Just a slow-down...not a stop...: I started to... - Couch to 5K

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Just a slow-down...not a stop...

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate
45 Replies

I started to write this post last night, but having read it through today, I scrapped the original and rewrote it! Talk about pathetic self-pity. Goodness, what was I thinking.

So...Firstly, huge thanks to all you wonderful wise-ones who replied to my last two posts. Having been a more than a little bit foolish, not taken the advice I have offered others, and maybe not quite realising what was happening, I find myself back on the IC.

My left knee is very, very painful; going upstairs horrendous if I put weight on it, ( so I don't) standing up from a sitting position... bathroom visits are hilarious...sorry too much information!

I am taking the good advice given by you, doing all the things you suggest and I am being sensible. I have even had some excellent advice from my podiatrist who came today; she knew an awful lot about running, joints, injuries and all the very long names of things!!! All linked with her professional knowledge and very interesting it was too! She even did one or two simple checks and tests on my feet.. and on the positive side was really impressed with me!!!!

Reason to be cheerful Part 1.

I should have run this morning, but obviously, that was not on the cards. So, reflections on my initial feelings;

a) stupidity for not taking any notice of the niggle

b) annoyance for my body's weakness

c) puzzlement. because I thought I had been doing things properly

d) disappointment because the days are getting warmer, the sun is shining and it is NOT raining

e) sheer frustration because I cannot run, but feel like I can...

But, am I downhearted? No, ( not now anyway).

Lots of us on here and the other forums, on the IC, just off the IC, struggling with recovery, with much worse issues than mine; so... what to do for the next few days whilst I heal or at least get over this?

Well; don't fight it. just get on with it...follow the advice given by those on here, who know, follow a simple programme of rest and exercise to get this thing sorted!

Keep posting, ( no....the cry comes), and reading about and supporting all of my lovely friends still running, towards Graduation and further. Running vicariously may have its benefits!

Use the time to do something else... which will maybe aid the recovery and develop new skills.. aha!

The other something includes, brushing up my watercolour painting whilst Class is closed for the Easter break, working on my book, looking at even healthier ways to eat.... getting in the garden but not kneeling...read loads of your inspirational posts....! :)

On the physical/active side..

I went swimming this morning... it was good... ! Gentle, nothing strenuous just picking up some old routines and taking it slowly. I did a one year advanced swimming class, two hours, once a week but since completing that, I have not been for a while... and was missing it... so... this will be a doubly good thing to do! ( Climbing out of the pool up the steps was entertaining, especially for the onlookers...) !

Reason to be cheerful Part 2

I would like to increase my upper body strength a bit too... so will find time to research that!

Maybe Rignold may be able to give me some ideas...? Anything suitable for an old lady with a crocked knee?

Can I cycle? Or will that do more harm? I still know very little about a lot of aspects of running, still a novice, and although I do read, and research a lot, it is so brilliant when some lovely person on here can give you the facts...!

So there, we are... wallow in self pity did not last overly long, attack of the grumps dissipated in the pool....

I may, over the next few days, if she gives me permission, emulate our lovely Irish Princess and post some snippets...musings or general motivational, get out there and do it quotes... Well, it will keep me out of mischief!!

I did pick up what I thought was an apt quote today, whilst ambling around the net...

" You know you're a runner, when you get annoyed, that an injury keeps you from running, not that it damaged your body."

I may not be much of a runner yet... but that is exactly what I felt! :)

Have a run for me folks?

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Oldfloss profile image
Oldfloss
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45 Replies
Celtprof profile image
CeltprofGraduate

Ah no! How frustrating for you. I know the feeling, as my ankle is struggling today and the weather is gorgeous! Take it easy and here's to a quick recovery. 

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply toCeltprof

Annoying, it is... hope your ankle recovers soon too! I will be up and running very soon... fingers crossed! :)

LisaRose74 profile image
LisaRose74

Ouch, sorry to hear you have an injury.  I can completely understand your frustration, particularly with the sun now coming out a bit more.  But love your positivity about what else you can do with your time, the first thought I had was your book of course 😀.  I am glad you will continue to post whilst you rest your knee, it wouldn't be the same on here without you 

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply toLisaRose74

Thanks you! Cheering me up already x

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply toLisaRose74

I don't stay down for long...but this weather is lovely!!!Never mind..it will dry my washing :) You run for me... and I shall work on the best seller ! :)

Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessGraduate

Oh floss what an absolute pain! I've just read your last two posts as I missed them and I had no idea you were on the IC. Did the podiatrist give you a diagnosis? How long do you think you need to rest up?

It's horrible being on the IC but it sounds as if you can do lots of other activities, not least posting on here! Feel free to take over my daily Running Snippets. I am going away for a few weeks on Sunday and I was going to ask if anyone wanted to take them over!

Keep the faith. You will run again and the beauty of this passion is that it will always wait for us. Take care of yourself and sending you lots of hugs. xxx

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply toIrishprincess

It is a some variation on the long sounding Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS) aka Runner's Knee.. and my new running shoes, had something to do with it... altering my running gait... ? So.. no bouncing for me for a while. I have no idea on time, not running... but know what I should be doing to exercise it.. I think!

