No run today - gutted

[Jay66UK]

I was due to start W8 this morning. It would’ve been my 5th running day in 9 days, which was pushing it a bit for an old fat bloke, but I’ve been ok on the long runs once I curbed my sprint finish from the first one.

Unfortunately the muscle pain that first run caused came back during Friday after a run followed by a day at work of two several hour spells sat at a desk meeting a deadline.

I then made it worse yesterday moving a load of boxes around and into the loft. I reached the point yesterday afternoon where sitting and standing both hurt and reaching for pain killers and anti-inflammatories.

Went to bed with a big squirt of Deep Heat and my fingers crossed, having spent all day yesterday hydrating.

Several bathroom trips through the night later and it was clear I wasn’t going to be running today.

Absolutely gutted not to be accompanying my virtual friends into W8 yet but I figure better to pace this than face the F word during a run and risk bursting my running bubble or, worse, making what is a minor strain even worse.

I’ve got the flexibility to run any morning in the coming week so I will see how the pain is each day and run as soon as I can. I fear it will be midweek before I get there.

Absence of core strength well and truly noted. Again, when this pain has lifted I’ll start yoga or Pilates to try to address that.

Thinking of all the W8 runners - I’m there with you in spirit.

Whatever your next run, I hope it goes well and you enjoy it x

[mairi1 Graduate]

Sorry to hear that Jay, but the best medicine is definitely rest until you feel fit again, hopefully not too long. wishing you a speedy recovery.x

[Jay66UK Graduate in reply to mairi1]

Thanks. I couldn’t really expect to sail through this without a hiccup.

[pianoteacher Graduate]

Oh no poor you!

You're doing the right thing resting up - I'm sure you'll be back to it in no time x

[Jay66UK Graduate in reply to pianoteacher]

Thanks. Frankly I’m amazed I’ve made it this far before my lack of fitness bit me. A few years ago I had a slipped disk for a week and I should’ve sorted my core strength then. But no, head in sand, ignore it. I can’t do that any more - I enjoy the running too much.

[pianoteacher Graduate in reply to Jay66UK]

You've done brilliantly getting this far! I started with a good level of fitness and it's still been a challenge.

I only started exercising about 4 years ago when I was trying to lose some weight and couldn't cut my calorie intake any more without feeling like I was starving! Best thing I ever did. I honestly never considered, just like music, it's something you can build and get better at with practise. I really believed I couldn't do it but I just hadn't ever tried!

You have learnt what you need to do now. Pilates is a great way to build core strength - Yoga requires a degree of flexibility I don't possess

[Jay66UK Graduate in reply to pianoteacher]

Pilates is looking like the way I’ll go, then. How long are sessions and what do folk wear?

[pianoteacher Graduate in reply to Jay66UK]

The class I used to go to before I moved was a matwork class lasting 55mins. As to what you wear the only stipulation was to wear something comfortable (no jeans).

Have a look at Yoga too - my boyfriend has various health issues, is not flexible at all and really enjoys it x

[Jay66UK Graduate in reply to pianoteacher]

Thanks!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

You are making a wise decision, but also see it as a learning exercise.

We may be capable of doing things, but having a gently structured training plan, that we stick to, means we don't overdo it. Learn to listen to your body.

You will soon be back out there.

[Jay66UK Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thanks!

[Jell6 Graduate]

Ahh Jay. Ease back, rest until you have too, in this programme we have to learn patience as well, and that's not easy. It will still be there when your back is better.

I found reading posts whilst on the IC was reassuring, and kept the motivation alive. Hope you're better soon 🙂

[Jay66UK Graduate in reply to Jell6]

Thanks!

[Janey1974]

Jay sorry to hear about your hiccup but don't be too down ok? You've done brilliantly to get this far 🌟 I've been on the same weeks with you!

BUT ... we must listen to our wonderful bodies that have brought us to this point. Since starting W7 I've taken extra rest days, slowed the pace, tried to be patient haha! So much part of this learning-to-run experience I reckon 🤔

I hope you feel strong again soon ... and you'll be back out there and smashing W8 !! 😅🏋👍🏼

[Jay66UK Graduate in reply to Janey1974]

Thanks - you are right. I’ve been trying hard to keep up given some work madness throwing my running days off and I’m taking this as my body telling me to slow down. Better this than something worse.

[Janey1974 in reply to Jay66UK]

Zackly x

[sallenson Graduate]

Take it easy and rest up a bit young fellah. There's no way that the hunger and fitness you've built up are going to disappear in a few days (if that's what it takes to get you back on your feet).

Your friends on here aren't going to abandon you cos you're laid up. Friends don't do that. What they do is support and cheer you on and help you through the occasional bad times.

You'll come back hungry and motivated and ready to smash W8 out of the park!!

[Jay66UK Graduate in reply to sallenson]

Thanks matey.

