Today was a disaster, attempt at discombobulated abandoned (well for today). My last run was that glorious one in the rain, with the dog when I became horsefly lunch, the last few days however I haven't been very well (or should that be I've felt worse!? As technical with a chronic illness everyday I am not very well), so tired and dizzy and headachy and blurgh and I need more sleep and a bucket of ice please - when does summer end?
I really don't cope well in the heat it throws my ME off balance and I don't think I've been drinking enough and I don't think I've had enough sugar - well actually I've probably remedied the lack of sugar now on a cheesecake, coke and cookie binge - Ooops bad naughty types of sugar, I am meant to have complex carbohydrates not simple ones (but the simple ones taste soooooooooooo good .... Ummmmmmm cheesecake).
Ok back to the running.
So this morning I was tired and thought I just wouldn't bother at all, then I thought maybe I would give it a try afterall the discombobulated calls for a 30 minute run and that's more than doable for me now. I also thought maybe getting out there would release the happy and give me a bit of pep for the day.
So put running capris on, walk across bedroom take running capris off, find alternative pair with gusset, put those on walk to laundry room/husbands studio in search of socks and didn't like that at all, feeling seams in all the wrong places, so dived in the clean laundry to find a pair of seamless sports knickers and thus ended my blooming commando career.
Right. Bunnies fed as I was heading out a little later, door to upstairs closed so house bunnies couldn't get up, little bunnies in their outside enclosure. Demanding cats ignored (what I let them in what more do they want their food bowl wasn't empty, despite their opinion on the matter). Dog dressed for battle and off we went with grey skies and a breeze, get to the trail, er why is the sun out? Oh well it's only 30 minutes. The short route.
And off we start. After about 15 minutes I really wasn't feeling it, I was hot, the canal water was starting to look tasty and I just, well, meh. I walked for around 5 minutes and tried again but I felt really rough, attempt was abandoned. So we had a not so pleasant walk instead. Ferd was happy though - he got covered in mud, went for a swim, chased some coots, rolled in something - what more does a spaniel need?
I am just really struggling to fit running in, I am not sleeping well so early mornings are out, it's hot during the day so that is a struggle and by the time it's cooled off at night it's bed time. I must admit I am thinking I might just have to stop for a while, I thought about the gym and a treadmill, but it really doesn't appeal. But I am worried if I stop then I won't get started again ... Ever.
But I've brought mega expensive trainers now I must carry on.
I always moan about the summer, bring on the snow I say. And to add insult to injury my lovely alabaster pale pale white skin is almost a normal colour with all the outside time I've had running and cycling it's just not on I tell you I could be mistaken for a common muggle.
Oh woe is me, pity party for one. I need a kick up the backside (and some more sleep), fingers crossed normal service will resume shortly.
P.s I came home and discovered bunnies having a whale of a time upstairs
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spoonierunning
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i have had two stalled runs and my last but one run was a total disaster as I struggled to breath and then later on fell over and ripped my trousers and cut my knee and hand. I think you have to be mentally in the right place to run and if you are not then it is just really hard. I dropped my daughter at her new school for an induction day and was so bothered by it all I failed to run. I also had a failed run when i was worried about an event. this heat is also hard! don't give up though
It really didn't help that when i decided to have a go it was cool with a lovely breeze, it tricked me cause then haha fooled you it's sunny and hot afterall.
I just haven't been feeling it at all with the heat and just feeling really drained. I definitely think I need a rest.
I struggled with the heat terribly today. I was doing an interval run and only managed two of them! As you say there was a breeze but when you were not in the shade it was ridiculously hot and I gave in and walked it. I still did 2.6 miles but not quite in the fashion i wanted. x x x
Oh please don't say you will never run again you were so positive about running. The heat must make it very difficult, I must admit I don't know how I will cope with 34degrees when summer arrives. Maybe a little break from running will help you, cycling or swimming then get back to it and maybe the weather will be better. Can you run in the evenings? Keep positive!
It's still so hot in the evening and I'm an early eater and then it's sleepy time.
I can only afford to go swimming once a week at most at the moment, and getting out on my bike it's the same problem as the running it's just too hot
I think I need a rest. I don't know really know what I want, part of me wants to have have hissy fit and throw in the towel, the other part keeps saying hang on in there rain and winter will come.
I'm going to visit my new office tomorrow so that will be something. Hoping the building has air condition, my last office didn't and it was horrendous, might even see if the nearby swimming pool is a walkable distance for lunch time swims.
