When I wrote my Quest post last week I had no idea what was to happen the following day. Although the passing of our Queen has nothing to do with running, I know this news has rocked the emotions of many on this forum, and that going out for a run has been a time to think about these emotions and have some release. My photo this week can be none other than an acknowledgment of this moment in our lives.
Onto the Quest! I completed my tapering week and ran the beautiful New Forest Marathon 10k race on Sunday. I have posted on this separately so won’t repeat here. Unfortunately, I had a slight collision with a fire door on Monday and dislocated my shoulder. The pain was excruciating at the time but thankfully it popped back into place fairly quickly and I am left with strained muscles and damage to soft tissue. So I’m now on the IC with my amended quest to get back to running after a period of rest, Ice packs and ibuprofen. I may be walking parkrun this weekend.
So I hope your week hasn’t been quite so dramatic. Have you been meeting those targets you set? Have you run in the rain or the sunshine? Your original quest can be found on here:
My original Quest for this month has been abandoned. There had been too much disruption in my routine to continue with it. (And that was before the news of last Thursday afternoon.)
I'm now literally "testing my legs" to see how much a week of no running (and generally feeling run down for some of that) has affected things. The good news is that I don't seem to have lost anything.
Even so, I've put the Garmin 10km plan on hold for the moment. My plan for the remainder of the month is to do more of what I'm used to doing, with a few 10km runs and fitting in my regular monthly HM at some point.
Sometimes we have to abandon hard fast plans and just go with the flow nowster. I have also found that having a week free of running every now and then can be good for recharging the batteries.
It sounds like you’ve thought through what is working and what is not. So I wish you well in your new plan.
It has been a week hasn’t it Dexy5 ? Not being particularly Royalist but of course we can’t avoid completely the stories and lives of our Royal family, I felt briefly sad and then got on with my life so was surprised how sad and tearful I felt for a few days. I will be working on the day of the funeral so others can be at home.
The Quest, getting out for a run, several days a week and enjoying running. Today was a rainy drizzly run which was refreshing, I’m pleased with progress so far
Yes, I think whether a supporter of the Royal family or not, we have lost someone who has been a constant in our lives. I can imagine it has also had different effects on the individual residents in your home.
It sounds like you are doing really well with fitting your running around your ever changing shifts Sola , and including Willow in a linked walk occasionally is great for you both. Running in the drizzle is so lovely, especially when a warm shower is waiting at the other end.
oh dear, that fire door collision sounds painful! Hope your stint on the IC goes ok and you make great use of the down time (hint: healthunlocked.com/strength... )
Not sure I wrote something last week, but I’m just keeping going with:
- finishing NRC 5k plan next week (or the week after)
- start NRC 10k plan after that
- start ZLDR (Zwift Long Distance Runners) Marathon Plan for my indoor rowing
- just keep the usual diet of Strength&Flexibility sessions up to keep me nimble for all of the above
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More exciting is that I’m actually waiting for several things to arrive; things that I had bought quite some time ago:
- a Conqueror 2022 medal I subscribed to for finishing 332 km in both rowing and running Jan to April
- a ZLDR running peaked cap (ready for early winter, as I only had an open peaked cap)
- a ZLDR cowl/buff, which means I have now two buffs to choose from
a ZLDR beanie for colder winter days
Cannot wait! ZLDR all made in the UK by a small one-person cloth maker!
Thankfully the moment of complete agony was brief CBDB! Yes I will check out some lunges and heel raises to improve the leg strength while I’m not running.
It sounds like you’ve got a great combination of running and rowing going which must compliment each each other.
Getting new bling and runny clothing is so exciting and to have bits to celebrate those long distances is so special.
Ouch Dexy 😩 That must have been agony. Hope you heal quickly, and keep an eye out for rogue fire doors.
