Another message of hope for those on the injury couch!🙂

[Sandraj39]

Having just read the posts further down from Juju and Oldfloss, thought the words above might help those of us 'resting up' for a bit. For those on here who don't know me, I completed C25k in October 2015. I sailed quite happily through the first 8 weeks of the programme, having rediscovered a love for running I had left behind about thirty years ago! All came to an abrupt halt when I tore a calf muscle whilst at work one day and had to take three months off before gradually building my running up slowly again. Following graduation I continued to run three times a week, building up my distance and running my first half marathon earlier this year(the best feeling ever!). Along the way, running became a huge part of my life, helping me manage work stresses and reduce anxiety which has plagued me on and off all my life. It became my therapy, my 'me time' and my comfort too when my dear Mum passed away just over a year ago. Quite simply, I now cannot imagine not being able to run, knowing how lucky I am that I can. Following a recent disc injury, I suffered with sciatica for several days which has in turn left me with a nerve injury which means I have not run for over 4 weeks. Progress is frustratingly slow but I am hopeful I will be back out there soon (?in the next few weeks). I am still smiling however (most of the time!😮) because my passion is undimmed and however hard it may be when I first go back out, I know that I am and will always be a 'runner'! So if you are currently stuck on the couch next to me - chin up! Stay strong, we are all on our way back and ready for the next step of the journey. 🙂🏃🏽‍♀️

[Irishprincess Graduate]

Lovely post Sandra and so true.

I'm sorry to hear you're still on the IC. You must be going nuts. But, as you say, running is part of your life now and so this is just a blip and you'll be out on your lovely trails again soon.

I must run "our" trail run again soon and I'll think of you when I do xxx

[Sandraj39 Graduate in reply to Irishprincess]

It is hard but what can you do?! I have compared and shared my injury couch frustrations with a couple of others recently - one a weight trainer and the other an ex club runner who can no longer run at all - we have to count our blessings sometimes don't we?☺

[ancientrunner Graduate]

Gosh I hadn't realised you were still laid up - you've had a rough old time injuries of late. Keep up the positive thinking.

[Sandraj39 Graduate in reply to ancientrunner]

Yep - It's been quite on and of since April really! First an elective op, then illness/infection and now this!😫 I am hoping for a beautiful autumn and winter of running - that's my favourite time of year.🙂

[ancientrunner Graduate in reply to Sandraj39]

Mine too!! Fingers crossed for you.

[Bazza1234 Graduate]

I haven't run for 6 weeks now - with probably at least another 6 weeks before i can even think about starting again. In the meantime I am pretending to be a bodybuilder at the local gym with all the big boys!! Some of these weight machines take some figuring out!!!!

[Sandraj39 Graduate in reply to Bazza1234]

Hang on in there and great that you are doing other things. I am focusing on my core 😮. Itching to run today having just come back from sports day at the school I work at but like you Bazza, think I have a few more weeks to wait.

[aliboo70]

Well said Sandra, hope you are back out there soon, yep you are DEFINITELY a runner And i'm sure i will see you this year at GSR

[Sandraj39 Graduate in reply to aliboo70]

I would love to think I will be ready for the Great South Run Ali but we shall see! 🙂x

[Anniemurph Graduate]

I'm sorry I hadn't realised you were still on the IC, Sandra - take it easy and I'm sure you will be back out there soon. Yes, it's frustrating but you are right, it is just a blip in your whole running life and building up properly now will mean that you're back out there safely and strongly again very soon, I hope. Great post!

[Sandraj39 Graduate in reply to Anniemurph]

I seem to have spent far too much time here since April, although not with running related injuries, ironically. First it was an elective op in April then after a few weeks back I had an infection - coughed for weeks and put my back out (rather embarrassing really😳). This then triggered the sciatica! I feel I should be due some good luck any time soon...!🙂