This heats a killer ! We can only do what we can do ! I was drenched when I got back this morning , sweat was dripping , I didn't enjoy it at all . Roll on autumn that's what I say . Take it easy & don't push yourself too hard .
No not running! We won't let you stop, Spoonie! Perhaps a wonderful cold cold bath when you get back will give you something to look forward to after a roasting hot run?!
Little blips like this are normal but do try to keep running; you've done sooooo well! You continue to do sooooo well, you can't stop!
Autumn will soon be here, and cooler weather with it.
Erm I don't have a bath, well I do but you see it had this really fancy tap that the previous owner installed and it broke right off and the bath is all tiled in and you can only get to do plumbing stuff it needs by going via the celing underneath and then the bath got a little crack in it and so now needs totally replacing and did I mention the bathroom is completely tiled in (and those buggers are a sod to get off I know cause I had to use a chisel and lump hammer to gain access to under the bath before discovering that was a no go). I do however have a lovely shower (but we have to be careful cause you know hole where the tape used to be and small crack so we have a bit of a damp issue developed with the ceiling underneath so that will need coming down and doing now anyway) - the joys of home ownership.
I just really miss those early morning with the mist over the canal and frost. I think I just need rest and then maybe just keep it up enough to keep fitness up for the cooler weather when I can run til my little heart is content.
We bought a paddling pool in a sale. That would cool you down spoonie. Do you remember sitting in the river as a child and it was freezing when you first got in. But then you warmed up as you got used to it... Well our paddling pool is NOTHING like that. It just stays freezing forever !!!! Lol
Oh bad times m'dear. Have a couple of days off and I'm sure you'll feel better. If it really is too hot for you, why not try a treadmill in a lovely cool gym. I had a look around the gym at our local pool today, with a view to doing the cycling bit of the triathlon. It was so cool, just lovely, and the treadmill looked really inviting, compared with a hot road. Just a thought Spoonie......
I don't actually know if the gym at the council sports centre would be air conditioned. The treadmill really doesn't appeal to me, plus I don't really have the money (swimming is cheaper and I can only really do that once a week).
Maybe a treadmill and a really fit hunky personal trainer in a private gym and 80s power ballads.....
(Shhh don't tell Mr Mouse)
I think I need to have a rest and not worry. I worry if I have a break I won't start again and I've spent such a lot of money I don't have on stuff. But then I am still reading running blogs and being inspired and I want a funky running vest which says - too fat to run? toofattorun.co.uk/shop/pink...
Maybe I just need some running retail therapy (or a man candy movie marathon)
What does it for me every time is the running retail therapy.
I've been crocked, miserable, depressed and feel a wee bit embarrassed seeing as I was on here giving it the big 'un on graduating only for my Achilles to "twang" 3 weeks later!
So today I'm off to Lidl's (you read it right) for some running gear as they're having one of them flash sales just now (tops £4! Wheeeee!)
and then my mate and I are going to go on a recon mission round the park to see if we've healed (she's messed her Achilles too)
Rambling on here love, ANYWAY, yes to the retail therapy, the heat is just jokes all the time at the moment and the gym is rubbish I agree. Wish I could recommend some heat busting tips but I've got none. Run in the late evening? Do a recon to find shaded places in which to run?
Anyway, don't give up! I'm living in that misery grip right now and my wee brain is too stubborn to let me throw 9 weeks' worth of VERY hard work to the wind.
I must admit I was tempted by the bag, but then I have a million and one bags.
I almost popped into sports direct yesterday but then I decided I'd rather save up for my garmin (or camera, not that a camera has anything to do with running but I could run to new and different locations to take pictures!)
Aww Spoonie - this doesn't sound like you! You've loved the running so much that I cannot believe you will become a muggle. This heat is absolutely draining - why worry about reining back a little until you feel better and the weather is cooler. I'm sure it's just a blip and you'll be back on form soon x
The heat's horribel to run in. I've managed to pick up a few free day passes for a local *air conditioned* gym, so am going to try that out. I can't afford it long term (and hte the treadmill compared to outside), but just to get over this heatwave as a pay and go customer might work - is that an option for you as you've been doing so well!
I think a local private gym gives out a free one day trial. But then the treadmill doesn't appeal, memories of one years ago and having to stare endlessly at my beetroot red face in a mirror
Oh don't give up, your posts have been so inspiring and your love of running has shone through. Perhaps you should run a cold bath and then have a read of your old wonderful posts to re-inspire you?
Please don't give up - somehow it hurts all of us when one of us drops out, especially someone as supportive as you.