Hmmm, my Quest is faltering a bit. I now have a very annoying cold thanks to my baby grandson - he was snuffling all over me at the weekend so it was bound to happen. So all I’ve done this week is an NRC speed run. It was a combo of intervals and tempo and I loved it. However I don’t want to jeopardise my Cheddar 10k on Saturday so I’m not running until then. Yoga is also a bit hit and miss this week, but I’m not stressing over it.
Very sad news about the Queen, so I’m watching TV coverage guilt free. I’m not a massive royalist by any means, but she was a special lady. ❤️
It was the agony combined with complete shock as I was unaware of what happened for some time. Thankfully it popped back straight away.
Poor you, it seems to be a recurring theme on here. Looking after the grandchildren goes hand in hand with colds and sniffles. I’m sure they are worth it though and you are lucky to have them so close.
I’m glad you enjoyed those intervals, they make me smile too.
Oh no colliding with a fire door sounds extremely painful they are usually heavy things. As to the thought of your shoulder having to be "popped" back in ... it makes me cringe 😬 I hope you will heal quickly and off that IC asap
My quest was in two parts
1) to run two 10k in September... well I ran over on Sunday and waspkeased withmyvfirst attempt at trying to be aware of my running pace. Normally I really don't bother as my runs are more about enjoying being out, exploring and looking at stuff, but as my next 110kbis a proper run with others I feel being aware of my pace might help stop me getting swept along too fast.
2) to keep up with posts on here .. well I have in part done this and reading them I know certainly helps with motivation but writing this I realized I haven't even posted my sunday run ... Oh well never mind 😉
Thank you Dijep. I’m pleased that my shoulder popped back of its own accord. It’s only after reading about it later that I realised that I might have had to stay in that agony until I’d sought a medical practitioner to put it back!
Well done on your 10k last Sunday. You are so right about watching your pace when running with others. All my training runs have been a steady pace but once you put me with others it all goes out the window.
Yes posting those runs on here gives incentive to others following behind. It also allows others to help you celebrate those runs with you. Let’s face it, sometimes non-runners just don’t get it like we do. 😉
Hello there Dexy5 and thank you for the photo. It has been an emotional time.
Now how on earth did you manage to collide with a fire door? It must have been quite a clunk! I hope you aren’t in too much pain and that you heal fast.
This end I just got back from Paris yesterday, pretty tired after lots of sightseeing and walking, so my first run of the week was a short 5k this morning. My only quest this week is to run 3 times, so I’ll have another pootle tomorrow and then a longer one on Sunday. The next few weeks are a bit all over the place really. I start a new job next Wednesday then going on holiday. I honestly don’t know how I’m going to fit GSR training in! But I’ll try to make it work somehow 😊😊😊. All the best!
I think it would be fairer to say that the fire door collided into me, Just a bad bit of timing from the person behind.
Your Paris 10k sounds wonderful and then to convert it to a girly sightseeing break, even better. You must be tired after that though, so well done for getting out for a 5k run.
Oh no! That sounds rotten. It sounds like you’re doing the right thing in resting.
My quest was to run consistently. That’s sort of ticking along. I’ve managed one long run a week-the last two have been ten miles and I think I’ve got one more to go next week before cutting back for the event in October. I haven’t been running as much as I’d like because I’ve got a low level cold and I’m just tired all the time. I’ve managed a few swims and a bit of walking on top of the three ish runs a week. That will have to do.
I’ve managed to find some gels that taste ok and don’t have any dodgy digestive effects so that’s a win. How much difference they made, I’m not sure but it’s good to have something as an option.
Well done to you MissUnderstanding . Having done 2 10 mile runs so far, I am sure you will have no problems with running that HM event. The swimming and walking will have supported your running greatly.
A very good idea to try out the gels in training too , so that you know you will like it on the big day. I’ve heard that some of them are a bit sickly. The same goes for making sure you don’t wear anything that you haven’t worn before.
