Adversity may lower our Spirit...But Nature ... - Bridge to 10K

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Adversity may lower our Spirit...But Nature can uplift our Soul..

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate10
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Warning : Floss Ramble!

Hello everyone.

It's me again. Just popping up here, after popping into Catch-Up Corner on the C25K forum.

Well, I have been having a happy running time recently, finding great fun using the NRC app, enjoying a real fling with Coach Bennett, despite his propensity for spending as much time with others as he does with me, and moving forward, slowly and steadily.

I have had a few really enjoyable runs, since embarking on the NRC HM training plan, following the guided runs and tweaking here and there to give myself extra rest days or to use another run where I felt it was necessary for me.

My last run on Sunday was a long run for Week 2 of the plan... just 6K.. For me, this was typical of what were once, my usual regular, Sunday Runday runs; relaxed and easy paced. The, see where I get to, runs, taking me here, there and everywhere and all the time building up stamina and core strength.

It was a glorious morning if a tad chilly to begin with and with a very sharp wind! Suffice to say the run was done and I was all set for a Monday's work out day caring for small, ( not so small now), runner in training and then heading to the coast...Sunday night, a tad wakeful with the first twinges of a recurring sinus issue. ( More later).

So Tuesday morning dawns after a not so good night's sleep I do a very short run down to the GPs and eventually get a prescription to take to Wales for antibiotics for what now, is a blocked sinus:) Glad I got a short run in !

Off we go.

Now here, is where I pause for thought.. Hmmm!

I sometimes wonder if the words I write, mean to others, what they mean to me. I think them, I say them and I believe them. Sometimes though, I wish I took a lot more notice of the words I use and the words I share with others, like advice on being kind to ourselves.

After another not so good night's sleep, Wednesday morning dawned... the morning sun fingering the curtains, and the birds in the trees outside the window, disrespectful and uncaring in their melodious chattering. I am up, and warming up, gear on and ready to go. I did have the common sense to NOT do the Speed run which was the last run of Week 2. Aware of increasing pressure in my sinus, pain along the cheek bone and my ear... I only did 20 minutes.. How sensible am I ?

[Fast forward... a few hours later after discovering electronic prescriptions can NOT be filled in Wales, and a 20 minute + consultation with an amazing Pharmacist trained and working in the Common Ailments Scheme. I had a seven day course of hefty antibiotics to ease the now, pretty draining, pain in my right side of my face.}

But I digress...the run. Oh the run ! What a run?

It may have lacked style it may have lacked speed, but every second was filled with sights, sounds, smells, sensations, and sheer enjoyment.

From the app, I chose Tough Day... Easy Run / 20 minutes of him, me and the run.

I warmed up very gently; from the onset, the word, easy, is fixed into your brain. E...A..S...Y... it slides into your ear and wraps itself snake-like around your mind, and slowly , almost sensuously, slides its way over your whole running body and down into your feet. You can do nothing, but follow the word,

My feet were light, my breathing was easy, and my Welsh corner of delight, spread beneath me like the Cloths of Heaven in Yeats' poem.

Sunlight and sparkle, shadow and light... the gleam and the glisten... The sun piercing the water with spears of silver, and the waves, white-frilled ripples of laughter, along a shining shore.

On runs like this, my feet take me.

I just let them. My body is almost weightless and I am able to lose myself in the wonder of the morning.

Resisting any residual urge to move any faster down towards the sea, my feet make no sound and the small birds dance in and out of the hedgerow, almost in time with me. The Esplanade is empty, devoid of man or beast.

The shore, the tide receding slowly, is empty also, no sea bird resting here, and watching, as ever, from a rocky throne, the castle. That kindly but stony-faced Guardian of a small town, which has a place, forever, in my heart.

I run along the paved way, feet still silent . At intervals, the disembodied voice murmurs encouragement , quietly, reassuringly, and that word, Easy, punctuates every sentence.

I run back down the beach ramp and along the ever growing shore, polished pebble and slippery stoned, down to the wet sand. I am cautious of the pull of wet sand, but my pace is so slow, that I feel comfortable. A few moments left and CB counts me down to the Finish Line.

A few photographs are called for... and of course a paddle in the sea.

I feel so strong...

But...

Yesterday was spent just sitting and sleeping. Antibiotics and I do not meet often and they let me feel their power. On my decking, in the shade of an umbrella overlooking the sea, listening to the birds and letting the wonders of science work their magic, also.

Three days into the antibiotics... and the pressure has eased a tad.

I maybe should not have run... I ignored my own advice. But I shall not run now, until next week. I shall be fully recovered before I head out again,

Am I glad I ran. I am.

