TurboTortoise creeps out of her hibernation box and goes for a run...

[TurboTortoise]

I've not been running since the end of November – mostly laziness and lack of motivation, but a few other tiresome things got in the way including a car crash (deep sigh) and one of those nasty colds accompanied by horrible hacking cough that seem to go on forever. And honestly, it's been SO cold and wet and dark out there, hasn't it?

But I was working from home today and the sun was shining so at lunchtime I told myself to stop procrastinating, put on the running gear and GO.

Having not run for a while I wasn't sure how long I would be able to keep going for, so I started out at a gentle pace. Amazingly, it felt really comfortable – two laps of the park whizzed by and I realised that I wasn't tired or out of breath, and the uphill sections that usually make me breathe heavily, cursing, felt like nothing at all... in fact I ran further than I ever have on that route in 30 mins (I am never sure of exact distance but I reckon just a shade short of 5K). Then I kept going for another couple of minutes, just to prove I could! It felt great, but I was frankly astonished!

Now before Christmas I had a blood test which showed I was quite anaemic (though I wasn't aware of any symptoms). So I have been taking iron tabs (prescribed) for the past four weeks – I wonder if this could this have made the difference in such a short time? Or is it like some sort of placebo? I ache a bit tonight, in that way you do when you exert yourself and your muscles aren't used to it, so yes I've lost some form, but the stamina/cardio side of things seems to have inexplicably improved and more than made up for it! Whatever the reason, it's wonderful to feel that post-run euphoria again.

Now I just have to keep going...

[Eebahgum Graduate]

Smashing. Love your username.

[TurboTortoise Graduate in reply to Eebahgum]

Ha ha thanks! There is in fact a real tortoise in my life (currently hibernating), hence the inspiration for the name!

[Legion Graduate]

That sounds like a great run. Well done for getting out there again. Iron deficiency can make you tired/listless so taking the tablets probably has helped. No excuses not to keep it up now. If you want some motivation, you could join RFC's 'Love to run Valentine Quest'. You'll see it pinned over on the right. Happy running.

[TurboTortoise Graduate in reply to Legion]

Thanks - will be running again tomorrow (there, I've said it so I'll definitely have to do it now!!) just to make sure it really is those fine new extra red blood cells doing the biz and not a fluke.