The gels I liked were super sweet but bearable-just! Tried some chews the other day that ended my run when I was nearly sick. To be fair, it had been going badly anyway and it was a relief to decide to stop,
I was super naughty yesterday and I’ve bought new trainers for race day! They were a mega bargain. Haven’t been super happy with the new kayanos. They’re really comfy but they feel heavy. Just couldn’t get excited about them although they’ll still be great for training. The new ones are North Face Vectiv Flight and they were massively reduced because there’s a new model out. Took them out yesterday for a 6k and I absolutely love them. They just feel so more springy and pacy. Next long run, they’re coming with me.
I hope that you are feeling much better now Dexy5. The moment of collision must have been agony. We need you on top form for GSR day!
Today was supposed to be a steady 10 miles. All was going really well until I got to 8k; my phone buzzed and there was a message saying that we had a power cut at home! I couldn’t ignore it, as Molly was on her own and she would have been distressed if the burglar alarm had gone off. So a quick 2k run home, I made sure that the alarm was ok, but then had to call powergen to tell them that things weren’t working. This prompted a request for me to check all of the main switches…the meter etc……so time ticked by! Fortunately Mrs BC arrived home at this point and I was released to run the extra 6.09ks. I probably ran the last leg a bit too quickly and I am feeling a bit sore legged and frustrated now. The final disaster…..I was thinking, “never mind I can get a flat white at the cafe” but no…..it had been struck by a power cut too! So a cold coffee-less walk home was all that was left. Fortunately our power was on when I reached the house, so I didn’t have the added joy of a freezing cold shower. Maybe the next run will be be ok.😬
Thank you Beachcomber66 , I’m feeling much better now, having had some reassurance from the professionals. I’m hoping to be back to normal in a week or so.
Some runs just aren’t to be, but it was far more important to get back to Mollie than worry about her while you’re running. A total disaster, not getting your caffeine fix though!
Just think of that one as a rehearsal and try again next week. You are so ready for the GSR this year.
Hello Dexy5 sorry to hear about your accident. I hope you make a full recovery really soon. Thanks for keeping us accountable. It’s very sad news about the Queen but at least she saw in her 70th jubilee and was able to carry out her duties to the very end which is what she wanted. My quests have gone very well this week as I am on holiday and have had lots of free time
1) Yes - run at least 3 times a week
2) Yes- continue with garmin coach HM training plan for race in November. Managed a 10km run yesterday along a scenic beach promenade in southern Spain albeit I was jeffing it with 2 minute run / 30 second walk intervals.
3) Yes- do at least 2 cross training sessions a week with at least one strength- have swum 5 times for an average time of 1 hour a session and done one strength training session of weights in the gym although I think I have now developed either swimmers ear or an ear infection even though I have been using ear plugs whilst swimming.
4) On track - run 1 parkrun this month. Am aiming to do this next Saturday when I am back in the UK as they don’t do parkrun in Spain (I don’t know why not)
5) Yes - have at least one rest day. Had two days when I just swam although my muscles did ache afterwards
6) On track - take part in running World Cup as part of CBDB’s HU Team 2022 when it starts on 20th September.
Am looking forward to running in autumnal weather soon when I return to the UK for the rest of this month’s quests after experiencing scorching temperatures in Spain 😀
Thank you, recovery is coming along nicely. It sounds like you have been making good use of your holiday time Jogger22 - well done you. All targets on schedule.
I do hope that your ears sort themselves out before you fly home as that can be quite painful.
It’s cloudy and cooler back here now so I think you’ll enjoy those long training runs much more. Having said that, when the sun is shining there is still some warmth there and I got very hot running on Sunday.
Admit it, it was one too many G&Ts in your surprise hotel after the New Forest 10k wasn’t it? 😂😂 Hope you recover quickly anyway xx
I have had a strange week. My HM plan took a bit of a dip, as I was due to go on my club run on Thursday at 7.00pm, but, just as I saw the newsflash about the Queen, the heavens opened and I just couldn’t bring myself to go. Then on Saturday I got a phone call as I was about to leave for parkrun and couldn’t get there in time. For my Tuesday long run (2 hours) I was aiming for 18.5k but only managed 16, which is slower than my GSR times and some way off my target pace and I very nearly threw in the towel. However, after sharing my frustrations and getting some very helpful advice and encouragement from A/VRBs on Strava, I think I have picked myself up and am just about to head out for this week’s club run.
