Just managing to get my niggling foot back to running when ... most of my run-opportunities evaporated. π³ OH is feeling better but canβt be left, so time for a new Plan that can be done at home & in bits of time of perpetually uncertain length. π€
So I have dusted off all the bits of Strength & Flex that I know, including those squats and π± planks. Plus heel drops, wall pushes, toe creeps, and the rest. There is now a list on the fridge and my resolution is: Never just stand and wait (Life involves a LOT of waiting at the moment.) instead, do an activity! π³ Think βbalance on one leg while tooth brushingβ or βsweep the kitchen floor while the kettle boils.β Most of us do these, perhaps. But I am going to be Full On (I hope). There must be at least 2 hours of my day which are now Waiting Time. So itβs squats & stretches & even planks in ones and twos... Not forgetting the Dead Bug moves if I have longer....
All in the interests of looking forward to running ... Someday ... with renewed strength.
As usual, inspiration has come from this forum, as I have watched you folks keep going while injuries heal. You know who you are, and thank you for your good examples. ππΌπ
And the tree in the picture? Itβs at the start of my run route - an ancient Prunus that should have given up the ghost years ago and is in flower again this year. Another kind of inspiration for renewal.
Happy running, folks. π, π’
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Granspeed
Graduate10
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This is ace because it keeps you as topped up as you can be and gives you motivation to keep your body active. All you can do, you are doing so take solace in that. π
Thanks. Keep Adapting seems to be my current motto. π Sunshine is helping, so grateful for that. And there are bits of gardening I can fit in round the edges - Mr GS is an excellent supervisor; he loves tidy edges, so keeps me meticulous instead of sloppy. π€£
Perfect resolve Granspeed...I too am waiting for my foot to heal, patiently working on Strength and Flex (Yoga with Adriene for meπ§ββοΈ) and daily physio exercises. Keeping the faith we know that running will happen some time in the future...
Looking out for Mr Granspeed has to be priority, I hope he continues to improve.
Love your fridge chart...ββ
Did you know that on the free Strava app you can work towards virtual badges (one for 20 mins a exercise a day just started) there is a c25k club on there...
Thanks for the Strava tip. Iβll look in to that - might induce a feeling of achievement. π I was just starting Yoga with Adriene, and sheβs great, but my available time is currently in tiny chunks. Maybe in Phase 2.... π€
Only been out a couple of times recently but currently digging a veg patch in clay soil. Will be back out on the road next week and thinking of you brushing your teeth.
Whew. Digging in clay is defo Strength stuff - I did it for years in our previous house, so I really do know whereof I speak. π³ Enjoy that new strength when youβre back on the road. π
I had missed that MrGS has been poorly. I do hope that he is soon fully recovered. I do also try to use bits of time that can double up as exercise and one of the many errands. Thank you for the reminder, always room to improve. Have you tried balancing on one leg with your eyes closed? That way, apparently, our brains do not receive the visual signals and so our muscles have to work harder. Well done to you! ππΈ
Always a new thing to add! Eyes shut can be stage 2 for balancing. I shall feel the progress. ππ And thanks for the good wishes. π Always helpful.
Nice one Granspeed β€οΈ Good to hear your OH is feeling better too!
It's so easy to just stand around and wait for the kettle to boil instead of doing something isn't it! That used to be my calm down and stop for a while signal π But not as often now! NOW I'm in the garden more oor in the cellar making things! Like a Picnic Table for the Sqirrels πΏοΈ and Bee Hotel π I'll put a picture up later π
Wishing you all the best for a swift recovery and look forward to hearing about your runs very soon β€οΈ
Thanks, AliHC. π Like the Squirrel Picnic idea. πΏ Mr GS is a big bird feeder man, much to the delight of our local squirrels as well. π Also the wood pigeons and rooks, who wait beneath to see what falls. But we also have a great spotted woodpecker & later in the season, his family. This could be our 4th year to watch them introduce the young one to fast food. π€£
Itβs not very big, but we have 3 huge oak trees in the hedge line behind us and we are only one house away from a field, so we do get lots of birds. ππ³ No sleeping through the dawn chorus at the moment. π
I love it! You can set up a whole new business! ππππΌ And it looks like the squirrels love it too. Did you turn the wooden dish too? (Please say no - too much talent.) And the bee hotel too. ππ We have some ground nesting bees in amongst our Vinca edging, but they had to figure it out themselves. Lovely. Cat looks a bit, βI am not amused.β What have you made for her/him?
I have promised myself that Someday I am coming to hear your music! Meanwhile, waiting to see a picture of the catβs present. Perhaps a throne? I could sew a royal cushion.... π
Idyllic view GS! A cherry tree at this time of year is unsurpassable. But the others, including those palm trees are lovely. Perfect place you live - UK looking a bit like a Burbank film set. π
I love this idea Granspeed - youβre quite right about the waiting around, I feel it too so reminding myself to keep doing something has to be a good idea!
I know βtheyβ are saying not to pressure yourself, but I find lack of accomplishment = extra pressure. π± So Iβm hoping this will somehow keep me going while I canβt run. Maybe ticking the list will somehow induce enough structure to keep me going. We shall see.... π
Good luck to you, sounds like a great plan. My latest is alternating squats and forward folds when pegging out the laundry. The basket goes between my feet on the floor and I only pick out one item every time I squat or fold π€£. Be patient. The runs will be there to be enjoyed by the new and stronger you.
I am adding your squat-fold with laundry to my list immediately. Brilliant ππΌ I am already including as many trips up and down stairs as possible (with heel drops, every time). But I have plenty of laundry at the moment ... ideal. π Stay safe. Run an extra km for me when you get there chance! π
You are adapting to your situation brilliantly Granspeed. Standing on one leg has been added to my physio exercises as an old ankle injury has joined forces with the knee injury . After Mastering the leg raise I can progress onto crossing my arms across my chest at the same time(fingertips on shoulder) . Its impossible To hold it 30 seconds at the moment .
I have been trying to train OH for years that other things can be done while waiting for a kettle to boil π€£π€£
π€£ Some folks do use it as βzenβ time, but I am too restless at the mo. Will try the arm crossing once I am better at the basic balance - a known issue for me, so guess itβs good to be forced to focus. π€ Not my favourite, but oh well ... Sorry to hear about the ankle. I imagine youβve had enough with the knee! π³βΉοΈ
That is inspiring! Itβs so easy to do nothing when you could do something. Iβm going to have a think about my own list. Thank you and good luck with yours!
ππ In my case it was βneeds mustβ, but Iβm glad if the idea can be helpful round and about. Just donβt feel pressured, especially at the moment. Itβs also ok just to stand and stare.... ππ·πΈ
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