km
July 7th... 36:52...5.01 km
July 12th...37.31...5K
....and this morning... my longest run since the IC... 8K.. taken very, very slowly indeed.
I have been, for the last few weeks, exercising regularly and working the rest of my body to allay the fears which creep , unbidden into my mind...usually in the wee small hours.
So,this morning, with the voices of my friends on here, echoing in my head and your welcome presence at my side, I headed out. I was not sure at all. Friday's run had been okay, enjoyable, but, post-run, that twinge was still there... touching the top of my Achilles and giving a dull ache to the tibialis tendon. I iced, I massaged, I exercised... I walked for an hour or so like a really old lady, ( yes, I know I am )...! I rested most of yesterday.
But, today,the golden morning called out to me, a clarion call not to be ignored. My running gear was ready...the shoes just waiting , the prospect of a run by the sea, too hard to resist. So, out into the day... location sharing on... Mr OF at the ready for a rescue if need be...
A longish warm up with stretching, donkey kicks, et al! The sheep delighted by my antics and the lambs, sturdy legged and mischievous, looked eagerly at me.. as if I might provide some playful interaction...the mountains in the distance... heads shrouded in a grey silken veil of secretiveness... pink laced and mysterious... their hidden clefts and gullies unseen, until those long arms of the warming sun expose them.
And then.. time to run... breath held... senses heightened... listening, feeling, waiting...
Down towards Pentrefelin for a short way, a deliberate return, uphill, to make sure that the steady pace I had determined for myself, was adhered to. This was to be slow and steady even for me! Down the hill towards the town and the urge to fling out my arms and run willy-nilly, was almost unbearable..The castle, a constant in my memory... unshakeable, unchanging and untouched; A paintbox sky of blue and white and the sea, a sinuous, silken sheet, reflecting nature's palette, with flamboyant glints of sunlight. Down to the Esplanade... deserted and quiet... a single yacht moored out in the bay and the unlikely image of a person standing on the water...at least I thought so... until I realised they stood on a paddle board, statue like, waiting for the merest breath of wind... which never came.
I ran on... I felt fine... I was aware of my foot and my calf, but there was no pain; determining to keep it steady, rounding my heels and kissing the ground with my feet, so lightly, that I could barely hear myself running. Over and up towards the road and up and through a hidden pathway and then, again to keep me slow.. up the hill and along and down past the house which originally belonged to Lloyd George... now a care home. The narrow lane.. thick with hedgerow delights... the heavy scent of blossoms in the air, a sweetness to dull the senses, but soothe the soul; quotes from Midsummer Night's Dream popped into my head...learned by rote, oh, so many year's ago...
“I know a bank where the wild thyme blows,
Where oxlips and the nodding violet grows,
Quite over-canopied with luscious woodbine,
With sweet musk-roses and with eglantine...”
Today it was blackberry blossom, the harbinger of Autumn fruit... and the heavy laden heads of cow parley, ragged robin and the twisted ivy trails, caressing the trunks of the ancient trees. Humid and dense...down to the road again and towards Llanystumdwy. The thing about a run after injury, is, that I am so focused on whether it will hurt or not, that my breathing and every other bit of my running is fine... I am running with no issue, other than waiting for a pain that will come... or not.
Turning at the gate to Bron Eifion the Country House hotel.. I pause, fleetingly, level with a field, with sheep and a standing stone... where at the tender age of 15, the sheep were witness to a stolen kiss...taken in the sultry summer's afternoon heat, away from the prying eyes of the townsfolk, enjoying the Criccieth Show; so long ago and bittersweet. On I go... over 5K now, so do I stop? I do what I am always advising, I run and I listen to that voice which uses no words, and my legs still on tight rein, are straining to move more quickly; 6K is my happy place...my , I can run forever, place.... but I hold back and relax... my friends' words of caution ring in my ears... be sensible, if you do the run, take it steadily, and my dear Bluebirdrunner 's gentle voice is the loudest of all...urging me to be careful.