An end of season barbecue on Saturday afternoon also turned my dry September into a slightly damp one, but I’m back on it.
😂😂 Not quite Sandie, but perhaps I shound have had a Brandy afterwards. A member of staff did bring me a sweet drink as I felt quite faint with the shock I think, and ice to stop inflammation.
It has been a funny old week so don’t worry if things haven’t gone completely to plan. You have got lots of miles in those legs and it must be hard to keep enthusiasm for every run in a long program. You really are doing brilliantly though and I’m glad your running community has cheered you up.
Oh no - How awful. I really do know how painful that is - dislocated both at the same time a few years back. One “popped back” of it’s own accord but the other resulted in a broken shoulder socket. Definitely time to think of leg exercises until you are fit enough for physio.
Mum (94) had a fall - 14 hrs in A&E before she was admitted so my Quest was on back burner for a few days. I did do 3k of week 2 as well as the soggy 6k.
Giving 7k a go tomorrow but not going to push myself 🐌🏃♀️ Weather forecast looks like it will be kind to me in the morning.
All the best to fellow Questers for a good week ahead
Oh no 61lady to have 2 at the same time must have been such agony. I do hope you got medical assistance quickly.
I’m sorry to hear of your mum’s fall and her long wait for treatment. You are certainly excused from stepping back from the quest to be where you were most needed. The runs will be there once you have the time again.
Ouch! I wouldn't want to collide with a fire door. They are heavy immovable objects. I sympathise with the shoulder injury, hopefully yours will be less longlasting than mine.
It's certainly been a strange week. I think events have brought memories and emotions to the surface for many of us.
Running is the one constant that brings a sense of normality. My NRC HM plan is getting back on track and I did my longest run so far - 7 miles - on Saturday. I've been enjoying my swims, managing the twice a week I was aiming for.
Commuting into the office one day a week still seems to be having an undesirable impact on what I manage to fit in and I've opted for a quality time lunchtime walk with Mr B a couple of times over the back and shoulder exercises once or twice. But what I am managing seems to be making a positive difference so I think I'm on the right trajectory
Thank you Birdlady64. The ice packs and ibuprofen seem to be working well so far so I’m hoping that my time on the IC won’t be too long. But I can now sympathise with anyone with shoulder injuries. Keep up those exercises; they will be worth the effort. Swimming is such good exercise too.
Congratulations on those 7 miles, especially as you were doubting you’d do it. Do you take food with you during those long runs? When I was increasing distance beyond 10k, I’d take dried apricots and pitted dates just to give me a spurt. Jelly babies don’t work for me, but others love them.
Oooh pitted dates! They’ve completely slipped off my radar. I must get some!
I must admit carrying food and water is one of the main things that's put me off increasing the distance too much. Ive made do with a 50ml collapsible flask and a few jelly babies so far. I don't really like jelly babies though.
I do have a hydration vest but the thought of running with it on my back fills me with dread. I don’t even wear a running belt and only buy kit with loads of pockets
My OH doesn’t like to take food on a run but mixes water with Tailwind, which contains carbs etc. I also have a hydration vest and you do get used to it. At this time of year it won’t be too hot either. I use high 5 in the water and only take the amount I will drink. Another tip: wear with a T-shirt, not a vest.
Sorry to hear about your shoulder. Sounds very painful 😔.I hope you aren't on the IC for too long.
And I somehow missed last weeks quest as well 🤦♀️ - I am blaming the back to school brain and also the sad news about The Queen.
Running has been intermittent but the pilates and strength work is still going strong. I must admit that it has been difficult to find the enthusiasm but I've found just doing 5 - 10 minutes of core or stretching every couple of hours as an excuse to get up from my desk is helping.
