It is official. I have the arthritic buggered left knee of a 70 year old (with a bad knee) and though surgery may ‘tidy up’ the meniscus and alleviate the pain, it cannot provide the cushioning a knee needs to... well, function. I knew I couldn’t run - there’s no bounce, and immediate pain - but to hear I will never run was a bit rubbish.
So I wallowed for a bit. Took up smoking again, a sort of teenage two fingers up at the world, don’t need my lungs anyway. Realised the stupidity of it but the drug is in the bloodstream by then, so weaning myself back off the fags is a work in progress.
And I bought a road bike. The wheels are so thin I feel I am balancing on a pin. Frankly, it’s terrifying (in between the exhilaration). I have these toe cages fixed to the pedals - I have taken the straps off so I can get my feet out easily. It seems the height of foolishness to attach my feet to the pedals at the speeds I’m going. I’m not going to wax lyrical about it all because this is a running forum, but you will understand, I know, the joy of having Garmin stats to play with again!!!
So this is it my lovelies. It is adieu. It was a wonderful journey while it lasted and you have been the best companions. Thank you.
I am training to be a counsellor so in a few years, if your knees are playing up and you are unhappy about your running being curtailed, find a therapist called Katie and know that the empathic nod she is giving you is for real.
See you Em, Jell, Paul et al x
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ktsok
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Oh ktsok, I’m so sorry to hear that and wish you all the very best for the future. As you say, you’ve still got Mr Garmin to give you your stats fix (much better than that nicotine fix!) which ain’t the same as running but I’m sure there must be a nice cycling forum somewhere! Good luck!
Oh those knees ktsok that's a stinker, at least I guess you've found a form of therapy in two wheels !?? Happy balancing
Oh no, so sorry to hear this but very glad you've got your bike. Sensible taking the straps off, at least for now. My brother got a road bike earlier this year and has had a few very embarrassing "tip offs" when he's forgotten to take his toes out before stopping 🤣🤣 enjoy your speedy cycling. 🤗
No, not the same - lots of equipment and nappy pants for starters. But i went 15k on my first bike ride and explored some lanes I have never been down before, AND I got to rest on the downhills and feel a breeze in my face. So there are advantages 😊
Aaw, ktsok, I am sad for you🙄 we will miss you on here. So pleased your cycling is taking off though and you can still have fun and challenge yourself with stats.
You could still post your cycles on Strava I think it would be ok to be in the NHS c25k club on there with a lot of us!
So sorry to hear this Katie. I bought a mountain bike back in the summer as I couldn’t even imagine balancing on those tiny skinny wheels, and frankly the traffic terrifies me. I’m sticking to the muddy trails! I am glad you have found something you can challenge yourself with, and am happy in the knowledge that after this journey of just over two years together, I may finally be able to run faster than you (managed a 5k Pb of 32 mins a couple of weeks back! 🐢).
32 minutes?! That’s awesome! Yes hon, you’re faster than me even over 50 metres these days! At least we are still in the same lycra/Garmin club! Will miss you. We did this together x
Oh dear. Well worth a wallow. I can soooo identify as complexities of Life & care of my beloved OH mean I have not run since April. But at least I cherish a faint hope of persuading the aged feet to trot again someday. I occasionally check in here to keep that hope alive, and am glad to get the chance to wish you Good Speed on your new cycle. 😄👏🏼🎉 You will have lovely fun, and many stats, especially once the weather is less obnoxious. Happy speeding! 💕💕
Sorry to hear this Grans. Perhaps in the Spring as the days lengthen and vaccines are administered, you may be able to go for a trot here and there? I know how much you enjoyed it. X
Hi. I have had both knees replaced before I did C25k and then Bridge to 10k. I run in Hokas in the Japanese slow running style. My knees are OK up to 10k but not speedy at all, my issue is hip bursitis but up to 8k is fine . Who knows what the future may be, 🤞
I was already missing you, and now I'm really going to miss you😪.But you have a new challenge now.
My sister started cycling about a year ago, she loves it. Initially I think she had some misgivings about the pedals but she now cycles regularly with a group, it's very social for her and she's got many miles under her belt.
Fitness wise she has never been so fit, she thought she was as she was at the gym several times a week.
Do take care, and I can think of an excellent new year's resolution for you!😘😘🤗
I suspect that I may enjoy cycling more than running before long. I went 15k this first outing and it was a bit of an adventure - I went further down a road than I had before, turned down an unfamiliar road, got a bit lost - it was fun! Pumping up tyres and donning padded pants and helmet isn’t glamorous, but then, running wasn’t glamorous, the way I did it! Graceful GaJelle, au revoir x
There is life after running! My husband was a keen runner for years and had to give up a long while ago due to damage to his knees (not caused by running I hasten to add but through other sports - he was a bit of a sporting gladiator). Anyway he mainly cycles now and loves it and is much fitter than me!
It’s a shame this phase of your sporting life ends but an exciting new one awaits!
I'm sorry that you're stopping running. Surprisingly I've found my arthritis in knees and hips has got better with running, particularly when it's warm and dry. I used to put extra gels in my shoes but I don't use them now. I'm still doing the gentler Japanese slow running technique. Bikes are so uncomfortable😊. But I do wish you all the best with yours.
Oh I’m so glad you’ve found a substitute! Maybe start a cycling forum (or just keep checking up on us from afar. Keep safe and have fun. Merry Christmas.
So sorry to hear that. As they say, as one door closes, another one opens, I'm sure you'll get loads of cycling highs and Garmin stats. All the best and good luck with your counselling training!
Really sorry to hear that ktsok. I thought my 68 year old knee was about to let me down in May, but fortunately a load of rehab has sorted it 🤞. I admire the way you have thrown yourself into bike riding; I would have moped for much longer!! Main thing is keep fit and kick the fags into touch 😉 🖖
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It's a sad goodbye...
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