I, Robot: A biomechanical assessment

[DeeRunning]

New trainers!

Since graduating nine days ago, life has been a blur of pain, sleeplessness, tears, frustration, and a lot more pain. Saw my physio last week re frozen shoulder - he had his wee ice pick out and was chipping away at it while we talked running and my various ankle-knee-hip niggles. Went for a running assessment yesterday, which was so much fun and a nice change from our usual sessions of searing agony while he manipulates my arm.

I ran on treadmill, he videoed, we watched ... we laughed. He was happy with my general stance and footfall below the hips though, so I didn't feel all was lost. After a physical check, he determined a weak right ankle which causes my right knee to turn inwards, pulling my thigh muscle out of whack. Structurally, there are no problems which is a relief, but the mechanics of my movement need fine tuning. I've come away with a bunch of exercises to add to my already impressive collection, including all sorts of strange positions with resistance bands. I'm hoping they may help transform my rather flat, non-existent butt into something resembling Kim Kardashian's. [A post can never have too many popular culture references. Call me shallow.]

So physio-Joe gave the all clear to start/continue with the consolidation runs and I did my first post-grad run yesterday in my new trainers on the beast treadmill. (Too hot in the afternoon to run outside). I was terrified I was going to be stuck with some trainers I hated the look of, but these are perfect for me. My running gear consists of black, white, grey, and navy blue for days when I'm feeling jaunty. The breathable, mesh outer is going to be a godsend in this climate too. To be honest, they don't feel a lot different from the trusty Adidas I was/am so fond of and which have carried me this far. They do have a support element to them, so I'll see how they go over the coming weeks. Taking it easy for now, just sticking with gentle 30 minute runs, then will see how the exercises improve my gait, which we'll reassess in a couple of weeks. Feels good to be kinda back on track.​

[Jell6 Graduate]

Dee! What happens once we graduate?

I do hope your exercises sort out those issues, but at least you haven't been benched 😍

Those trainers are lovely, and feminine, and I'm not jealous at all🤣🤣

[DeeRunning Graduate in reply to Jell6]

Lol we're doomed Jell6 ! At least you're back now, which is awesome. Mine came on in week7 (after bloody treadmill disaster). It doesn't hurt when I run, just a tightness there that doesn't feel right. Benched myself for the last week just to be safe.

Hahaha, your trainers are nice too! Seriously. Beautiful, Japanese royalty, for your feet! I was thinking of you yesterday when I was trying trainers on... I had a choice of 3 I even tried on men's trainers lol. Flashbacks. (But they were black, and beautiful!). It was these grey ones or wait and travel all over the place and I just don't have the energy.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Jell6]

The running gods say.... hmmm ..time to show these runners it is not all plain ... errr.. running!x

[Goforitmama Graduate]

Snazzy trainers! Colour coordinated running gear, I am impressed. 😀

I hope that your aches, pains and niggles all fade very quickly. Running feels so good and I'm glad you can run with your aches and pains. It's great that you can opt to run indoors on those very sticky HK days too.

Thankyou for your lovely post. Good luck with your 30 minute runs.

[DeeRunning Graduate in reply to Goforitmama]

Aww thanks for your lovely supportive reply Mama. Much appreciated.

I like to keep the running gear simple, makes me feel less conspicuous. Running actually helps with the shoulder aches too, so it's a real relief to get out there. Just one of the amazing benefits

[Goforitmama Graduate in reply to DeeRunning]

Yes, benefit #1 is that it gives me a sense of peace, kinda like an inner smile.

P.s. I recently graduated too and am just working on 30 minute or 5k runs too. When it feels 'easier' then I will start adding a little more time or distance.

[DeeRunning Graduate in reply to Goforitmama]

'An inner smile'. I'm going to think of that when i'm out next. Gives the activity a whole new meaning. Love, love, love it.

Cool, sounds like we're at the same place - I'm happy consolidating too, the rest will come when I feel ready. For now, it's awesome to think I can even run/jog for 30 mins. Still astounded lol. Enjoy the next weeks as you ease your way further into it x

[sallenson Graduate in reply to DeeRunning]

It's not "running gear"!! It's an "outfit" and deserves the same care and attention to detail and thought as an outfit. Plus a fascinator

[DeeRunning Graduate in reply to sallenson]

Amen, sister! I like your thinking. I admit I do plan my running outfits, lay them out the night before. Need to consider whether to wear white, grey or black with black running shorts. Tough decisions, my friend, but they need to be made. A fascinator in my cap will totally complete the look! 🧢👸

[sallenson Graduate in reply to DeeRunning]

I think your new tyres are just totes Feng Shui xxx

[Jay66UK Graduate]

Nice tyres! Very mellow, cool shades.