So, I was; back and down towards the sea... the salt air tingles in my nostrils, a relief after the hypnotic heaviness of the lanes, round the small estate, with a good morning, and a cheery wave to an old gentleman I see quite often. Windows curtained, Sunday sleepers and the restful air of peace; down and along the coastal path...tailored and trimmed one side, but with the burgeoning hedgerow, buttercups, butterflies, bees and brambles on the sea side; the soft murmur of the sea, beyond the hedge, unseen and soothing as I run the dusty trail, carefully placing my feet on the uneven surface, I really do not want a twisted ankle now. Reaching the first gate I stop... a quick breather and another re-grouping... a kilometre or so to go, shall I ? Yes... I shall...but here I must turn, retrace my step and along the lower esplanade of Marine Terrace... a quick photo stop and on... the steps back up to the road are not steep, they are not many, but I still walk albeit very quickly, up them, and then on and up onto Castle Square.
A sigh of relief... a downward stretch towards the lifeboat station... my feet and legs are doing what they do... I forget to listen... I just run...steadily and slowly... but I am relaxed... a few more folk on the green above the bay and along the Esplanade... a very short burst and the 8K is done.
I walk on and stretch and then stop and stretch again... I am smiling but very close, also to tears.
I did not know whether I would run today... I did not know whether I could run today... I have felt, quite a few times, over the last few weeks, that, even though I was cleared to run, I may not have been able to do it, and my runs to date have been short. Time spent injured, is odd and a worry for many of us,and the last few setbacks I have had, have hit me harder than I expected... even reassuring words from my Physio', do little to ease that fear.... the fact that because I am fit, I will recover... and that, “....even younger runners get these issues...” do not calm that niggling little voice that says, “...you won't be able to run any more".
And yet, here I am... I have run the 8K and I will run further... So.. that is one voice I will not listen to... and as many of you know... I have a favourite quotation ( one of my many)... and today seems perfect for it..
“There will be a day when I can no longer run. Today is not that day”
As ever... you ran with me... thank you x
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Oldfloss
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I ran every step of the way with you as I read that and nearly cried with happiness by the end, so descriptive and I love the quotes,
My sister who has run many marathons and the great north run several times gave up at 60 so I have wondered if we were mad starting out at over that age, now i know that one day we will run no more but that day is not today (sorry for the misquote)
Keep running you have inspired so many and i wish you an injury free running life
Thank you.... and well done you! Age is a number..just a number... but sometimes the number weighs heavy.. the trick is to take a big breath and go for it:)xx
I know we all support each other. And it makes this forum very special. You really articulate that sense of community so well with this post and all your posts. It’s good to feel you are never alone when you run. Thank you.
What a lovely and inspiring post from you Floss, I liked the quote from Shakespeare' A Midsummers Dream', the only Shakespeare play I am a bit familiar with, more due to the music by Mendelssohn.
You were with me and Bluebirdrunner yesterday at our first parkrun, we were with you today, thank you.
Hey you...it was glorious and this afternoon has been really warm. I am heading for the Derbyshire trails at the end of the week... slow, and steady... wet or windy... I think that is where I shall be !x Glad you had a good day too:)x
Poetry as usual lovely Oldfloss and just so beautiful to read! Thank you for sharing your run with us - I have had those very same worries after injuries myself...but just like you, I am still out there running! I guess...now...it is just what we do. Xx🏃🏽♀️🙂
I did... it was slow..nearly as slow as a 10K but it really did not matter... just all about still running.. and as you know... slow and steady will pay dividends x
Wonderful, wonderful Oldfloss. It’s so good to hear that your run went well, and it was poetry in motion. We do look forward to your long rambles. Great to see you back where you belong.
🏃♀️👏👏
OldflossAdministrator60minGraduate in reply to Dexy5
Good to be here... I shall be a while moving forward, but so much to see, ( and write about), on the way xx
Stunning post. Absolutely beautiful. Delighted to hear you’ve done an 8k run. I totally understand that feeling of desolation that No Running brings. Well done and your achievement is encouraging indeed.
OldflossAdministrator60minGraduate in reply to Dowat
Thank you..having to go back from a HM distance to almost square 1 was challenging...but...slow and steady gets us there..!
Beautiful. I too love the quotes and the inspiration. I haven't run for over three weeks and I think I might just chance it tomorrow morning. As you said, slow and steady should do it.