[Hidden]

That is a shame and i know how frustrating it is. But def don’t come back too soon. Get fully recovered first - otherwise you risk putting yourself back for longer (i speak from experience). You are certainly not unfit! Look how far you are running - you’re doing better than me. I’ve heard pilates is very good for back strengthening! Good luck & take it gently.

[Jay66UK Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thanks!

[18Windmill Graduate]

Oh dear, but a sensible decision there. There’s nothing to be gained by irritating a niggle and making it 10 times worse. I’ve been doing yoga for years. As an aside, really helps me breath when jogging. There are millions of gentle stretching routines on you tube when you’re ready for it. Hope you’re better soon and looking forward to your further adventures. 👍👍👍

[Ripcurlrana71]

Oh Jay so sorry to hear that. But looking after yourself comes first. Doesn’t matter when you do your next run we will still be part of the same graduation class! 😊 Tbh my legs are aching after yesterday’s run - we do need more rest with these longer runs. Thinking of you and wishing you a speedy recovery. x

[Jay66UK Graduate in reply to Ripcurlrana71]

Thanks! I knew I was pushing it.

[Ripcurlrana71 in reply to Jay66UK]

And you did the right thing to take a break. I’m sure it’s gutting but your body will be better for it when you continue.

[Jay66UK Graduate in reply to Ripcurlrana71]

Thanks. It’s taken me just almost 52 years to get to here, a few days won’t matter.

Even if it takes a couple of extra weeks I should still graduate before my birthday in June, which was my target at the start.

[Ripcurlrana71 in reply to Jay66UK]

And that’s a great goal! I’m off to New York on 24/5 and it’s my goal to graduate by then. 😊

[CatMo13 Graduate]

I’ll budge up and you can sit next to me on the IC 😁 Hope your sprain gets better soon. I did a try out run and made mine worse so back to the waiting game. Will be doing yoga, although thinking now not even sure that is helping !

[Jay66UK Graduate in reply to CatMo13]

Pilates seems to get the main vote, especially for someone like me who isn’t the most flexible anymore.

[Jude1963 Graduate]

I had the longest week 8 and 9 for various reasons too. I got so frustrated with my last week. But the rest breaks made not a jot of difference in the end. I came back stronger.

Be prepared for the post graduation anticlimax though!

Antidote: parkrun!!! 👍🏼

[Jay66UK Graduate in reply to Jude1963]

Working on it!

[Ripcurlrana71]

Jay I bought a foam roller to help with my aches on my legs. Does really help. Maybe worth a try? ResultSport® Velocity Grid Foam Roller 34x15cm - Black amazon.co.uk/dp/B00N423RMY/...

[Jay66UK Graduate in reply to Ripcurlrana71]

Thanks - ordered in bright orange!

[Ripcurlrana71 in reply to Jay66UK]

😊 Word of warning- is painful to start with! 😣

[Jay66UK Graduate in reply to Ripcurlrana71]

So I’ve heard! Should help with my tight calves too. (Nothing else about me has been tight for about 30 years!!)

[Ripcurlrana71 in reply to Jay66UK]

😂😂😂

[Jullaly Graduate]

So sorry to hear you are laid up on the IC, you will be keeping a closer eye on us! we will have to behave. Seriously, take care of yourself until those legs run again x

[Jay66UK Graduate in reply to Jullaly]

Thanks! As the day has worn on it’s clear I made the right decision. Rhino strength pills not touching it. But I’ll bounce back.

[Hidden]

That's not so good, but you're doing the right thing. Pilates it's definitely worth a go, helps me immensely only it's hard fitting in 3 runs plus classes with my commitments.

[Ripcurlrana71]

How are you feeling Jay?

[Jay66UK Graduate in reply to Ripcurlrana71]

Not great. Still a good amount of pain in lower back, buttock and top of leg. I had hoped to run today or tomorrow. I’m thinking about Friday or Saturday now 😔

[Ripcurlrana71 in reply to Jay66UK]

Sorry to hear that Jay. 😌

[Jay66UK Graduate in reply to Ripcurlrana71]

I’ll get there. I’m just taking seriously the advice of not running in pain.

[Ripcurlrana71 in reply to Jay66UK]

Completely agree. Did you get the foam roller?

[Jay66UK Graduate in reply to Ripcurlrana71]

Yup. It’s huuuuuge! I’ve not got a mat so I need to get one.

[Ripcurlrana71 in reply to Jay66UK]

😂 hopefully it will help some. 🤞🤞

[Hidden]

I was wondering how you were getting on. Sorry to hear you're still not great. As I said I know it's incredibly frustrating but don't rush back too soon. As someone else said on here on another post - running will always be there for you but too much too soon & you could set yourself back weeks. Sorry to be the voice of doom! I'm sure you will get back to it soon. Please keep us posted

[Jay66UK Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thanks and will do. I was just riding that wave of success and landed with a bump. If it had been too easy I might feel less chuffed when I eventually graduate!