Vicarious Running

[Gthants]

I can’t run at the moment, so am getting my fix through the medium of print, starting with Running Tracks by Rob Deering.

These twenty-six adventures in running are accompanied by the author’s perfect running tracks. He’s about a decade younger than me so his selection includes a lot of dance-type club music that’s not really my thing, but there’s some new (to me) stuff that has gone straight onto my running playlists; and I have added some of the "not me" music too, because it's clear it will be terrific to run to as well!

Rob is a comedian, musician and broadcaster that I confess I’d never heard of, but his attitude to running makes me long to be out there again. His honest and open approach offers real insights into why we do what we do – and how to get more pleasure from it. His quite brilliant descriptions of the music blend into depictions of the landscapes he runs through – from Scottish moors and far-flung islands, to canal sides and London streets – to create vivid images that put you right there with him, rolling through the miles.

He's someone who (like many of us) HATED cross country at school and because of the way that was “taught” grew to dislike what they thought running was. He started running again in his thirties when he was almost three decades younger me and he runs far, far further than I ever will, but his attitude is open and welcoming to runners of all ages and abilities.

This is a generous, warm-hearted and inspiring paean to running and runners.

[Sax64 Graduate10]

Good to hear from you and have this recommendation. How's the recovery going? Probably frustratingly slowly. Wishing you all the best

[Frankenfoot23]

Thanks for posting this, Gary. I hope the recovery is going well. I keep thinking about you as we graduated roughly the same time. I've been off for four weeks with achilles tendonitis, and after hearing your story I feel very lucky. I'm so sorry for you, you did so well and I hope you make a great comeback soon. I've been reading runners World but am close to the end of it - I'll have to see if this book is in the library

cheers!

[Gthants 60minGraduate in reply to Frankenfoot23]

Aw no! How awful for you! How long is your recovery? Hope you can get back out soon!

[Frankenfoot23 in reply to Gthants]

Not sure how long yet. I might find out tomorrow. I've been seeing a wonderful physio who pulled my calf all over the place, then stuck a bunch of needles in it - to aid recovery and blood flow she said. Then she gave me exercises to do which I've done religiously and possibly over-excitedly done. I can really tell the difference in strength around my ankles and much of the swelling has gone. But the exercises do still make it a little tender. I'm hoping to start running again within a fortnight - but am now thinking it best to build up again by ... oh no ... restarting couch to 5k.

I feel so sorry for you. How long do you think you might be recuperating for?

Have you considered swimming? That's meant to be really good for backs. Obviously, I have no idea how much pain you are in with it and whether that would be unbearable too. But it's very low impact and muscle strengthening. Might really help your core.

All the best! I hope it's not long before you are back running again

[Gthants 60minGraduate in reply to Frankenfoot23]

My injury was not as bad as first thought. I reckon I am a week or two away from getting back out ... probably to C25K ... 🫣

[Frankenfoot23 in reply to Gthants]

Oh that is super news! I'm delighted for you We might end up doing it again in tandem! Good luck with your recovery, hopefully just a corner to turn now for the pair of us

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate]

Pleased to see you post, this is a good place for recovery, book sounds one for the reading list

[Archerygoddess 60minGraduate]

Sorry to hear that you can't run at the moment 😔, but thanks for posting. I've been looking for something new to listen to at the gym and he sounds spot on. Hope you're back on your feet soon.

[Gthants 60minGraduate in reply to Archerygoddess]

He is one half of a podcast duo on running too: Running Commentary. I've not yet heard it, but it's on my playlist now.

[Jools2020 Graduate10]

This sounds interesting. I’m sorry you can’t run but it’s good to see you posting.

I can’t run either - I managed to catch Covid at a wedding while I was away. I’m back home now and starting to feel better but I have no energy at all. I’m pretty fed up with being on my own but I don’t want to give it to anyone so am in self-imposed quarantine until I test negative. Then I’ll start walking if I can summon the energy.

[Gthants 60minGraduate in reply to Jools2020]

So sorry to hear this. It's strange, considering Covid destroyed three years of my life, that I don't think about it being out there anymore, but I've heard of quite a few people in my small circle who've been down with it recently. And I know how much energy it saps. Hope you recover really soon and get get out again to run.

[Jools2020 Graduate10 in reply to Gthants]

Thanks! 😊 i think cases must be increasing again.

[Steady_Stevve]

Thanks for the book review. It looks good.