Update from the couch...: Well, it's once again... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

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Update from the couch...

21 Replies

Well, it's once again a little crowded on the injury couch but it appears that we're all slowly getting up off the couch for a few tentative steps...

An update from me is probably in order too... As you probably know I caused a bit of a mischief with the inside of my ankle after the mile intervals last Friday and then my 12K on Sunday... this had me in a "not really able to walk without pain" mode for Monday and Tuesday and it's been twinging since then...

I've not run since Sunday and I've been trying to get some rest in, ice when I can and taking in some Ibuprofen as required... and it's been working - this rest thing is a good thing...

I'm still not 100% and there's still a sore spot on my ankle if I push on it (reminder: don't) but I certainly feel like there's light at the end of the tunnel now. It's been a horrid week without my lovely running to keep me sane and I've felt pretty down about the injury and not getting out there. With all the build up to my races and the excitement I felt it's been a big reality check to be knocked on the couch and out of action...

This morning I was able to walk around first thing with minimal discomfort and I'm going to try a VERY light 2K tomorrow to test things out... I've got the 10K London Zoo stampede on Sunday and I REALLY want to complete it... I'm at the point now where I think I can give it a go, go REALLY easy (no PBs this time) and if I need to walk it then I'll walk some of it... I still want to finish and get my medal!

It's incredibly frustrating when our bodies don't let us do what we love and these things seem to come straight after an incredible high point - probably not a surprise as those high points tend to be the ones where we've pushed ourselves a bit...

So - toes crossed for a light jog tomorrow and if that goes okay then it'll be a nice and slow 10K on Sunday at the London Zoo.... I am really hoping all will be well... It's not a happy place with this hanging over me though...

Happy running and happy healing folks! :)

UPDATE: The race pack has arrived... now I REALLY want to be there! :)

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21 Replies
Slookie profile image
SlookieGraduate

Aussie, hope the fetlock improves in time. Just BTW, a runner I know had to have time off with an Achilles injury and spent the time he would normally spend running on a rowing machine. He came back to race one of his best - said it worked wonders keeping his heart and lungs going.

Not sure if a rowing machine is going to be good for ankles though?

in reply to Slookie

Cycling is probably a good option in the meantime actually - something I may need to do next week depending on how Sunday goes! Darn body parts... never playing nice! :)

Thanks!

Tomas profile image
TomasGraduate

Just take it easy, mate. Whatever you do, show up on Sunday, but do not push yourself, yeah? I want to hear about all your future runs, so make sure you heal well.

in reply to Tomas

Thanks Tomas - definitely not looking to push hard on Sunday... no PBs this week! :)

Realfoodieclub profile image
RealfoodieclubGraduate

Sorry your on the bench. I don't think you are going to like my suggestion but here goes. Why don't you try not going out for your 2k. I know it goes against the grain. I had to do this before my Tri. I missed my last run in the taper week because I had a niggle. After lots and lots of persuasion I missed it and believe me it made no difference on the day. On the other hand if I had pushed myself I could of damaged it some more. I personally found getting ready for a race mentally the hardest thing to do. You have done so much training I am positive missing one 2km will not make any difference. You are going Sunday no matter what, who wouldn't (great idea for a 10k) so give your injury all the rest you can. Good luck.

in reply to Realfoodieclub

Thanks RFC... I have seriously considered this option actually. I think the idea of doing a very light 2K was to see if I had any problems... I think given that I'm going to turn up on Sunday anyway and "give it a go" probably does negate the need for the trial run... worst case I run 2K and it hurts then get all upset about it and don't bother with Sunday...

If I don't run tomorrow then I turn up Sunday, run 2K and if I need to pull out - well, at least I started...

Fair point and one I'll take into consideration... :) Thank you!

misswobble profile image
misswobbleGraduate

You will be Aus! Wild horses an all that! The injury could be a set back for sure but then again it might not. It might be just a coffee stain on your running plan but nowt to worry about. I think sometimes these niggles assume larger proportions than they need to, but thankfully they usually just turn out to be aches, which with a bit of rest, clear up on their own

Ever the optimist

Miss Wobble

Go have fun!!!!!!

in reply to misswobble

Thanks MissW... I think you're right but this one is more "pain" than "ache" so it's a bit more concerning... however, onwards and upwards and all that... so long as I don't go silly it will all be good! ;)

Vixchile profile image
VixchileGraduate

Oh Aussie sorry to hear your ankle is still not healed 100% but it's been a good I idea to rest etc? toes! fingers crossed that you can run the zoo race, i know what you mean that race pack looks very exciting and a medal too. A very jealous person is wishing that I was doing it too on Sunday. Running and walking is ok - the man on my podcast said so, he also said some marathon runners do it in their training.