[DeeRunning Graduate in reply to Jay66UK]

I didn't anyone would like them, Jay. There's no fluro, no colour... I am an anomaly i think! Not a runner obviously lol.

[DeeRunning Graduate in reply to DeeRunning]

*think* anyone...

[Jay66UK Graduate in reply to DeeRunning]

No, they’re nice. I like fluoro/colours but not always on everything. Cool tones are good.

[Equi-geek Graduate]

That sounds like a really good physio session- glad you are on the mend!

[DeeRunning Graduate in reply to Equi-geek]

Thanks, Equi-geek . It was a good laugh, which is the best medicine. Even if I am the joke.

[Penelopesimmons Graduate]

Good luck to you in your spangly new shoes! Much sympathy re the pain of shoulder manipulation - hats off for continuing to push on 💪

[DeeRunning Graduate in reply to Penelopesimmons]

Thank you Penelopesimmons . Yeah, it's a difficult session to get through, but feels better afterwards (for a while) so I'm hoping it's worth it!

[Forestgrump Graduate]

Urgh frozen shoulder😣 that’s awful. I have this after a mountain bike accident in which I got into an argument with a tree and the tree won☹️. It takes a while to sort out I’m afraid. I find swimming helps particularly the breast stroke and crawl. I go once or twice a week and do the old standing face front to the lockers afterwards and try and crawl my fingers up them until I think my shoulders going to pop then hold it for 30 secs. Get some funny looks in the changing room though 😁

[DeeRunning Graduate in reply to Forestgrump]

Oh god, I can completely sympathise with your issues Forestgrump . Poor you. That tree has a lot to answer for! Lol I love your changing room antics. Some of the exercises look so simple (and are if your shoulder ain't frozen!) but are agony to try to do. I can't swim yet, just don't have the mobility right now. I was able to dog paddle but that ended in a world of pain so I've stopped the pool for now. It's been 6 months so I'm hoping it will begin to thaw soon. Godspeed with your recovery. It's a real tough one.

[Forestgrump Graduate in reply to DeeRunning]

Oh no! That sound much worse than what I have😱. How did you manage to get in that state?.

[DeeRunning Graduate in reply to Forestgrump]

Not sure! Frozen shoulder is one of those mysteries... the brain decides that it's best that the capsule doesn't move. I also have tendinosis of one of the rotator cuff muscles but whether that made the shoulder freeze? Could be hormones? Everything the doctors have said / what i've read online is that there isn't really a clear explanation in most cases. Just have to wait it out.

[lexi6 Graduate]

Oooh, luvly trainers Dee, you have got some issues going on there, I hope the new shoes and physio sort it out for you, sounds very painful. I think gentle 30 minute runs sounds rather good right now. The IC not a good place to be. Take care

[DeeRunning Graduate in reply to lexi6]

Thanks, lexi6 They're kinda plain-Jane trainers but that's how I roll Leg is fine really, not painful, just tight so wanted it checked out. The shoulder however

Gentle 30 minutes are really good for me and shoulder right now so happy to stick with them. My cardio needs improving too so it's good to know I'm working on that at least.

[Crittermad Graduate]

I like their relaxed colours! Very meditative - hope your exercises do the trick

[DeeRunning Graduate in reply to Crittermad]

Oh thanks! I really thought most people would hate them because they're so plain lol. I love the colour though, yes, meditative. I like that

[Ripcurlrana71]

They look great! Funny post. 😊 Happy graduation running! 🏃🏻‍♀️🏃🏻‍♀️🏃🏻‍♀️😎xx

[DeeRunning Graduate in reply to Ripcurlrana71]

Thanks Ripcurlrana71 ! Happy trails to you too my friend 😀 🏃‍♀️💃

[sallenson Graduate]

Hooray!! Flipping hooray!! With bells on!!

She's back!! With shoes and jokes and class references to pop culture and she watches Love Actually Island!!

I'm sorry about the shoulder, hon. You know that. But I love the new tyres and glad you got out there and did honest-to-goodness Grad stuff.

Can't begin to tell you how much we've missed you xxx

Welcome Home!!

[DeeRunning Graduate in reply to sallenson]

Thanks lovely, you are always so kind. I've been lurking during hell week but was too glum to comment or offer anything even mildly useful to anyone. Or even less so than usual 😒

Lol no one else brave enough to mention Love Island prob because I would start chatting about it. Is your family watching the aussie one? Hilarious, ok for all the wrong reasons, but it's gold. Remember, you're responsible for this mess lol.

