Starting over

[SueAppleRun]

Most of you know I haven't run much this year, also that I'm retiring, actually retired a little earlier than expected, then caught COVID. I worked right through the pandemic in a residential home, I stayed up all night caring for people with COVID, I worked extra hours when my coughing colleagues needed to stay home and managed to avoid it, ah well. So, am I still unwell? Or just getting lazy? Thought I better find out

Weather forecast wasn't good for this morning but sun was shining ish when I woke at 6 ! Six? Wow, I kept hoping and have got a bit fed up of my days starting at 3 or 4

Played around with some music, found a playlist that seemed ok

Dressed, then the rain came down, lashing against the windows, hail stones too, so filed my nails for a few minutes and it eased

I ran the first run of NRC getting started plan before COVID but that was a couple of weeks ago, so decided to start again

I'm off, fast walk while I start music, app, put phone in pocket, slow run, I'm not even looking at pace, I want to know that I can

Have a sneak peek at the watch, hmm but fast no wonder I'm puffing, slow down, ease into it, hat nearly blows away a couple of times, I need a bit of bluetac in my forehead.

Coach Corey chats away. And asks the question, how do you feel? Heavy, tired, sort of happy.

My legs seem ready to run, my lungs not so happy, running really slow and breathing deeply, in and out but can still feel it. Where's my tissue? Forgot that, sniff a bit then look round to see no one's close by.

1st k in 10.33 2nd 10.15 can I claim negative splits?

The rain stayed mainly away and the sun shine a little.

I'm glad I did that, I think I'll walk run 2 of the week tomorrow then run it the day after, I'm not fit enough to do even these short runs every day but I intend to get out.

It's been a terrible few weeks but there is hope in my heart ❤️

Run happy or rest well

[Curlygurly2 Graduate10]

That's just great, good on you for starting again. I haven't tried that plan is it good?

[Curlygurly2 Graduate10]

That's just great, good on you for starting again. I haven't tried that plan is it good?

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate in reply to Curlygurly2]

It's a bit basic, but because I haven't run much this year and suddenly have the time to build up consistently I thought I'd be sensible and start at the b ginning, I like NRC runs, I know I've the way the music fades and they chat to you, it's not for everyone but I like the prompts

[Runnin-g Graduate10]

Well done on getting out there. Glad you managed to miss the rain!

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate in reply to Runnin-g]

Me too, my friend was walking her dogs when the hail came down

[dijep Graduate10]

It's lovely to read that despite what sounds like awful weather you managed to get out there with your trusty running shoes on. Just being outside is wonderful. I did smile at the bluetac comment ☺️👍🤗

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate in reply to dijep]

Thanks 😄 I'm not great at hats so practising because when the sun's out I'm nearly BL need going in to shadows

[grumpyoldgirl]

Hi lovely, I'm so glad to see you getting out and enjoying your run, even if it did feel heavy. Getting out gives my brain a reset and always helps. I'm on week (5? 6?) of having injured toes, and I'm getting a little bit tetchy now!

I think your plan to walk the next one before running it is a good one, covid effects are so unpredictable, our bodies don't always bounce back as we would expect. It's good to get the measure of it.

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate in reply to grumpyoldgirl]

I did think it was me being lazy until I had run a couple of minutes then realised my lungs aren't there yet, I can't just sit around though, I feel better for the run, and 20 minutes was enough for a start, oh and another pound in my new shoes pot, I'm a bit sad that there's only £12 in there so far this year but I'm sure it'll go up more quickly now

[grumpyoldgirl in reply to SueAppleRun]

I remember going back to choir practice after I'd had it, couldn't sing or hold the notes properly. All very strange. Best of luck with the shoe fund!