I think this week will be just keep on keeping on - run when I can, stretch when I can.
Thanks Beth, my shoulder is improving daily but I think it will be many weeks before I can attempt a plank or a bridge, so I’ll steer clear of Pilates!
Quests are definitely changeable to work around life, and I think ‘run when you can’ is a good target. Sometimes that run allows you to get some much needed quiet time for yourself.
Have you seen the Yoga with Adriene videos on YouTube? The great thing about those is you can choose a short or longer programme, depending on how you fell.
Oh yack Dexy5 I've got a nagging neck/shoulder blade issue so can only imagine how rough actually having your shoulder out of place must have been and how much disruption there is to heal.
Things haven't been going especially well with my Quest... certainly the 'active every day' hasn't worked out - or at least not active in the way we usually think of.
I'm 7.86km into my goal of 25km - although it would have been a bit more if not for a properly flat Fibit so I have no record of a walk I would otherwise have added. I had quite a nice run/walk bagging another Peak District 'Ethel' - more scenic than I expected. Down onto the High Peak Trail where I was feeling all sad and nostalgic about times there with Google (I did my first 5K along that stretch, running backwards and forwards trying to get her back from a very naughty rabbit chase) Then what should I see coming towards me but a lovely sprocker, whereupon my run was paused for some doggy fuss and a good chat with the owner who had a) just been housesitting a Welsh Springer and b) had his own tale of very similar misdemeanours by the sprocker re: rabbit chasing in that spot. I need to get some longer sessions in. I want that butterfly medal!
What is going reasonably well is clocking up guided meditation/relaxation sessions. Using my Aftershockz headphones for some of these which is working well.
I was lucky that the excruciating pain was very short lived Google me. I’ve just got to give it time for the arm movement to improve now and the low level muscle pain to disappear.
How lovely to go walking in the peaks - such a beautiful area. And to make friends with a sprocker along the run the route was perfect. 🐶
Great to hear the Aftershokz and the relaxation sessions are going well.
Goodness, that sounds like a really painful experience... not a skier...but a door! I hope you and it feel much better very quickly!
One run done so far and hopefully at least one more run in before next week...
I am still moving steadily, with the odd little burst of something resembling pacey running Glad to have achieved 5K again, but will only be doing one of those each week for a while.
Very sorry to hear how you have hurt your shoulder. Ouch painful! I hope it is more comfortable soon and you can get back to normal.
Well, last week was horrid wasn't it. I went out for my Thursday run knowing the family had been called to the Queen's bedside and felt the need for a short run only. It was raining and there was a rainbow at the finish. When I got home the news of the Queen's passing was being announced. Still a shock wasn't it even though we knew it must be coming soon.
I was busy with family over the weekend, and of course watching the events surrounding Her Majesty the Queens return to London and lying in state. I did not feel like practicing any yoga and did not record the walks we did, and didn't get my second run in.
This week though I have been for a 20 minute run in Bushy Park which was lovely, with so many baby deer roaming. I have gotten back to my mat and begun my daily YWA and so far this month my recorded walks are 35k.
Today I am going to have my second run of this week so feel like my Quest is back on course.
Thank you Bluebirdrunner . I cannot hang washing on the line yet, but I can wash my hair and fasten my bra (not sports bra) so some movement has improved. My elbow aches a bit but as they are all linked, that’s not surprising. I hope to get my physio on it when it’s less tender.
The appearance of that rainbow over Windsor on TV was a poignant moment Bluebirdrunner and you saw it in reality.
How lovely that you can run in Bushy Park and not call it a pilgrimage like the rest of us. We saw a few fallow does in the New Forest, but no fawns. No rutting going on either!
I think after the funeral we all get back to our normal lives again. Yes it definitely feels like autumn now with the cool wind and early evenings.
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Glad to have achieved 5K again, but will only be doing one of those each week for a while.
Sassy for September Quest - week 3 🐆