It was good yesterday, even on the horrible beast which I still hate. I won't be seeing you in Paris (you've totally got that licked by the way, you are magnificent) but happy to be able to plod about Dee-style with wonky gait for a bit xx

[sallenson Graduate in reply to DeeRunning]

I love the Dee-style wonky gait!! And those adorable new f-me pumps are just to die for!! xxx

[DeeRunning Graduate in reply to sallenson]

👠👠

[Dizzysmum17 Graduate]

Lovely new shoes - I have some on order which I am quite excited about...never thought I would say that! Hope your shoulder feels much easier soon - happy running!

[DeeRunning Graduate in reply to Dizzysmum17]

Thanks Dizzysmum17 . Congrats on your order, that's so exciting! Ha yes and I never thought I'd be excited about someone else's trainers.

Cheers, shoulder will sort itself out in time. Happy trails to you also 😀

[RobW73 Graduate]

Hope you're not in too much pain.

You do realise that with a remark like that, you are going to have someone demanding regular photographic evidence of the improvement in your glutes...?

[DeeRunning Graduate in reply to RobW73]

😂😂 Someone can ask whatever they like, Rob. Butt there will be zero photographic evidence, here or elsewhere, of any glute improvement lol 😀 It will be shown in my perfected running gait 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

How are you doing?? Done any more post grad runs?

[lexi6 Graduate in reply to DeeRunning]

😂😂

[RobW73 Graduate in reply to DeeRunning]

Haha, well said!

Yes, I've done two more runs, both just short of 5k in over 30 minutes.

Not pressing things much harder yet, just keeping it consistent.

[DeeRunning Graduate in reply to RobW73]

That's fantastic, well done. Good to hear you've been getting out there and fab pace too! 😀

[Marvo69 Graduate]

Hello sweetie, let’s see those snazzy new boots on the magic 10k forum soon! Xxx

[DeeRunning Graduate in reply to Marvo69]

I don't think the 10K forum will be the place for me for quite a while, Matt. I'll be hanging out here for a lot longer, like the kid kept down a year in class.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Good to have you back, but even better that you are feeling a lot better too!

What a time you have had.... just take it steady..those sassy new shoes should help to get you back on track

PS

Good luck with the resistance bands,..I had great fun when mine first arrived... xx

[DeeRunning Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thanks Oldfloss 😁 Yes it was a nasty old week so the assessment was timely and reassured me I can continue on, snaily-like 🐌 When physio mentioned he was happy my feet landed below hips, I nearly yelled out, "I know! It's what Oldfloss says to do!" Thankfully I didn't, but inside I was praising your name 😀

The resistance bands are awesome and they partner up with some raunchy glute moves. Much more fun than trying to move my arm an inch lol.

[Keepcalm-keepsmiling Graduate]

Well jealous of your new trainers - they look great 👍🏻 Glad you’re back from the IC. Enjoy your consolation runs 🙂

[DeeRunning Graduate in reply to Keepcalm-keepsmiling]

Thanks Keepcalm-keepsmiling ! It's slightly concerning how happy it makes me to have fellow runners give my trainers the thumbs up 😂

Cheers, happy running to you too 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

[Christianne57 Graduate]

Lovely new booties 😍 hope your shoulder pain resolves soon x x

[DeeRunning Graduate in reply to Christianne57]

Aww thanks Christianne57 😀 I'm a wee bit in love with the booties right now. Can't take them off lol

[BaddieThePirate Graduate]

Pain. The best thing about it is feeling amazing when I goes away. I hope that happens soon. ‘Just’ sticking with 30 mins. Amazing. I did 8 mins tonight and I’m thinking that’s fantastic. You’re being proactive which is great.

[DeeRunning Graduate in reply to BaddieThePirate]

So true, Baddie. Life looks pretty darn peachy when i hit a pain-free day. The lack of sleep is probably the biggest challenge. Can handle the pain but not the exhaustion that comes with long-term sleep deprivation

Hey well done on your run. 8 minutes IS fantastic! It's a real step-up from the first week 5 run. You've got the best run to come, run 3 is heaps of fun. My favourite of the whole programme. Can't wait to hear about it, you'll be great! Just be mindful of your knee, please. But you know that

[_SimonT_ Graduate]

Yay Dee! I’m so glad you have posted again! I know I’m

replying out of order but I’m so behind with posts and trying to catch up.

I love your photo. I can just imagine you in the same pose in different settings - 2 trainered feet sticking out the end of a bed, 2 trainered feet sticking out of the bath 😂 meanwhile the upper part of your body wouldn’t be able to moved as it’s trapped in a spiders web tangle of springy ropes!

Sorry you’ve been in pain. The description of your run on the dreadmill sounded really positive.

I love the new runners too. Just right!

Take care you lovely lady! 😀

[DeeRunning Graduate in reply to _SimonT_]

Hahah that's so funny you say that about the trainers in various scenarios... I did take one when i was sitting by the water, just the trainers and HK skyline in the background lol. I was going to post it but I've done the skyline to death lol. Need a new backdrop