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate in reply to grumpyoldgirl]

Wish I could sing, Willow sang and I'm lucky to have so many of his songs recorded

[grumpyoldgirl in reply to SueAppleRun]

❤️

[LottieMW Ambassador]

It has been a rubbish few weeks for you, hasn’t it. 🤗

Glad to see you managed to get out and run…and have hope in your heart. I don’t think you are lazy at all! Take it easy, Covid is a strange bugger…good idea to take it slow and steady for now. 🐌

Run happy my friend 💕🏃🏻‍♀️

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate in reply to LottieMW]

Thank you, yes it really is strange, my friend had it in the very early days with no symptoms at all and we couldn't risk her coming to work and spread it around I feel I'm turning a corner, it'll take time and we were so happy, but I can see a way forward and running is part of that

[limberlou Graduate10]

glad to hear you are back running again. I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve rerun C25k now due to injury/ covid etc. you feel ok pottering indoors but running after covid is a strange one. My first run after my last bout I went out and ran 5k in43 mins ( which is my norm) without stopping. I was chuffed to buttons. 2 days later I managed 10 minutes really slowly and had to stop and walk 4 times!!!

My daughter who is half my age has had the same issues so remember what my sports masseuse told me “ you are post viral for at least 6 months so don’t push yourself too much or you might relapse!!” “Yes Kim”. #hangsheadbashfully….😳

There will good days and bad but enjoy the good ones and forget the bad ones once they are over xx

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate in reply to limberlou]

You are so right, I'm looking forward to things and all that form filling and talking to digital assistants is starting to pay off, things are being closed and ended, every so often I'm hit with waves if such sadness but early days yet and running will help 6 months eh? I can believe that

[PeggySusi]

Glad you’ve got out and found there are some happy feelings peeping out from behind the sad clouds. I’ve been thinking of you and all the changes you are dealing with at once.

I’ve just had Covid too. I did a local charity walk on bank holiday Monday and found it much harder than expected. Beautiful weather when we set off but got soaked through to undies by heavy rain in the last half hour..😂 Exhausted and immobilised yesterday and hurt in places I’ve never hurt before, but a bit better today.

One day at a time.. I hope you will keep on running and keep finding many more happy moments to enjoy in your retirement.

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate in reply to PeggySusi]

I've wanted to run more consistently for ages and been pinning my hopes in having time in retirement, COVID really is a horrible virus isn't it? My daughter is 3 weeks in and only just starting to feel properly well again Keep walking or running and be happy

[Roxdog Graduate10]

'I want to know that I can'. That sounds familiar. Go you- this will be good for you I'm sure. The fact that you have hope in your heart is very inspiring!

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate in reply to Roxdog]

Thank you, I can run, and I can build my life again,

[Maddee_6333 Graduate10]

I was getting ready to take the dogs out when that rain hit. It was vicious!

Well done for getting out there x

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate in reply to Maddee_6333]

It's not nice at the moment, thank you x

[misswobble Graduate10]

It’s cold, wet and windy, and being constantly cold and wet is no fun but we keep turning that doorknob. It’s a habit but a good one 🙂

Getting out to run or walk is helpful on so many levels. I’m looking forward to a bit of warm weather though 🙂🏃‍♀️😎🌝

Yes, you’ve had a torrid time lately 🙁 I’m pleased you’re hopeful about the future 🙂 Good luck with your running 💪😀🏃‍♀️

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate in reply to misswobble]

Oh yes warmer weather would be lovely, it's really cold wet and windy here today

[misswobble Graduate10 in reply to SueAppleRun]

it’s horrible! I’ve got the dog again Flippin taters out there this morning 🥶💦🐕. Windy too 💨

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate in reply to misswobble]

Very windy, it's blown my magnolia flowers away and doing it's best to blow the forsythia flowers away, I'm really keen to garden but not in this weather

[misswobble Graduate10 in reply to SueAppleRun]

I’ve had to stop taking stuff down to the greenhouse til things improve. Lost two cucumber plants to frost already. Sitting on one’s hands is best 😀🌱. The conservatory is filling up with stuff ready to harden off. My husband complains he’s hemmed in 🤣

I moan but I love the changing of the seasons 🙂🥦🌽🥬🥕🥔🧄🌶🫑🍎🍓

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate in reply to misswobble]

My kitchen windowsill is almost full, but warmer weather will come

[Dexy5 Graduate10]

I’m so glad to hear you are getting over Covid Sola. As you know, it can take some weeks before you feel full of energy again. I’m not surprised you lost your hat if the wind is anything like ours.

Having a running rest day is vital to me, even though I’ve now been running 5 years, and I’ve read in many articles that it is highly recommended for us older runners.