I'm finding it all a bit much at the moment too, for various reasons, so I've decided that I shall aim to run 3 times a week, but not worry about increasing anything. This week I ended up missing a run, but I still managed two, which is still 200% more than I used to do! Each day I set out, I aim to do 30 minutes, at whatever speed is possible, but tell myself I can stop after 20 if necessary. So far I haven't had to stop - but I won't beat myself up if it happens. When life calms down a bit, I'll look at new challenges, but right now "I Maintain" is the motto.
Yes I think any sort of increase is out the window. I am not sure if mentally the old guy running and then walking in front of me helped. Lovely guy, he is almost 68 and has been running since he was 11 but now finds he has to slow to a walk and stretch at regular intervals. But you know those evil little gremlins are like but they are walking go on it's all too hard anyway.
Don't give up. You've worked really hard and are doing so well. Do you think you might be taking too much on in this heat? If so, there's nothing wrong with cutting back: a 5 minute run is better than sitting on the couch. Or stick with swimming until it cools if you don't fancy going to the gym to run or cycle?
Yes I think I probably have been doing far too much. Also doesn't help that heat also brings about lack of appetite (well unless it's cheesecake or iced buns) so probably not enough fuel in the tank either.
Sounds like a plan. You have achieved so much since starting c25k. You are not on your own:- you'll have seen from other posts that the heat is getting to everyone. The mantra 'little and often' may be useful here smaller chunks of exercise. No one said it all had to be done all in one go xx
Don't let those ghastly, wrong but influential people who reckon ME is just disordered thinking win! And remember that 'overdoing it' (and I know that's so hard to predict ahead of time and can catch you out if you are at all a trier, which you certainly are) does mess with your biochemistry and produces not the raised mood most get from exercise but depressed, hopeless feelings.
We need to get you to the Peak District trails and let you run in the tunnels and cuttings!
I do actually think I was heading towards a crash if I'd kept pushing, really not what I want when I'm about to start a new job, I've had sleep and haven't done any exercise so total rest as well. I am not gonna put pressure on myself to get out there. Come the rain I will be puddle stomping
Peak District trails do sound fun, I keep wondering if I shout explore further afield but it would be just Ferd and me, so I think exploring will have to be hiking - need some dog friendly pubs
It really is hot at the moment. Don't stop just go and do what you can no matter how short, just to keep the habit up. It'll improve soon and you have achieved so much. Please!!
Noooo! Please believe you've still got it - it's just the heat, it really is crummy. Perhaps you need a strategic tapering, um, strategy until things cool down. I know I do.
I've always found your posts so inspiring and helpful, and you've always seemed to enjoy it so much. Somehow I just know that you will arise and run again!
Mr Mouse wouldn't go get me any cheesecake cause I had cheesecake yesterday
I have however spent most of the day asleep (of course being asleep doesn't help with the fact I need to drink some more).
I think I just need a rest and to not worry.
Ah - now come on now Spoonie.. it's bl**dy hot out there... who could blame you for not getting out there. You don't do heat but you love to run... the issue now is that it's hot and you can't run... Knowing the UK it'll be snowing in a week and you'll be back out there...
Even the rabbits were hiding from the heat - don't blame you for doing the same!
It is very hot especially for a very pale skinned lady with blue light sensitive eyes, more freckles than ever and erm a bit of a sun allergy/photosensitive issue. Ummm snow.
I however don't mind the sun so much when I'm at the beach (well with my beach tent and the sea to dive in and my bucket and spade to build massive sandcastles) I miss living within a short dive to the sea and sand.
Hang on a minute, didn't you say you ran for 15 mins and then another 5 mins ? I know it's not the same as 30 mins non stop but that's still a useful run in this heat. Maybe you are just trying to do too when its just too hot. You got out there and you did some running. Good for you...
Spoonie I am almost at the same point, this damn heat and being so tired, But I am not going to let it beat me, I will get out there and if I end up walking so be it, but I will go, because like you if I dont I may never and I want a running bra so I cant quit, and anyway I did this for Jess and shes getting better, so I need to do it for me, and please Spoonie do it for you and me coz if you quit nothing will ever be the same ( is that grovelling enough for you ) BUT maybe if you make up your mind to run once a week until it gets cooler, would that help maybe ?
I love my sports bra, it's very comfy, I sometimes wear it as a normal bra.
I'm glad your granddaughter is getting better that is brilliant news
I need to remember why I started - to keep moving, cause physio is boring and I put in such a lot of hard work getting walking let alone running.
Thank you.
Rest and remember it's rest and not giving up, I have to remember I am poorly and I just can't keep going even if I want to, if I keep pushing eventually I will break and that's not what I want.