I shall use my time well and will post snippets with absolute pleasure..won't be up to your standard... but will be fun! :)

 You enjoy your few weeks away... ( if a holiday)..not work! I shall keep your writing seat warm..Thank you for the  hugs too. it helps a lot. :)

JaySeeSkinny profile image
JaySeeSkinnyGraduate

You poor thing! Sending you lots of hugs and health over from Germany. The IC is not letting you get into any real rhythm is it? First lurgies and now this. I'm glad you posted about your runs though, it makes us newbies a bit more careful. The problem is distinguishing between an excuse and a reason for not running!

Get well soon, Oldfloss. Look forward to seeing more of your posts now you've got time on your hands. I wonder what snippets you'll dig out!

And the next run will be dedicated to you!

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply toJaySeeSkinny

It is not... get over one thing.. better weather comes and wham! No matter... hugs from Germany and runs from you... perfect!!!

It will be fine... Thanks for the hugs... I appreciate them! :)

Onwards and upwards...:)

Atta girl! (And stay off the bike!) xx

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to

Tee hee.... brisk, but careful walks it is then! :)

How annoying for you! But it WILL get better and you must be patient! Think of all the others things you can do meantime,, I'm only a beginner and  you continue to inspire! 

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to

Thank you.. I shall keep rambling and hopefully encouraging.. and yes.. it WILL get better! :)

Aww sorry to hear you are back on the ic :(  having spent some time there last year I completely understand all the feelings .. 

Remaining positive and patient is key , I sincerely hope your stay won't be for too long and you speedy and full recovery :D

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to

Thanks Rob... blessed nuisance..but I will be back out there soon!

I was... when I taught, renowned for my patience.... hope it still applies!!!

boptillyoudrop49 profile image
boptillyoudrop49Graduate

Good for you still smiling. When I had knee pain (both knees at front, accompanied by creaky cracking noises), it took 2 weeks with rest, knee exercises to heal. Then I eased back into it. Cyc,ing helped me but not the first time. That hurt during and after. I wouldn't cycle yet. My knees hurt going downstairs not up though so sounds like it was something different. I run with patella knee straps now. Not sure if they help or not but I've worn them for every run since then. It'll pass but a couple of weeks off is such a grind. If it is any consolation, I'm not running today, feeling too fluey and tired but as a result also don't have that yearning to go out and run. Am barely keeping my eyes open. I think you'll need Rignold to give you a killer programme for the upper body but I was thinking the other day I should do something more. There are 10 min workouts on here. I found one yesterday for bums, tums and legs; another for bingo wings! Not sure if you can do crunches since it involves bending your knees but the bingo wing one should be good. Who has the kind of nice, firm upper arms they want?! 

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply toboptillyoudrop49

Thanks you... useful info there... I hope you feel better soon too...when will all these grotty germs disappear!

I am hoping Rignold will come up with something...:) preferably without the knee bends!!! :)

secan profile image
secanGraduate

I wish you a very quick recovery and some new interesting discovery during your time on the IC.

Now I know to whom my first parkrun, on Saturday, will be dedicated. :)

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply tosecan

Thank you... Run well :)

secan profile image
secanGraduate in reply toOldfloss

The best I can; I have a Tigger to make proud. :)

poppypug profile image
poppypugGraduate

Aw Floss ! You poor thing xxx

Massive hugs for you and please keep posting if you can. The forum wouldnt be the same without you .

Lots of TLC to you , lets hope its not too long before youre back out there again xxx

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply topoppypug

Thanks PP... I am a silly old thing... I'll be up and running before too long! :)x

poppypug profile image
poppypugGraduate in reply toOldfloss

No , not at all Floss , we can all be wise after the event :-)

Take it easy for a bit and then you can come back all shiny and new xxx

aliboo70 profile image
aliboo70

Oh floss, that's not good.  At least you are approaching it with a positive attitude and plenty of other options in mind while you recover. Thought of you on my muddy mini George dog run/walk earlier, I turned and faced the setting sun across a stream on a small wooden  bridge and the midges glowed gold as their wings caught the sunlight  it was very pretty.  Thought you might think of a great description for that!

Get well soon and Keep posting!😊😆

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply toaliboo70

Beautiful post.. thank you... I can see where you were... Lovely run! :)

useitorloseit profile image
useitorloseitGraduate

Oh dear, there seem to be quite a few people falling foul of new running shoes at the moment.  I hope a good rest will restore you to your former glory. x

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply touseitorloseit

It will... you cannot keep an Oldfloss down... well, not for too long :)

yamiskoi profile image
yamiskoiGraduate

Oh, no!!  *Hugs* To be honest, your posts and encouragement were a huge boost for me when I was going through the plan, so it's good that you're not going to be short of time on this front!! I think maybe it's a teacher thing, but you're very caring towards pre-graduates as well as graduates of the C25K plan - you check up on us and make sure we're okay. I hope that you recover quickly of course, as I will miss your posts about the beautiful areas in which you run, but also for your own wellbeing as well - I know that you enjoy being outdoors and that cabin fever will eventually set in!! But your post is very positive and announces to all the positives of being on the IC for a little whilr :-) Forever an inspiration, Floss!! =]

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply toyamiskoi

Thank you...you are lovely! Thanks for the hugs... I need them!

