A new stage of recovery

[Gthants]

Busy weekend with two big West End shows, so car journey, train and then walks in London - yesterday over 10,000 brisk steps.

I started Saturday with 30 minutes pilates and Sunday with Adrienne yoga for back pain. I did a 20 minute exercise routine on my return both days.

This morning I did 35 minutes of pilates, some stretching, a 5/5/5/5 session of walking and running. Last week's 3 x 3 minute runs were easy. The two 5 minute runs today were absolutely no problem.

But I am trying to balance the fact that 5 weeks ago I was running 5k easily, with the fact that 5 weeks ago I really damaged several muscle groups. I haven't lost all that fitness, but at the same time I don't want to do too much.

With the need to add some structure, I am wondering about re-doing a chunk of C25K, but freshening it up with a new mentor. Although I am capable of more and am tempted to do week 3 or even 4, I know it's risky. So, as 10 minutes of running and a weekend of long walks has been no issue, I will re-start at week 2 this week, with 6 runs of 2 minutes. It seems a loooooooooong way to step back, but I'm gonna be good.

Next post on C25K!

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10]

Really glad that you’re making such positive progress. It’s really hard coming back from injury. The mental side of it can be more difficult than physically. It certainly was for me!

Just wishing you all the luck as you’re moving forwards. You’ll get there. Taking it steady and cautiously is a really good plan. Really looking forward to following your journey ❤️

[Gthants 60minGraduate in reply to MissUnderstanding]

You are SO right! The mental/emotional side is the biggie. I'm so frustrated that I can't just go out and run for half an hour three times a week. Upset that my plan to be nearing an hour of running by now has been put on the back burner. And irked that the natural effects of "I've used my muscles to run" that we all get, leave me feeling paranoid that even this level is too much, when all I need to do is stretch, have a running rest day, and go again.

Thanks for the kind words.

[Jools2020 Graduate10]

That’s a great idea. I found that once I’d decided on a plan of action - it took the stress away of constantly wondering what to do. I just followed the plan. I found C25K the second time round was not difficult. I stopped fretting about what I used to be doing and just did the runs, one by one. Loved it! Didn’t have to make any decisions. I decided I must be really good at following orders 😂

It can be disheartening to have to step back, but now you’ll be moving forward again with every run. It really flies by. Enjoy the ease! You will get there again and in a better position than before.

[Gthants 60minGraduate in reply to Jools2020]

Thank you. I'm definitely disheartened, but I do need that structure as otherwise I am constantly second-guessing myself. And I can remember posting about by anxiety at leaving Laura behind and how weird it was not to have her voice in my ear (before I discovered Mr Nike). I'll just pick a new running buddy to encourage me. Once the first run is done, it'll feel like I am at least back on track again.

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate]

So good to know you are healing and sensible to take a step back, you will whizz through it this time round

[Sax64 Graduate10]

Very good idea to step back into C25K and at least this time you'll know all about how to do it and how to succeed, just let that inner snail 🐌 loose!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10]

Yeayyyy and we will be waiting there... and Catch Up Corner post starts there, next week too, so, you can pop in and share your plans Please x