Such a lovely read and so inspirational as I too have been on the IC since the middle of June. Was feeling down in the dumps until I read about your run so thank you x
Just beautiful OF I’d love the ability to write as beautifully as you, but thats never going to happen 😀 but I’ll settle for the sheer pleasure and joy reading your rambles. So very glad for you and your 8k 🥰 Xx
OldflossAdministrator60minGraduate in reply to lexi6
Thank you.. I do go on a bit... I get carried way and wish I could capture the scents and sounds too, so I could share them with you :)x
Thank you Floss for sharing this. You outrun those doubting gremlins. Short runs are still runs and will help you come back. You are doing great, believe in yourself x
Thank you... that is something I will remember, I tell so many folk that and forgot it myself!!
I am getting to enjoy the shorter runs more, latterly... and I can fit them in... even on days when I have small runner in training... Just a short turn around the Crescent whilst she naps, guarded by Mr OF !
I intend only to listen to positive voices from now on! x
It’s so much harder to listen to one’s own advice I’m working in London this week with a commute and was wondering how I could get a run in but now I think I’m just going to try a run around the block when I get home. If I can just do 10’ well so be it! X
Wonderful evocative words, "poetry in motion" in reality. Descriptions so eloquent I could imagine the sights and sense the scents as if I was there. I hope you have a smooth return to where you want to be👍✨✨✨
Thank you very much. I do forget how much I enjoy writing about my runs!
I do know, from my physio' that for me now, my slow and steady is the only way. I truly am built for distance rather than speed...but that suits me perfectly.... I have always run like that ( apart from my little adventure with a speed challenge), running for pure pleasure and challenging only myself I would like to get back to 10K over the next week or so
A wonderful report Floss, again you take us with you on your adventures and beautifully describe the sights and memories your run evokes!
I knew this one had been successful from your Strava recording, and hoped you would have time to write the report that went with the lovely photos....😊
You took us with you, and you listened out for any signs that things were amiss and you made that 8k distance!
That took courage, I'm sure Mr OF was relieved and happy to see you back with a smile on your face. (That stolen kiss?)
You are back in the game, and a winner.
Strong and fit..... 😊 you need to be, you come out with so many of us on our runs, as we share the magic together!
So pleased you have eased yourself away from the IC again...
Thank you... it is you that keeps me going, so, so many times, thankfully...
I was very uncertain ( yet again), but determined to be cautious and to stop if anything felt really wrong. I changed my route and out a little hill in, which was fine.. if slow.. passing a small B and B where folk were sitting at a table in the bay window having their breakfasts
It was a good run, I saw so, so many new thing and little routes too to try, and I did stop exactly on 8K...
Mr OF did say that when I phoned him, to let him know, my run was complete and I was walking home, that I sounded really, really happy. He was glad, because he supports me so much and knows that whilst running is not the, be and end all in my life, it does play a huge part for many reasons.
The stolen kiss...? It was a Welsh buy that I had got to know and over the next few years we were boyfriend and girl friend.. ( how dated that sounds now...)... A long time before Mr OF and I got together
I am looking forward to running and posting more...!
You had a brilliant park run too ..the first of many... ! Hopefully some tourist park running too! xxxx
How nice it is to have your super run/ramble report to read again this morning Floss... again I was totally transported to your seaside town in Wales and loved running along sharing your journey with you. You write so beautifully!
I did wonder if Mr OF was your sweetheart at that tender age, but the best was yet to come.💖😊
With 8k banked, you now know that the 10k is possible...maybe in a few runs time...
Yes, having a go at that Parkrun has given me the confidence to look further afield. We will put our heads together and find a really good one that we can run together, along with other vrb's who can make it!
In the meantine I'm looking forward to reading all about your running adventures...😊xxx
I used to get really cross and frustrated when I had an injury set back. The further we run, the further back we fall and the more ground we have to recover. But I have learned something which I think runs through your post and that is acceptance; this where I am today, and however little or however much I can do it is to be enjoyed to the full and has to be enough, for now. You are back on an upward trend Oldfloss and it is wonderful to share your enjoyment so lyrically expressed. 😊
You are so right...it is hard... and we do have to earn patience.. and I really have! There are things over which we have little control..but accepting what we are able to do is paramount.
I do hope that I am on the upward path again... thank you xx
I always know I'm for a treat when you post a long post old floss and this was a wonderful read. I'm so glad you are running again and your love of running shines in your writing. I remember reading about your half marathon when I hadn't even managed 5k and realising you were about my age and there was something so encouraging and so generous in your writing that I felt included. I could have been intimidated but you made me see only possibilities. I'm so glad it went well.