But... ( There's another, but? )

Yes there is. I am I feel going to have to listen to my body a little harder right now. I have been building back slowly and steadily from my blip in 2020, and have indeed got back to 10K...I have upped my runs gently, but despite this I am not making the ground I had hoped. My weight gain is there but so, so slowly increasing ... and I do need to pile on a bit more muscle to do the runs I wish to.

I am going to ease back, not run, until my course of antibiotics had finished and then maybe run with a tad more rest in between.

To coin a phrase, I used in a past Catch-up Corner post... I am going for while, to follow the three A principle.

Acknowledge, Accept and Adapt.

Happy, safe running, everybody!

Floss x

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25 Replies
Bluebirdrunner profile image
BluebirdrunnerGraduate10

Oh My Floss, you did that run knowing you had blocked sinuses and must have been in a lot of discomfort...that Coach Bennet must have quite a pull, and of course your most favourite run route calling your name!

I have done that Easy Run, and he does guide you to take things gently, so no harm done and you loved it, so no scolding here. xx

It's good to hear the antibiotics are kicking in, and listening to your body and regulating the amount you run is the most sensible course of action (as You are well aware and always advise others)😊

It really does look beautiful there, your little slice of heaven...

Get fully well soon and enjoy a few days of TLC.

You are worth it. 🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

xxx

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate10 in reply toBluebirdrunner

You my friend. know me so well. Thank you. I am feeling a tad weary right now, so no scolding, is welcome. I will get there .xxx

LiisaM profile image
LiisaM

"Like" is not adequate for your posts. "Love" is more like it. And I love your title, "Adversity may lower our Spirit...But Nature can uplift our Soul." So beautiful! Your writing helps lift me from my daily drudgery--and you know what it is. We have locks on our fridge and freezer so we're no longer paying to refrigerate our kitchen by One Who Stands With the Doors Wide Open. Even so, with our new puppy, my life is admittedly more involved and difficult, but I still love her. She will be a real asset as my life goes on. She has one ear flopped down and one occasionally standing slightly up. 😍

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate10 in reply toLiisaM

That is so good. A dog as weirdly wonderful as possible... and totally unique! That little one will lift your spirits too, and be your constant companion!

I know what you have to handle on a daily basis and for me to to be here and know I play a small part in lightening your load gives me great joy.

Stay strong my friend... you will need your energy for that canine friend! xxx

LiisaM profile image
LiisaM in reply toOldfloss

No reply needed, but I'll say that my vet says this dog will try my energy. My vet does not know that I am a runner (even at my age )....😁

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate10 in reply toLiisaM

Your vet does not realise the awesome woman he/she is dealing with ! x

LiisaM profile image
LiisaM in reply toOldfloss

I've asked my son to order a "run line" for our dog. I brought her out this morning and she was like the proverbial horse bucking out of the gate at a rodeo. She ran around me MADLY in circles on the end of her leash about 26 times. My husband was out with me and said, "I need to stay 2 car lengths from you!" She was FULL of energy--and didn't "do her duty" at all--just expended energy.... (I can't take her running yet because she will stop if she feels like it when I've taken her running down the driveway and just go on strike--lie down and not move at all.)

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate10 in reply toLiisaM

Ha ha... She is going to be great and you will be so, so fit by the time she is trained and obeying your commands. Better keep up with those strength exercises!!

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate1060minGraduate

Beautifully put and lessons in your writings, I’ve not run now for 9 days nursing a knee, a swollen painful knee it is too, your words a timely reminder to us all that we sometimes have to follow your advice….. Acknowledge, Accept and Adapt, I may try walking tomorrow as there hasn’t been much left after a busy day every day this week, i’m off for a few days and the forecast is abysmal but the most of it I will make Continue to heal and benefit from the antibiotics friend and we will both run clear of head and sound of knee again to the dulcet tones of CB encouraging us to run easy xx

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate10 in reply toSueAppleRun

Oh goodness , that sounds very painful. The forecast here in Wales is not good and back home, similarly .I hope you are able to get a short walk in.

Fingers crossed we both feel fitter soon... or that CB will wonder where we are!

Take care xx

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate1060minGraduate in reply toOldfloss

He’s with CBDB I think so he’s not lonely 😀It’s been incredibly painful and I haven’t really been able to rest it due to work but heated pads and knee supports help.

Taking granddaughter to Brighton tomorrow for a pre flight test and so excited, I haven’t been to Brighton for years,

If it’s not raining too much I shall float around in the sea each day I’m off and if it pours down we will go to Bath for a restorative spa….. or just sit at home with our feet up, I might investigate a sports physio too if this knee doesn’t get better quickly , so life is full of plans 😀xx

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate10 in reply toSueAppleRun

Ha ha. It sounds very uncomfortable. Do enjoy Brighton... I have never been there, but have to Bath, but that was many years ago. I thought it was beautiful!

