A walk on the wild side...

[hilbean]

Well, that may be overstating it a bit but after almost 2 and half weeks on the injury couch I was going stir crazy. So, with minimal swelling and minimal bruising, I strapped my ankle up, put on my shoes and ventured out into the blustery weather without Laura. I had no intention of running but having been doing some rehab exercises with minimal pain and being able to walk without hobbling thought I would at least attempt to walk my 'running' route. And it went well. I learnt a lot of things on that walk. Sloping pavements really are not my friend so it's definitely worth zig zagging across the road to find the most level bits which is much easier now they have finished relaying the pavements. Walking uphill is ok. I have a lovely flat section of road at the top and walking that was so lovely I couldn't resist the temptation and broke into a very light jog. OK. I know I shouldn't have but it was too irresistible and I wanted to test the water with my ankle so to speak. And I had no pain! Didn't jog for long and I knew that I might well pay the price for it but I now know as long as I'm on the flat and level I'm ok. Walking downhill not too bad. But looks like I need to work on stability. I won't run with Laura until the ankle is fully recovered but I may well see if I can walk some different routes and find out which ones are best for me to minimise injury risk until the right muscles are strong enough to keep my joints stable. I suspect I will have to go back to week 2 or 3 rather than continue with week 4 but today's walk has given me renewed motivation along with the knowledge that it will take me longer than 9 weeks to complete this. So patience is key!

Anyway, sorry for the waffle. Was just so pleased to be able to get out there, albeit it walking.

And finally... huge CONGRATULATIONS to everyone who has graduated and to all the rest of us undergrads... congratulations on completing your runs and keep going

[Tikiczocky Graduate]

Great stuff, Hilbean. I'm just post c25k and on the injury couch, having not listened to my body!! So plan to do those strengthening exercises, like you. Great to see that you are back and managing & good luck with the rest of the programme Have a great weekend.

[hilbean Graduate in reply to Tikiczocky]

Thanks Tikiczocky and good luck with your recovery too! Hopefully you'll be back on your feet soon. Time for feet up now. Enjoy the rest of the weekend

[scawbyplace Graduate]

I had problems with my hip just at the point of graduation and my confidence was well and truly knocked. But it feels sooooo good when you take those first pain-free steps, doesn't?!

Keep taking it steady and take it from me, after recovering from an injury the joy of running doubles : ))

[hilbean Graduate in reply to scawbyplace]

Thanks scawbyplace. I can only imagine how demoralising that must have been to be so close to graduating and to have to take injury time out But yes, pain free steps are wonderful I was only in week 4 and was really quite surprised at how much I missed going out. If today was anything to go by I will be on cloud 9 when I'm back on track again