Great pic of the naughty bunnies! Had the very same blip this week although you did much better as you actually went out and ran, I didn't bother all week and moaned, whined, groaned and probably howled a bit then kicked myself up the derrière and heading out tomorrow for a quickie, 20mins, which is actually what you did!
I think heat, work, holiday conversations (had mine so find holiday chat annoying now!) all added to my 'off running' and a little break has re-invigorated me along with this forum.
Come on Spoonie get back out there ( but nought wrong with a few days off if that is what your body is telling you).
Ah, a crap day. But we all have them, and the summer weather will turn rubbish soon - look on the bright side! It's bound to because the schools have broken up
You will run again spoonie, because we won't allow you to stop (unless you really, really, really, and I mean really mean it).
It seem's there's something in the (very warm) air recently which is getting us runners down. But deep down we know we'll be okay, after a good nights sleep and with a little cooler weather we'll be back out there doing our thing
P.S. Have the zombies given up chasing you and battle dog now?
I slept most of yesterday and although tired (and still very hot) I am feeling a bit better. I just think I have to accept I need a break in this weather my body can't cope with it.
Yes I still have zombies, I haven't taken them with me on my last couple of runs, I REALLY need to load up some more music.
Never mind Spoons, it won't always be like this. The rain will come soon and cooler weather along with it. Then we can moan non-stop about the flooding. I think us Brits are good at drinking tea and moaning about the weather. LOL
It's hard to sleep at night as it's too hot and it puts us all out of kilter. It's not just you. We'll soon be back to normal. Don't worry.
Ah yes tea and moaning about the weather a national past time.
I think I've just come to the realisation it's too hot for me. I'm stalking the weather app and there seems to be a greater chance of rain down South so I will pack my running kit just in case as I'm heading home for a couple of days
(And I will remember to collect my lovely tower fan which is currently at my dads)
I was just coming to the same conclusion myself, I'm in France where the coolest part of the night only gets down to 17C ATM. I was just saying to BaldyBoy yesterday I might have to put the running on hold until it cools down....we will have to support each other through the heat Spoonie, I'm not gonna give up but might have to miss a couple of runs here and there...It actually looks cool and overcast out there this morning, it's the sun rathgetting ready...er than the heat that gets to me sensitive eyes and steamy sunnies mean I can't see where I'm going...Guzzle slurp... that's me finishing my tea and
Come on Spoonie stop beating yourself up. You ran for 15 mins in heat and did way more than someone sitting on the couch. Rest up and wait for the rain (can't be far away). You know you love running and new shoes too
You are such an inspiring person, please don't give up. I had an awful run too this morning and had to head back after only 5 mins for the loo. Sometimes I wonder how I managed to graduate? How about getting your running things out ready and actually wait for that rain to run in? As much as I hate walking and getting soaked in the rain, there can be something very uplifting and refreshing about running in it - especially if you can have a nice shower afterwards!
Love the bad bunnies. You know your body spoonnie & you know your own determination. So it's not the time to worry. My daughter developed/came down with ME when she was 14, 10 years ago. I have to say she is better now but I see signs of it at times still so maybe its a case that she is managing it. One thing I do know from your posts is you show the same degree of sheer bloody mindedness as her & so I'm certain you are, as you say, having a blip. I remember one of the symptoms that used to defeat her was temperature control. So this hot weather can't last forever- this is the UK. You hang on in there. I, for one, have nothing but admiration for you. Go girl! Go! but only when you're ready.
Thank you. Wow 14 is though age to get ME I was diagnosed at 18 just after struggling to finish my A levels, but I went on to get a degree and work full time - except for the recent blip when I lost my job through ill health (I did have a major crash ME complicated with other things) but heading back to full time employment now.
Temperature control is one of my issues combined with a naturally low body temp, I just don't think my body really understands what it's meant to do.
Thanks Spoonie. I have to say, she struggles with the fact that those years were important ones to miss out on but I'm very proud of the fight in her, particularly when she was fighting when feeling so wiped out. I'm sure you understand that. You have done really well haven't you? I'm sure your folks are very proud of you too. I think I have wished you well in your new job & do hope you enjoy it. x
I've always been a bit meh about my achievements I never really saw it as anything other than loads of people go to uni and get degrees, what's so special, whereas my mum was my little cheer squad she was always reminding me of how hard I had to work, I even missed my final term cause I was too ill to go. I didn't have the normal teenage/uni experience, I was lucky that we had a family home in Oxford at the time so I did at least get to pick a uni that let me live away from home and was the best course structure for me.