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate in reply to Dexy5]

Yes, you are right, but I always planned to do something every day, if it's half hour of walking that's good, and it will be interesting to see the difference between walking and running, it's a really cold wind here today although the sun has come out

[Dexy5 Graduate10 in reply to SueAppleRun]

Yes your walking days will also help your running days.

I see they have a parkrun at Lancing, maybe when things settle down a bit for you, you can give that a go one Saturday. You can walk or run it and I’m sure you will love the buzz . I always love to hear all about a different event

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate in reply to Dexy5]

I've been thinking about that, I looked at times though and would be in the last 8 on a good day but with consistent running I will get stronger, it always seemed wrong when I was working and only had alternate weekends off to get up early to do something on my own. I was thinking of walking down to watch and ask about volunteering first, I can imagine being the tail walker. I was up in plenty of time last Saturday but think it was raining, I'll see what happens this Saturday

[Dexy5 Graduate10 in reply to SueAppleRun]

Sounds like a good plan. You will see that the last ones in get the most cheers!

[Oldgirlruns Graduate10 in reply to SueAppleRun]

I’m nearly always in the last handful of finishers at our parkrun Sola, it’s great! Someone has to be at the back so it may as well be me!

[Killerblue Graduate10]

lazy is definitely not a word that could be used to describe you ! You’ve got up, you’ve gone out and that’s all that matters xx Well done xx

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate in reply to Killerblue]

Thanks, xx

[backintime Graduate10]

glad you got out, a bit of vitamin D and some fresh air are great for brain cobwebs.

I am also glad you are looking to the future and looking after yourself which is so hard after a loss.

take care

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate in reply to backintime]

Thank you, it's very hard at times but I have a future and been looking forward to retirement for so long

[Beachcomber66 Graduate10]

Great work Sola. All we need is to see a bit of improvement and that is enough to keep us going. There is no rush, no target, just warm healing weather on the way. You are sensible and will take your time and find those precious moments of peace which our runs offer.

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate in reply to Beachcomber66]

It was actually faster than last time but I'm in no hurry, retirement means for the first time in my life I can concentrate on taking my time and building up slowly, my lungs aren't up to sprints yet but a gentle run was perfect. Warm weather will be good

[59er Graduate10]

Like you say you've had a terrible few weeks and probably still very run down from Covid. Great that you got out but give yourself time. I know you bought yourself some kettlebells - why not give those a try? I've discovered HASfit on Youtube - lots of kettlebell workouts - I've done a couple and really like them. PLUS you don't have to go out the door. This way you can be making yourself fitter and stronger but you can just stop if it gets too much. On the other hand walking your next run won't hurt so long as it makes you feel good. Any exercise is good exercise! 😉

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate in reply to 59er]

Running is what I want to do, I'll look at that kettlebell workout, me he you, not today, a run a walk and some housework and I'm wiped, COVID is a horrible virus

[59er Graduate10 in reply to SueAppleRun]

Do what you can and put your feet up. Have a cat nap with your cat! 😉

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate in reply to 59er]

Yes, I'm reading a lot too 😄

[Doris8 Graduate10]

Good for you Sola back out running again and doing something you enjoy. Now you can go out anytime on your running now retired. It’s strange for me and probably you as well having weekend off all the time but every day now a weekend . I still get up at same time as when worked . Yes covid will take time , I haven’t it had it but going by Mr D what he said it take it out you. We never had the winds like you did just the hail and cold , I like the idea of your hat , picked mine off from the ground a few times when windy. 😊

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate in reply to Doris8]

I'm sure I'll get the hang of the hat if I work at it. I'm determined to go out every day whether run or walk,

[Sandraj39 Graduate10]

Slowly does it SueAppleRun - you will get there. 👍🙂 Funny ol’ thing this Covid isn’t it? I too managed to avoid it until earlier this year, despite working in a school! Good to be making your way back though, isn’t it?🙂

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate in reply to Sandraj39]

Yes it really is, I didn't really realise how ill I was at first, just a sniffle lack of sleep and raised heartrate, then it went on a bit so decided to check

[Birdlady64 Graduate10]

You've had a rotten time of it Sola, but this is an uplifting post in many ways.