Clara29 profile image
Clara29Graduate

Glad your ankle is feeling a little better. Don't do too much too soon! I tentatively got off the couch this morning but have decided to plop myself back down and stick to walking for a little while yet...most frustrating. Good luck with your 'light' running :-)

poppypug profile image
poppypugGraduate

Aw Aus, I really feel for you, I do . Cant offer any advice really, but I would definitely give it a go Sunday and just see how you go on . What a shame cos you were really looking forward to it ,pah :-( xxx

TurboTortoise profile image
TurboTortoiseGraduate

I would echo others and say don't bother with the 2k, just see how you go at the lion run, if you feel you've healed enough, though unfortunately that's something you're not going to know until the day itself and you just have to trust your instincts and take a punt. I had something similar (but entirely different) for 10k a few months ago - a really unpleasant chesty cough, the sort you're not meant to run with. So I didn't run at all for a week and only stopped feeling fluey on the morning of the race, but just went and did it anyway – and it was BRILLIANT. OK, I have to admit I felt like death warmed up the next day but it was totally worth it and no lasting harm was done.

AncientMum profile image
AncientMumGraduate

Really really hope you're fit to do your race on Sunday. Personally, I wouldn't bother with the 2k tomorrow, I'd just keep on resting until the race. Good luck m'dear, I'm sure you're gonna be fine (especially if you dare to rock the compression socks with shorts combo) :)

Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessGraduate

I'm sorry aussie that I have no advice for you because I think you have the devil's dilemma here.

Trust your body and your instinct and you'll make the right decision for that time.

I'll keep everything crossed for you.

dottiemay profile image
dottiemayGraduate

I agree with forgetting the 2k - that extra rest day might make all the difference. The problem with doing something amazing is the temptation to try even more the next time instead of taking a step back and letting the body re-adjust - a lesson I've learned the hard way! Now, I repeat the 'one big pace forward, two small steps back' mantra to ensure I don't overdo the enthusiasm!

Really best of luck for Sunday, aussie - hope you do manage to finish to 10k, whatever the time!

GettingFitter profile image
GettingFitterGraduate

Good luck Aussie glad you're making a bit more room on the IC as I am not quite right yet ;-)

Miles_Yonder profile image
Miles_YonderGraduate

Three months, Aus. That's how long I carried around a twinging ankle. Three months. No pain, just a sensation, and never while running. Three months, fearing the worst. The worst being a stress fracture and what a dreadful, depressing thought that was. Tried many things but finally I put some KT Tape on. Been fine ever since! :-)

So sorry to hear this though mate; you love your running and enjoy it greatly, and are looking forward very much to your races - I fully understand how much of a blow this is, but WAIT! It may not be serious, at all, just an odd twinge that's on its way out. I know we tend to think the worst (I'm as injury paranoid as they come!) but it may very well not be. Think positive, Aus - try not to feel too fed up.

Your race pack looks awesome; turn up, run and take it nice and steady - easy does it. And even if you have to walk during it, you know what? It's a great experience and you'll get a shiny shiny medal at the end of it! You'll be fine though, just take it easy - and enjoy. And update us afterwards!

I agree, give the 2K a miss. Maybe, if you feel up to it, go for a short walk. Not the same, I know, but may just act as a gentle warm-up.

Try not to worry. You'll have a great race! :-)

in reply to Miles_Yonder

You, Sir, are a legend. Thank you... All will be well...

Thank you team C25K... You are all awesome!

mossy1 profile image
mossy1Graduate

Wish you all the best with whichever decision you make. I can't add anything that hasn't already been said but I hope you recover soon.

MrsSparkle profile image
MrsSparkleGraduate

Aw Aussie, I haven't been on here all week and so I'm sorry I didn't know you had injured yourself. What bad luck when you had been going so well. It does sound like you are getting better, so that's good. I think I'd just go for a walk tomorrow and then do the race on Sunday. If it's going to be get bad again, it may as well be on the big day, and then at least you tried. Otherwise if it happens when you are out tomorrow, you'll just wish you hadn't gone out.

Best wishes either way. You are still an inspiration. I'm off to try a Parkrun tomorrow.

I've been away too, so sorry to hear you're on the couch...if it was me, I would not do any more running until your zoo run, then I would get round that 10K if I had to hop....or crawl on my hands and knees... you get your medal for finishing right? Best of luck Aussie xx

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