I miss my mum and her little pep talks. My Dad is only now just getting that I am disabled, despite the fact I was pretty much bed bound when I was first ill, I don't think he really understand it but knows I am sick and is now starting to realise just how much of a limitation it is, I think seeing me crash a couple of years ago was probably the light bulb moment for him.
Oh spoonie, you really have done well. My daughter taught me more than I could ever teach her. I hated the illness with a fervour but she used tell me how much it taught her & I can actually see that now. Men tend to be a bit on the slow side (sorry men) I sometimes think they bury their heads because its easier than facing the facts. Its hard to see your child suffering. I used to leave her bedroom fighting back the tears in the morning knowing I had to wake her but knowing she was going to struggle all day. I'm just so glad we are past that now. Spoonie don't you worry about this blip - you know you can & will come out the other side.
Please don't give up, you're such a great help and inspiration you really are.
How about just taking it easier, slow down a little, not expect to run for as long or as far as you have done before.
One of my worries is that if I don't keep it up I'll lose it all. Well after some great advice from here I took a bit of a longer rest - and the next time I went out was jusr fine
So please don't be down hearted. I really hope you find some strength and positiveness to carry on - steadily and after a break!
I have decided that running in the heat is just too much for me at the moment, as soon as it rains or I feel up to a little outing I will be out there again.
I've been resting on my Discombobulated laurels (very comfy) Apart from swimming (which is being funded from a Christmas gift), I've been walking in the late-ish evening (when I would usually be in bed asleep) Partly to get the Long Suffering and Cuddlier Than Is Good For Him Husband out exercising too and of course it does the dog no favours to go out in the full heat anyway. Not a clever plan as such as every morning on go the big knickers and the sports bra in hopes I'll need them for running...
It rained heavily down south overnight Spoons! Whether it helped cool things down I don't know. You could always have a swim instead of your run. You have to take Ferd for his walks so that's more exercise. It's not as if you're not doing anything
I've been doing 3 k's this week, which are over rather quickly, so it doesn't seem as strenuous. Even later in the evening has been no respite from the heat as it's still flamin hot!
Ummmm yum lemon and ginger cheesecake - I'm going home to Essex for a couple of days and leaving Mr Mouse behind to look after the zoo - he won't know if I get cheesecake
Does the running help with the ME in the grand scheme of things? I bet it does. I have a family member with a similar sydrome, so I have a little bit of understanding. His diet is a big key to how he feels, but it's tough to get it right. Also he doesn't excercise as much as he should, so you're doing well.
You already said you were dehydrated, which makes a runner feel rubbish physically and mentally.
Anyway you don't need a kick up the backside, just to control the things you can control - water, feed the bunnies, eat complex carbs! I was recommended rice cakes with peanut butter this week. I'd save the cheesecake for the reward after run; or should that be carrot (on a string) cake?
and ME just deals you a blow sometimes and it's real downer. Sometimes you just gotta ride it out. Easier said...
I think the weather is going to cool down now too, so that should help!
Hi yes and no to exercise helping with M.E it's a bit of a complex area. A big part of M.E is post exertional malaise, so where most people will go out do something and feel it straight afterwards or maybe a few hours afterwards like a slight ache a bit tired. It's different for someone with M.E as it can be anywhere up to 72 hours after an activity you feel it and it can be disproportionate to the activity eg a 5 minute walk round a supermarket, can feel like running a marathon.
The conventional thinking when you've been sick is that the body becomes deconditioned and so you need to do a little and often and then increase it and keep going, if my ME is in a bad phase to do any exercise will make me worse and risk the possibly of me going back into remission or partial remission.
Unless you know your body and the condition exercise is actually dangerous for people with ME and there are some who can't and will never be able to anything beyond very very gentle physio.
But I don't just have ME I also have wonky joints (joint hyper mobility) and so I need to keep moving to literally keep moving, a few years ago I was in a really bad way, ME relapse and chronic back pain and could barely walk. I did around 2 years of physiotherapy before even attempting run. I am maintaining running at the moment (well when it's not hot) because I am not working, but there is a big question over if my body can sustain the same levels of activity I do now when I go back to full time employment.
I have to find an achievable balance between mental and physical activity that won't make me relapse, of course it's not an exact science cause my 'baseline' levels are always changeable.
I do believe diet is a great way to help a lot of medical conditions it's finding what's right for you, a big change I made this year that has proven very helpful and ironically probably not advocated by the NHS was to ditch the low fat and have full fat and ditch the sugar free, I won't have anything with artificial sweeteners (well apart from the tiny amount that's in my toothpaste).
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