I'm glad that you went out and ran, glad that you feel well enough again post-Covid, glad that the rain stayed mainly away and the sun shined at least a little bit, glad that you're glad you went and really glad that you have hope in your heart.

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate in reply to Birdlady64]

It has been awful, but there's only so long a body can languish on the couch, it's really slow going but I know from experience consistent running will make me stronger and the runs will be easier

[Frenc Graduate10 60minGraduate]

Hope in your heart is wonderful and something to hold onto.

Well done on your run! 😊🤗

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate in reply to Frenc]

Thank you, the weather is foul though

[Frenc Graduate10 60minGraduate in reply to SueAppleRun]

I know! I thought the roof was going to blow off at work 💨 🤣. Has cleared up a bit now.

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate in reply to Frenc]

Still wet and windy here

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10]

Slow, steady, and hold tight to that hope...very well done you. Take it gently and be kind to yourself x

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate in reply to Oldfloss]

I will thanks Floss, I'm lucky to have you to remind me

[Cowladyrunning Graduate10]

Well done. I think covid is being really troublesome with our breathing because now that's where I struggle and I didn't before. I'm glad you got out and it was a good feeling.

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate in reply to Cowladyrunning]

Thank you

[Cowladyrunning Graduate10]

Oh yes I put the babies coats back on as it was so cold again here today.

Calf with a calf jacket on as it is cold.

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate in reply to Cowladyrunning]

Aww how lovely

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10]

That’s a lovely run to have completed and so glad that there’s hope in your heart. Thinking of you ❤️❤️❤️

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate in reply to MissUnderstanding]

Thank you, it's a bit of a rollercoaster but I have to follow my original retirement plan where I can and running is part of that plan

[JeremiahObadiah]

Well done to you, I admire your fortitude and determination. It takes a lot of inner strength to pick one’s self up and get on after a sudden personal loss and then to have had covid as a further whammy…

Be kind to yourself but KBO.

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate in reply to JeremiahObadiah]

Thank you, it'll all take time but running helps me make sense if it all, running and music

[RunBrianRun Graduate10]

You’re doing brilliantly. Take it in your own time Sola and at your pace. Run, walk is what I would be prescribing for myself too. Shame about this weather, but I just think about the reservoirs filling up and how we need it. I was going to do some grass hill sprints today but I’ve opted for jumping squats, weighted squats and skipping outside in the courtyard instead. It’s sunny but grass is sodden on the hill and far too slippy.

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate in reply to RunBrianRun]

We have had a lot of rain haven't we? I want to visit the dew pond at the top of the Downs but it's just too wet everywhere, today I'll fit a walk in, before the rain comes back Skipping 😄I found my skipping rope while I was clearing out, I used to be able to skip for ages, I wonder,

[johnt46 Graduate10]

Well done Sola for getting out there.! You’ve been through a lot over the last few weeks , but you’ve remained positive. Does it matter if you’re slow, have to walk? making the effort is all that counts. Listen to your body, it will tell you when you’re ready to go that bit further, or faster. Enjoy your run, walk, nature, the sounds of the sea, it’s not a race. Keep your positive attitude, you’ll get there🤗

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate in reply to johnt46]

Thank you, it's certainly a strange time so running and walking is my constant at the moment

[sigasiga Graduate10]

Well done! Any run is a good run and I always think that however slow and ploddy I am I'm still running more than most people (especially of my age!). I've had Covid twice, really mildly both times, but it still took a few weeks before my running felt back to normal. So keep going, you will recover but it takes time 😊

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate in reply to sigasiga]

Thank you, and it will I know

[Week7 Graduate10]

Pleased you got out .always good to have a plan in place!

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate in reply to Week7]

Yes it's helping me focus

[Wavy-chick28 Graduate10]

The most important thing is you have made a start and you have all the time in the world to recover slowly. You have had it so tough be kind to yourself xx

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate in reply to Wavy-chick28]

Thank you I am xx

[Irish-John Graduate10]

We will run the rocky - but doable -road to recovery together W . And the good part is - we are 'OG's here so we know it's not about 'fast' or 'within time' so we will enjoy the journey and swap the stories as we progress