A Good Excuse

[lyricsarepoetry]

For me, when it came to restarted Couch to 5K, there were no excuses. I was going to force myself out there even when I didn't feel motivated. I was going to go and get this finished. I was going to be ready to do a 5K run in June for charity. I was going to run.

I was a little shocked at how much I came to enjoy running. All my other attempts at C25K had running as something I could take or leave, but this time it came to be something I really loved, something I looked forward to. Of course there were the times when I couldnt be bothered, but once I did it anyway I loved it and felt great.

I was part way through Week Three when I went for a couple of days away in Cardiff. I was going to a concert. It did mean Week Three would technically end at the beginning of Week Four but that didn't matter. I was all set to run when I get back home.

But that became out of the question all because I slipped on a stair. My friend and I were walking down the stairs at the travelodge to go back out on Friday when I missed a step and my ankle went over. A really nice first aider helped me back to our room and gave my ice packs and pillows and Pepsi to help with the shock. And I got through the rest of the holiday.

Back at home and I went to A&E to find out what he damage was. I was informed that it wasn't broken (and that was the only good news) but it was severely sprained. I was told that it might take 6 or even 12 weeks to completely heal. I was told I need to spend as much time as possible with it above hip level to help swelling. I was told I won't be able to run for at least 3-4 weeks if not longer.

I think this is a pretty good excuse to put Couch to 5K on hold, don't you? The problem is I don't want to put it on hold. I don't want to stay at home resting it. I want to get out there, I want to run a little bit further each time. Ii want to revisit the spots I only go through to run. This is going to be a long and horrible time. I hope it heals soon.

[useitorloseit Graduate]

Poor you! Don't make it worse by being impatient though. I sprained my ankle about 3 years ago and it took a lot longer than that to get back to normal-ish. Can you do C25K in the swimming pool instead?!

[lyricsarepoetry in reply to useitorloseit]

I won't be impatient. I feel impatient but I am going to just sit it out and take Couch to 5 K up again after it's healed. I don't think in a swimming pool would work for me, it's a nice idea though.

[Zev1963 Graduate]

Crikey, bad luck with the injury That looks painful

As UIOLI says, take care not to be too impatient.

It sounds like the running bug really has caught you so I dont think it will be too long before you are back out there running.

Best wishes for a quick recovery.

[lyricsarepoetry in reply to Zev1963]

Thanks Zev. I just need to be patient and keep up the exercises that the A&E doctor gave me. I'll be out there as soon as I'm healed

[Dunder2004 Graduate]

Ouch! I don't think there is much that anyway can say that will make you feel better.

Take care and I hope it heals soon.

[lyricsarepoetry in reply to Dunder2004]

Thanks Dunder!

[Irishprincess Graduate]

Ouch! I know how painful this can be as I did the same years ago before I was a runner. I know you're disappointed and I feel for you but these things happen and it will heal and you will get out there again. When your ankle feels a bit stronger you need to do exercises to strengthen that ankle as they take quite a bit of impact when running. A good one is to stand on one leg on a wobble board (those circular shaky things you see at gyms) or on a pile of cushions. Another is to draw circles with your ankle when sitting down.

It might not be long before you can walk on it and then you can build up your fitness levels again. Laura will still be there for you when you do get back. Take care and don't do too much too soon.

[lyricsarepoetry in reply to Irishprincess]

I definitely won't do too much too soon. As much as I hate not running, I hate the idea of not being able to at all more so I don't want to make it worse.

I'm already drawing circles, it was one of the exercises the A&E doctor gave me, that and bending my foot in as far as possible and then out. Bloody painful but worth it.

[Sarah-A Graduate]

Ouch! That looks sore.

Take it easy and you'll be back on it sooner than you think.

[lyricsarepoetry in reply to Sarah-A]

Thanks, Sarah. It's extremely colourful, but I'm getting used to it. The pain isn't too bad because of the painkillers but yeah once I can walk properly I'll start building up more and more to bea ble to run again

[Steve_L Graduate]

Bugger! Hope it heals quickly.

[lyricsarepoetry in reply to Steve_L]

Thanks Steve

[TurboTortoise Graduate]

Oh what dreadful luck and how frustrating. It looks sore! Hope it heals quickly and take good care of yourself.

[lyricsarepoetry in reply to TurboTortoise]

It's really frustrating but I'm getting used to it, I suppose. I will take care, so that I can get back out there

[lou-34 Graduate]

Ouch, poor you. I hope you have a speedy recovery.

[poppypug Graduate]

Holy Crap !!! Jeez, that looks sooo painful.

Oh poor you , that is such a blow for you , just as you were getting stuck in.

I cant add any advice other than what has been already said , but I just want to wish you a speedy recovery and I am so sorry to hear this .

Big hug for you ((((( ))))) xxx