Back to it!

[Yesletsgo]

It feels like ages since I've run (I just checked, it was 18 days ago!!). We'd been to see the inlaws and decided to take a detour on the way home to look at our boat. Lots of driving, some very memorable stopovers but no opportunity to run.

We got home on Monday evening, yesterday was a sort of 'catch your breath' day, today the weather was good and we were more than ready to go.

I decided not to start back immediately on the NRC 10k plan. After such a long break, admittedly with lots of walking in the meantime, it seemed more sensible to ease back into it, so we set off to run an easy 3k across the fields. We expected some mud but not that most of the route would be so challenging.

There was no way I could run fast, it was necessary to watch every step to avoid slippery patches of mud or ankle deep quagmires. The upside of this was that it was such a gentle run there was no 'toxic 10', instead I could just enjoy the view and the relief of finally getting out here.

All my travels have truly made me appreciate the flat landscapes of eastern England!!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10]

Mud , glorious Mud... nothing like it... thick and gloopy!

Welcome home, my friend ! Back to the sunny shores of the UK...

What a super run ... and I really mean that... taking all the surroundings, despite, the need for care. ( I describe my muddy runs as , the dancing of an inelegant ballerina... teetering on the troughs and ruts!!

So sensible of you to take it gently, and plenty of time to begin the plans again... and after a while away, and all your adventures, a really sensible idea to go steadily

Good to have you with us again Well done you., (two)!

[Yesletsgo Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss]

Thanks Oldfloss it's good to be back 😁

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10]

This sounds like the perfect return to running! That first one after a break is such a satisfying one to tick off. In the grand scheme of things, 18 days isn’t a long break but you’re right that it really feels like it! There’s something epic about a really muddy run. Congratulations!!!

I last ran a week ago. I’d planned to run while I was away but the car journey and sitting irritated my knee. Hopefully now I’m back and moving again, it will settle down.

Nice to have you home again! ❤️

[Yesletsgo Administrator Graduate10 in reply to MissUnderstanding]

Car journeys can play havoc with knees can't they ? I got rid of my old manual car last year and went to automatic, the difference in my left knee is remarkable!Hope you are feeling better 😁

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Yesletsgo]

Thank you! It’s settled now and luckily, the return journey was much better. I stopped a couple of times and made sure I had a good walk around the services. It’s frustrating though, and it’s made me think about whether doing events a long way from home is a good idea or not. When I need to change the car, I think automatic might be the way forward.

For today, I’m just focusing on getting everything straight after a week away and getting out for a walk/run later. I’ve missed it!

[Yesletsgo Administrator Graduate10]

Glad you're feeling better It's so annoying when you get out of the car and every joint creaks! These days I rarely go more than 2 hours without a break and a stretch.

The automatic has made such a difference. It wasn't so bad on long journeys where there aren't that many gear changes but driving in traffic round town would really set me off (sons are in London and one of them lives in a place that is only reachable via endless traffic jams).

Dread to think how much worse it'd be if I hadn't started running