I said I'd continue with. 5.5k runs to ease myself into longer distances whilst still nursing a recovering broken shoulder. First run back was the extraordinary 6k in just under 34 minutes. The 2nd was 5.5k in a similar time. Tonight's 3rd run since the accident was another 6k run, 34.58.
I reached 5k and felt good. The shoulder was beginning to ache, understandably, but the medics said if it gets too painful, stop.
Maybe I have a high pain threshold, but I was ok. I felt strong, in control. So carried on. I was beginning to feel it as I reached my 5.5k landmark, but, contrary to what I said I'd do, which is to stick to 5.5k for a while, I seem to have convinced myself that 6k is already the new 5.5k, so pushed on to 6k.
I might have managed another 0.5k or 1k more, but common sense, and the sage advice from this forum convinced me to call it an evening.
Much of my time on this run was thinking about those on the c25k programme that had just started their journey. How disappointed they are when they're faced with injury or ailment that stalls their progress and they have no idea when they'll be able to run again, whether they can pick up where they left off, if they'll lose what they've achieved so far.
Maybe... Maybe they will have to go back a few weeks. I believed I would have to. Maybe I was lucky. Only 4 weeks away from it was frustrating enough. What we, those who have suffered or who are suffering a setback, have in common though, what C25K instilled in me and will instil in you, is a mindset that refuses to give in.
For those of you out of the game just now, stay strong, be patient. You'll be pounding those plates of meat again before you know it.
First run after Covid (the 3rd time): a deliciously drizzly, cloudy run
Keeping on with the comeback
3rd holiday run not so good
On the comeback trail!
3rd 6k In The Misty Morning Rain