I have to say my Sports Physio' has worked wonders over several injuries for me. I had never realised there was such a person until I took up running!

Have a lovely day x

Roxdog profile image
RoxdogGraduate10

Oh I hope you feel better soon! I love your posts. That run sounds wonderful, despite you knowing you weren't fully well, you took it easy and enjoyed it. Thanks for posting!

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate10 in reply toRoxdog

Welcome. I need to share with friends. It helps keep me on track, knowing I'm not on my own;)

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate10

Those photos look so beautiful, and amazing blue sky.

It sounds like you chose the right run there Oldfloss. I hope your sinuses unblock soon, so painful.

Coach Bennett certainly gets about. He was with me on a Hot Run this week (great advice for running that day) and an easy 6k.

You keep taking the meds and get better soon. I am sure you’ll enjoy some easy walks instead.

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate10 in reply toDexy5

Thanks you x Yes, it has been a nuisance but I got a run in at least. I don't advocate running when on antibiotics as the body is already fighting an infection and then they add to the battle. Because I take them so rarely. they really do zap me for 48 hours. They are working and I feel a lot more comfortable.Sitting in the warmth for a day ( shady but warm), did me a lot of good. I think the rest factor was definitely needed.

The runs was the right choice and the location that morning, seemed even more special?

Some gentle walks will be on the cards and some upper body work too... gentle but effective I hope:)

Park Run for you and UpTheStanley ? xxx

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate10 in reply toOldfloss

We were due to meet cheeky at the Severn bridge today but UTS has had the lurgy this week and I think he’s passed it to me (Covid negative), so we cried off. I might just walk it with Oldgirlruns .

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate10 in reply toDexy5

Sounds like a plan... glad it is not the dreaded Covid. On the rise again and increasing daily ! Enjoy the walk/run . We are heading home soon. It is very wet and wild and really windy here today!

Birdlady64 profile image
Birdlady64Graduate10

This..."It may have lacked style it may have lacked speed, but every second was filled with sights, sounds, smells, sensations, and sheer enjoyment."

Just awesome 👌 👏 👍

Hopefully the antibiotics are doing the trick. Look after yourself, and do what you can, when you can 🤗

Enjoy your Welsh corner of delight

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate10 in reply toBirdlady64

Home today... but back in a week or so...I am so lucky ! The medication is working the magic and I feel a lot better than I did, sleeping well too, helps!This place works its own magic too; even after so, so many years, it has the effect of calming and soothing and I find new places, or new things to see every time we are here.

Thank you x

CBDB profile image
CBDBGraduate10

Acknowledge, Accept and Adapt.

Yeah, I can’t complain too much as - apart from my weight - my fitness journey has been very good, although my health could be better.

So I just recently acknowledged that there is a difference between fitness and health. I’m relatively fit nowadays, but have to accept and adapt as I am not completely healthy.

So thanks for putting it so succinctly into those three words:

Acknowledge, Accept and Adapt.

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate10 in reply toCBDB

Thanks you. That is really interesting... and we do hear that many times. The fitness can benefit good health but does not necessarily guarantee it.I feel that is why I react a tad badly to being ill as I do feel healthy for much of the time. Hence antibiotics hit me very hard for a couple of days.

My weight gain...is such a slow business, because I don't eat the stuff that puts weight/muscle on quickly. I am eating the things that I should and have a balanced diet. I just need to be patient:)

Hedgehogs123 profile image
Hedgehogs123Graduate10

Firstly beautiful photos, looks so gorgeous and peaceful. Secondly, yep the being kind to yourself is not something that comes easy to me either, so I totally understand your train of thought, although it's easy for me to say' hey, take it easy, listen to your body and be kind' when I don't follow it myself! I ran Parkrun this morning, first proper run post covid and really struggled and a number of fellow runners came over and said ' take it easy, be kind to yourself!! 🤣

So yes, follow your own advice and take it easy!!

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate10 in reply toHedgehogs123

It really was peaceful...despite the fact that the season has started. Just no one around and the sky was the most incredible blue.I have done well on the kindness to me, front so far...but obviously, I ignored what was going on with me...

But...we need to take our own and other's advice, we will be kind to ourselves, because we are really worth it!

Hope you are recovered after the Park Run too....this pesky Covid is throwing things at folk for a long time and with numbers on the rise again... make time to relax x

Hedgehogs123 profile image
Hedgehogs123Graduate10 in reply toOldfloss

Thank you, feel fineok just didn't appreciate how much covid affects us , but am going to be kind to myself and not do a long run tomm. You take care too ❤️‍🩹

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