So the frequency of my running has declined lately. Last run - the pre 6am one - was 7 days ago, and that after 8 days of no running. However, the frequency of my running purchases has hit an all-time high. This realisation made me more determined than ever to take my new-to-me exercise gear out for a spin tonight - and right on cue, on my short walk home our local Good Gym runners went past, as if to say "look, we're out running, join us"! They were running a bit fast though - I might look into joining them one day, but not yet.
So on getting home I changed into newish (worn once for yoga; very happy with fit) sports bra, new-to-me bright pink merino vest, and new-to-me fluoro yellow bamboo running top. I looked either like a runner - or an escapee from an 90s rave-themed fancy dress party - I left off my usual neon legwarmers which would have pushed me into the 80s, sartorially speaking. Music of choice was even older - Sounds of the 70s - and I was off, slightly too fast, slowed down nicely and jogged along my usual nighttime roads for a pleasing 29 minutes and 15 seconds.
Even the niggle in my knee has calmed down - lots of knee exercise while sitting, also sitting in a better posture, plus some squats, seem to be helping, but I WILL visit a running shop soon - reading the infamous mrrun 's post has cemented this aim. If I can spend the money on second-hand tops for running in, I can spend it on more suitable footwear... just need to get my bum on a tram and to the shop...
I know I'm not alone here in not running much at the moment, and everyone who's either temporarily misplaced their mojo, or is injured, or has just got too much Life happening, has my absolute sympathy. I really am trying to remember that this is practically medicine to banish the black dog and so it's essential, really. Hope those finding it tough can get back out there as often as they want, soon.
Written by
icklegui
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I have got myself back on track..finally said a real farewell to the IC, with a steady 10K on Sunday....and it feels so good... Black Dog, last seen heading for the hills
You had a good run.. dressed to kill and you enjoyed it... well done you!
Merino is the business! Fluoro is a sensible choice for dark evenings (but also, when else in adult life is it socially acceptable to be luminous?!). And as a Black Dog repellent, running is the one thing that actually works for me, consistently and sustainably.
Great post icklegui , and really well done for getting out there..!!
I bet you looked amazing... you should have gone with those leg warmers 🤗
I was laid up with the lurgy last week, it has taken it out of me - subsequently I haven’t run for 9 days.
Today the black dog sat on my chest to the extent that I could feel it ready to explode and implode simultaneously .... I felt as though I needed to burst out of the office and run and run and run. Unfortunately it had to wait until this evening but, although it was horribly tough, I feel so much for it.
Like you, I know that I NEED to run.
Keep going lovely, keep that black dog away..!! ☺️
I really wanted to go out on Monday, but my travel home was delayed by an incident, which did sort of put life in perspective a bit (I don't know exactly what happened. but it was bad).
On the IC with a buggered hamstring and laid low with a virus. Too tired too say much other than: ❤️❤️❤️ I loved this post, so thank you, icklegui. 9 days since my last run, and itching to get out with the Black Dog nipping at my 👠 heels. But still have the strong desire to run, so I will, as soon as I have healed. Sigh.
Argh... nine days is quite a long time, although the fact there has been improvement is encouraging. I agree that a visit to the physio might be worthwhile. How infuriating to be stuck on the IC - but important to be sure it's truly better before starting up again. Hugs.
Oh my lovely Sadie-runs , I'm so sorry to hear you are injured and unwell Sending you a huge hug along with some HITC healing vibes and hoping that you get well really, really soon. xx
Thank you dearest HITC. I am right miffed off and feeling ridiculously sorry for myself right now! Hope you are well over your lurgy now? I think we need to employ a dog catcher, too. This is a tough time of year, eh? xxx
You're allowed to feel sorry for yourself. I'll send you cake if it will help..?? 😉 My lurgy has gone, thank you. We most definitely need a dog catcher... and a fast forward to spring time. Hang on in there my lovely.
Cool post. You've got to look great when running, no compromise, it's either or.
However, do get on that tram. You don't just need any shoes, you need a perfect pair.
And as for the frequency of running. Well, it's one of those. You wanna run, you don't want to run. Last week the temperature dropped to -1, the wind made it worse, l was wearing my usual basketball gear and while putting some money into the parking meter just before the run, l briefly thought, "oh no, I'm gonna freeze now". Choice A would've been to go back into the warm car, and Choice B was to run along the Thames towards the wind. I ran.
Just go and do it, be persistent, there will be some pain, sometime (just like life), but the end will be rewarding.
Btw, after 10k even in that temperature l was sweating. The passing drivers will remember a maniac in rolled up sleeves.
hehe. At week 1 I just needed something that was called "running shoes" - I didn't need to put off starting the programme any longer. But now I know so much better, I'll be there at the weekend on a treadmill getting analysed!
Nice work on running into the wind. It's been COLD. But that was an excuse for me to buy some base layers!
Rest weeks are all the rage right now! But I'm feeling a bit sore now, like I did in the early weeks.
And you on the IC! Oh how frustrating. I really hope you are better soon. And that all the other things you are battling to get out, resolve. I hope that apart from the IC, you (and dog and partner) are alright x
Brilliant 😊 i have found the addiction to running is closely followed by an addiction for new running gear haha 😂🤣
I really enjoyed this post, icklegui. Just what's needed on a cold, wet, foggy and extremely miserable December morning here is southwest France. Keep posting and good luck!
Sporting your new duds must have made you feel epic 👍. I ran in a merino top yesters but at 8 degrees I felt a bit hot around the collar 😂
I have had some Karrimor capris since I first started running but a split the backside on them yesterday 😱. So I have to shop for new ones. Hard life int it
I mentioned elsewhere (and not sure if I am actually allowed to) that yesterday I stumbled on a site called MisterRunning, and spent far too much time on it as a result. Was looking for a very lightweight running anorak type thing and found by far the lowest price there. It's based in Italy but ships all over Europe. They had some lovely stuff, the site is nice to browse (there's an English version too) and there's a voucher for new customers.
I have decided I need new leggings too. Have been wearing and washing repeatedly the same pair I bought about four years ago. They are still perfect but capri length and I could do with a full length pair now it's nippy out (not that I'm bothered after the first five minutes or so really).
I swore I wouldn't be seduced by gear but I am definitely slipping down that slope!
I'm not sure you should be allowed to if only for the good of your fellow forummers' wallets! Though if the bargains are to be had ... and as MickGJ says below, if it's motivating... thanks for the tip!
I'm glad I bought new leggings as the ones I had were all quite thin and these are thick and supportive. They're capri, but I'm very short - I can "top up" with my famous legwarmers! Yours must be a good brand if you've got four years' wear from them, I hope mine last.
I'm so pleased too with my 2nd hand fluoro and merino, can you tell
Exercise isn't practically medicine, it is medicine. If a drug came out with the multiple health and mental benefits of exercise we'd all take it every day and the inventor would win a Nobel Prize. If it wasn't available on the NHS rich people would fly to Switzerland for a course of treatment or buy it on the black market at inflated prices.
Yet even though I've known this for a long time I've done very little about it until now. So literally anything that gets you going and motivates you is more than worth the money--apps, running gear, music, gadgets, shoes. Shopping never felt more virtuous.
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Sending you a huge hug along with some HITC healing vibes and hoping that you get well really, really soon. xx
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