So I can’t run at the moment. Arsecheek-itis is stopping me from doing any more than 3k without achy consequences for days after, in my bum, hip and down into my leg. My piriformis muscle/sciatic nerve are having a punch-up and rebelling against my running habit. And it seems to have come on since recently extending one weekly run to 10k.
I suppose coming into running from nothing, completely unfit, it’s a lot to ask, even though I’ve taken it slowly with months of consolidation at 5k before moving on.
Some of you will know that it’s been very difficult for me to do this programme, mainly because of my excruciating, almost crippling, self-consciousness. I did the whole 9 weeks and more in my garden because of it. That was interesting! I wore a gulley in the grass and held my breath as I ran pass the neighbour’s fence….idiot! Eventually, I moved into the local rec at dawn, panicking over dog walkers who might see me. When I out grew that space I ventured onto the streets, thank God the clocks changed and it was dark in the mornings. I could run new places anonymously.
Then I started Juju’s 10k programme and had no choice but to run further afield and the time that it took meant running in daylight no matter what. Double eek. Slowly but surely, with persistence, practice and on my own terms, I’m now able to run down main roads, cars driving by, people walking about with no problem. This is massive for me. It’s still early morning, but I can now do it and not get panicked by it.
I never would have believed this possible back in May half term when I started. I wanted to get fit, lose weight, do something for me. As a middle aged woman I knew something had to change or I’d be on the slippery slope into obesity and bad health.
So I’m on the IC now, possibly for a while. Because of this, yesterday I did something else I never, ever, in a million years thought that I could. I joined a gym. With the sole intent to lose weight and get strong, so that I can run again. I managed the induction and spent 45 mins trying everything out (but not the treadmill), plus a swim after….. and no bad side effects today on the old bum muscle. Thanks to the lovely Sandyscroll I’ve plenty of stretches that I also did at the gym, to ease my aching a*se.
Me in a gym. With other real life, breathing people. Me in a swimming costume (ok that bit was really hard! It's going to take a while to do that with ease). Me trying to get fitter to support the sport I now love. I still can't believe it is actually me! 
And all this courtesy of c25k and the fantastic inspiration, advice and help from you lovely lot. Absolutely anyone can achieve great things through this forum. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. You don’t know just how amazing this is for me xxx
.... but good to get sound advice and stretches to help recover quickly. Sensible lass! 
Collywobbles in Week 5 (second time around)
Ooh ahh new running shoes 😃
Week 9 Run 3 in the bag!!
Doing this with BMI of 34
