I did it, I finally managed to do W7R2, after the issues with my knee, and a couple of extra rest days.
I set the alarm for 5:30am, half an hour earlier than usual, had my cup of tea and some brekkie, and drove to where I work. There's a nice reasonably flat new-build village right next door, and the road around the edge means I run for about 4k. I was concerned about my knee. Concerned that I'd be late for work. Concerned that maybe running isn't for me. So I set off walking. After 5 minutes Jo woke up and told me that I needed to get a crack on, so I did.
At this point I realised that Buckshaw Village is not quite as flat as I first thought, so it turned out the first half of the run was slightly up hill, but I just eased my pace slightly and settled into it. As usual, the first 5 minutes took forever, but after that the time passed quickly.
The OCD part of me was annoyed when I got back to work with a few minutes still left, so I went up the road a bit then round Aldi's car park, but I did it. I'm now enjoying my usual post-run drink of water, boiled, having had a tea bag dunked, and milk added.
After the past week, I never thought I'd run again, but I can still run, and it felt good. I enjoyed this morning tremendously, and I think running on a nice smooth surface really helped with the knee too.
Massive thanks to everyone out there who has been advising, encouraging, cheering me on over the past few days. You are awesome!
Well done you. I have had knee problems before and have had a couple of worries during the programme but I am finding that I just have to be careful placing my foot so that it does not skew my leg and then the knee seems a lot happier. A lot of people say run on grass but I find the flat paths easier than squishy grass/mud. Keep on joggling!
Yep - w7r2 in the bag this morning. Funnily enough I have been switching my routes around and gone from tarmac to a mixture including a Canal Towpath. My pace for today was a minute faster than w7r1 I think Monday I took the slow and steady mantra to a new level!! Friday I plan a different route back to tarmac on a filled in canal!
I think regarding never thinking I would get this far, I don’t think I considered that before the very first run but after week 1 I had my doubts. A determination to get fitter and lose a bit of weight is pulling me through. Now starting to think about what happens after week 9 to keep the momentum. Don’t want to just flop back on the couch!!
Brilliant! I am so happy for you Neil, pleased you got back out there and that your knee was okay. You mustn't be anxious - just be sure to stretch properly, do knee exercises and rest when you need to. I know it sounds a bit hocum pocum, but I swear by magnesium oil spray for me ole knees and legs after a run. Seems to be working for me. 😃
Sounds like a lovely run. Apart from the hilly bits! I still struggle with any incline, but force myself now and again, as am sure it all helps to building fitness. Just have to go super-snail slow (i.e almost walking)!
Yeah this was gentle enough, just needed to man up really!! Oh - I didn't get lost either.
Thanks as always for the encouragement. I shall investigate the magnesium oil. If you put some on your leg and set fire to it, do you burn with a brilliant white flame?
But seriously, Google it. Magnesium apparently helps with muscle repair, and it is a mineral that most of the population is low on. Holland and Barrett. Me mum recommended it as she uses it for aching joints. 😘
Fair enough, I shall Google that Anything that helps is good, as far as I'm concerned. I love this tip sharing on this forum you know, it's great. Or maybe eat a whole roll of magnesium ribbon!!
Funny you should say that Sadie-runs I was talking a magnesium supplement for a totally different reason (menopause) and stopped it and my knee started to hurt like hell and I was blaming the running but guess what I went back on the magnesium (for my hot flushes) and I have just realised from your post that my knee no longer hurts! Not hocus pocus at all then 😃
That's very interesting, Sooty. (May I call you Sooty? 😀) Being a lady hurtling towards 50, maybe I'll keep up the magnesium, too! It has no end of beneficial properties, the ole magnesium, and am pretty sure it's why I don't ache as long after a run. 🏃♀️
Well done - you could have given up, but you didn't. I did my wk7r2 yesterday and bizarrely it felt really natural (like I knew what I was doing) !! I had had a torrid night and absolutely did not want to put my trainers on at 0730!
So thrilled for you, Neil, you really must be a very gritty and determined fellow to get up at 5.30! 😃 It's great news that your knee seems to be happy again and yes, uneven surfaces can easily jolt it. And what a distance!! You're in touching distance of 5k in W7, that is really impressive. I think you have have earned yourself a treat, as well as that all-important cup of tea 😀
Dont give up your usual route fully, uneven builds muscle and balance. Using different routes is really important post graduation otherwise it can become boring.
The podium awaits you runner 🏃🏻
You're absolutely smashing it, well done you! Your posts never fail to make me chuckle! I am with you on getting frustrated when I haven't quite finished my warm down walk as I reach home. Also with you on having my water served that too 😉 Hope your knee is still holding up well 😊
in reply to
Thanks Minnow Oh I know, I was thinking "but I'm back at work and I still have a minute's running to go! My knee is actually pretty good considering i rehabilitated it with a 25 minute run!! Are you doing ok?
Right - that's what I'm choosing to believe 😁 - and no - didn't believe in the beginning I'd make it this far or love it so much! Good luck with the end of Wk7
It’s also great being an expat abroad and reading about Buckshaw Village (my mum lives in Leyland) and yes, for all the other forum people reading this I can 100% confirm this man’s challenge today as Buckshaw is built on lots of never ending gentle but calf killing slopes.
Wow, small world!!! Of course I normally run along the canal. Water has this habit of not going up or down hill when in a canal so yes, Buckshaw is a challenge! You don't notice the small inclined in a car do you?
Just in case anyone is interested, Buckshaw Village is built on the former Chorley ROF site, which was closed in the early 2000's I believe.
Ah well done!! encouraging as at the moment I don’t think I will be running for a few more days...insult to injury fell over at the airport yesterday and Jarred it again!! 😢 will give it a day or two then try a very gentle run on my treadmill.
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Anything that helps is good, as far as I'm concerned. I love this tip sharing on this forum you know, it's great. Or maybe eat a whole roll of magnesium ribbon!!
That elusive final run... Done! 
A balmy evening final run
W7r2 A damp run
Finally! Went out for a run!
Final run completed!! W9R3😆