Gorgeous report Floss and beautiful photos. It sounds such a lovely run 😘
I’m so pleased you are back running. I didn’t know you were getting orthotics. They can take a while to get used to but you know that 🙂
I get that feeling of constantly thinking when my body is going to complain, it’s hard to relax and you’re almost waiting for the ache or niggle to rear its head. But it does get better doesn’t it?
Your fear of not being able to run again is listed as one of the lies runners tell themselves which I posted about yesterday. But it’s just that, a lie 🙂
I can't tell you how wonderful your post was, is, to read, & I shall reread... I have not run for months due to injuries, & being older than many, I worry that I won't run again... This has given me hope to believe I will, & hopefully soon...
Your posts are always a joy to read, & this one did not fail - beautiful, poetic, inspiring... I ran with you & shared your fear & joy... Congratulations, well done, & thank you. xxx
Thank you... and rest assured..those runs wait..they are very patient. I do really hope that you are back to running soon... I remember your Irish Blessing post and that was an age ago...!
Small steps may take us great distances.... slow and steady does it xxx
Thanks for sharing your beautiful run. I'm pleased for you that you are getting back in your stride. Loving the celebration of human energy and energy and vibrance in the natural world - always nice to be reminded that others felt the same 500 years ago (although we can't account for Mr. Shakespeare's athletic prowess!).
Wow, of, you took me back to the heady carefree days of being 16 again and getting ready to sit my o levels, Gerrard Manley Hopkins comes to mind, I studied Midsummer nights dream also, I still remember the stuffy heat of the exam halls!! Anyway I digress, it’s great you’re back up and running, a slow goer is much better than a no goer!!!
I’ve been off grid for a bit, I took a pretty bad spill out with my dog, I went sprawling and she took off to the lake for a dip😳 the down side was a swollen knee, it’s still taking it’s time to recover but I can still manage a 5k comfortably enough, I’m midway through ju-ju’s 10 k plan and managing ok, injures really suck!!
Anyhow, you’re post are inspirational and poetic, may you be fleet of foot soon........ best wishes
What a lovely quote for a lovely run! I am so glad you had a nice run and can understand your worries. The IC is not someplace we want to have to go back to. You are being very sensible with your return back to running and it showed in today’s run. It’s nice to have you back running with us again.
Sensible does not come easily to me, Sask..but I have my friends on here, who keep a virtual eye on me, and I do want to keep running... so I will do as I am told ..gulp!
I also have your wonderful runs and photographs to keep me happy until I can get out again properly! Thank you xxx
My pleasure 😊. I’m planning a 14k this weekend in my hills and should get some more great pics to post. I’ve only ever ran this entire loop one other time last autumn so it will be some relatively new terrain again⛰
I do love a good Floss ramble, and this one is particularly pertinent as I need to be very careful with my return to running (a few weeks to go but I'm already forming a plan and plugging it into my spreadsheet!). I'll remember your wise words.
So glad that you are getting back to running - I'm sure increased confidence will come as you get through your runs. Here's to a swift return to form!
I hope you are feeling a bit more like yourself too... your photo on strength and flex was very sad
A plan is a good idea.. it helps us focus.. I have got my runs planned and my strength and stamina work too... ( hint, hint)... that is a god-send when we are injured... I sometimes have a tendency to overload on it... but it pays dividends!
That was my sad face! I wasn't feeling that sad... it was just to try to influence my colleagues to put the kettle on!
Yes, I think planning in my strength and flex is a very good idea... I want to make sure I stick to 3 x 30 min cardio sessions minimim plus strength and flex. If it's on the spreadsheet, it's more likely to happen!
Oh yes..both the rambling runs and the rambling writing... I always had too much to say... My English teacher used to say...that I was the perfect example of... " Why use one word when you can use three" !
Well well well …. it was meant as a joke, but I'm delighted that I seem to have "unlocked" something real …. that's Christmas presents for 2020 sorted, then
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Really, REALLY long one too !!!
8.5miles done but my toe has a second head!
Bamburgh 10k race, wonderful event, big new PB, missed 60 minutes by 18 seconds!!! 🏃🏃
The best run yet. By far.
