The duck-run.

[turnturtle]

I met my new PT for the first time on Monday. He videoed me both running and walking and then informed me ( and after seeing the video I could not disagree) that I collapsed my hip and swung my left leg out and around when I ran. This is apparently not unusual (in fact my two sons apparently shared this affliction before they corrected their styles) . It's less effort than pushing off strongly with both feet and apparently the body is crafty at finding ways to shirk. PT put me through some fairly simple stretches and lunges and push-ups (to the amusement of the children in the park) which should strengthen my various lazy leg muscles and I came away determined to practise them religiously. Sadly this turned out not to be possible, as the following day I could barely move! I needed assistance even to climb the stairs and uttered pitiful groans every time I rose from a chair. Yesterday was little better and I sent a sick note to PT and opted out of my assigned run. Today, I forced myself out and gingerly jogged for a few five minute intervals, trying to concentrate on keeping my feet parallel and pushing off with my feet. It felt completely different to what I have laughingly called 'running' in the past and a hell of a lot more effort. PT said not to worry about time until I have adapted to the new way of running, but in fact I wasn't that slow, probably because my energy was being used going forward instead of side to side. I feel I will be crippled again tomorrow but am encouraged by the fact that we have discovered a reason that I couldn't seem to get any faster even after five months of trying. The marathon seems even less of a realistic proposition than before but I am DETERMINED to get this right for my 10K in July

[andi22 Graduate]

Hi tt. I've just read your previous blog and can't believe that you achieved all that before you even met you PT - way to go! Mine keeps mentioning the pool to me but I think it's so boring just ploughing up and down. Did you get some swim goggles? I've never worn them and if I was to have a go then maybe I should get some so I could see where I was going. I think you're going to be aching a lot during the next few weeks after your PT sessions. It's probably best to try and get out for a brisk walk on the days after to try and keep yourself loosened up. Keep enjoying and keep blogging. Andi x

[turnturtle Graduate]

Thanks andi. I'm trying to keep positive. PT says it's good that at least we have something to work on to increase my speed apart from just putting more effort in! Correcting my duck gait should also leave me less prone to injury-it seems I am lucky not to have sprained an ankle at least with my strange style.

Swimming IS boring but if you can get in the zone where you aren't thinking about it but just doing it, that helps. I have been prescribed another swim tomorrow but after reading your post I may try and dig out some goggles to see how that feels

. I think a snorkel might be even better!

What I neglected to mention was that the day before I met PT my 43 year old son decided to run with me in North London as my sense of direction is so poor. I should have been aware that North London has more hills than almost any built-up area in the country. I should also have remembered that my son still thinks of me as the young fit mummy who ran alongside as he learned to ride his first bike. Nearly two hours later I lurched through his front door having covered 11.6 kilometres . Strava also told me I had the distinction of recording the 43rd best time out of 43 records for the climb up Parliament Hill . Could this effort have had something to do with my muscle paralysis for the rest of the week?

[turnturtle Graduate]

Each to his own KittyKat but I definitely need a mentor rather than a running club. You don't have to sign up for a year. Why don't you just try a month and see what happens? For me personal recommendation was the way in. But if you go to the Training Peaks app they have a number of accredited personal trainers who they work with and recommend. Good luck with the swimming!