Yep... the teaching thing lingers on... love words, love sharing and hopefully try to be caring...just cannot help it!

I was initially, quite down and grumpy...but have pulled myself up.. and just going to move on from this! I will glean new things from being off the road... again!

You are doing brilliantly and if I have helped, I am really pleased. Love your posts and your new plans sound so exciting... a bit scary too??? But you will be with your BF :)

Thanks for the lovely comments... at the moment... they really help.! :)

Bluebirdrunner profile image
BluebirdrunnerGraduate

Lovely post Floss. Sorry to hear of your knee troubles and hope you get better soon so you can run free again.

You have a great attitude and are an inspiration to many of us couch25kers.

I often think about you whilst I'm running as your writing is so descriptive. When I sidestep a puddle or look at the hedgerows.

Big hug and take care.x

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply toBluebirdrunner

Thank you so much... it is an absolute pain..literally...but could be worse. Just don't get over things quite as fast, and this is new for me.. sore knee!!!!

I will move on and try and get something out of this new setback!

 Love your posts too and will be with you on your runs....hopefully not too many puddles from now on!

Hug has just arrived...thank you :) 

Sandraj39 profile image
Sandraj39Graduate

Oh oldfloss! Really really frustrating for you! I do hope it settles down soon and that you can return to inspiring us with your very beautiful posts again! Take care☺

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply toSandraj39

Thank you..I am determined to get this right again..stupid knee... and then get out there again.

 Away in our tin tent next week, and the running in the area we are going to would be lovely! But. I will be sensible, which is unusual for me!

I shall post in the meantime and be back before you know it :) ( Fingers crossed)!

You keep running and posting, so I can be out there with you! :)

skysue16 profile image
skysue16Graduate

Sorry to hear about your knee problems and wish you a speedy recovery. Enjoy your 'tin tent' break, I look forward to some descriptions of the area - but no running, just rest!! Take care

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply toskysue16

Yep.. daft old thing that I am.. should slow down and take my own advice...

I think, my running shoes contributed..but am being sensible..( hard for me)

I hope by maybe Tuesday of next week..maybe a little trial run perhaps???

:)

Curlygurly2 profile image
Curlygurly2Graduate

Oh dear another runner out of action, so sorry to hear that Floss. Self pitying posts are allowed, I certainly made one on my Gamin Connest a couple of weeks ago when I managed... all of 110 mts...Love your attitude, I'm playing on FaceBook...

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate

... thanks...I am playing on everything...:)

I was whizzing around the net.. and thought that I might like to try this at some point..

Land yachting!  So much out there... 

clscuk.co.uk/about.html

Are you still on the IC?

Bluebirdrunner profile image
BluebirdrunnerGraduate

No llamas but a herd of billy goats gruff on my run this afternoon. I thought if you floss and how you would have imagined them trip trapping over a bridge....😀

You are still inspiring us all from the ic. x

Stepping stones today...

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply toBluebirdrunner

Love that story.. as did my Littlies when I taught Reception! 

Wow... thanks for taking me with you on that run.... cannot wait to be back out there!

Thanks you x

How did Stepping Stones go ???? Always fun :)

Bluebirdrunner profile image
BluebirdrunnerGraduate in reply toOldfloss

Ha... no trolls just  a struggle for the last 30 seconds.. phew.

Did Stepping stones on Weds and now Friday so maybe Speed on Sunday. Still in control and enjoying the challenge of a run. Really attacking that steep slope now... it seems to have shrunk to nothing and seems easy to run up.

Enjoy your weekend away and good luck for a trial run on Tuesday. 😊

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply toBluebirdrunner

Brilliant.... maybe there was a quick, " I'm  a troll fol-de-rol". in those last seconds... tee hee! 

Yes, it is weird how suddenly, some,'inclines' become easier! :)

Thanks..looking forward to a week away.. go Monday...not far from our home, but could be a million miles, beautiful area...

I shall be sensible.. and if I am not, husband will ensure I am :)

IcanandIwill profile image
IcanandIwillGraduate

You're very strong 

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply toIcanandIwill

Not really... but,  putting down your glass of wine and getting out there and running...now that's strong!!!

Go you!!!!

Running-scared profile image
Running-scaredGraduate

Yikes Floss, I leave this forum for a wee break and come back to find you not bouncing as I left you, but injured, nooooooooo :( 

Poor thing, really bad luck, I feel for you and am sending hugs your way. Sounds like you're keeping busy as always and staying positive. Rest up though Floss, we want you back and bouncing super soon! Take good care of that knee and all your lovely self xxx

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate

Hi you..glad you are back.... all rested and holidayed! :)

Yep.. silly old thing.. went too far and ignored a niggle.. paying now, but.... have managed the stairs this evening, with both legs!!!!! Yeay... Just once...but small steps!!!

Lots of fun being had plotting new adventures... looking forward to your posts too :)

Thanks for the hugs... they just arrived x :)

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