As I am about to hit week 9 full on – I’m reflecting on my journey over the last 10 – 11 weeks (I missed a few weeks due to illness and life stuff!).
To the newbies I hope read this post – to Err is human….. – Just do it, you’ll never look back. (I’m full of stuff like that)
To put it into some perspective (at least for me) - I started this program 2.5yrs ago on Sunday November 2nd 2015 at 7.45pm. I had been putting if off for months, I’m too busy, I’m too tired, I’m……, i’m…… I’m.... I got up of the couch and said to my wife “I’m going out to do it, right now... if not now, then it’s never” she literally started laughing incredulously (this was so unlike me!) and out I went....... I hated it, everything wobbled a lot and I almost threw up, but I did it again and then again.... and I kept doing it until I graduated on Christmas Eve and I eagerly posted in group that I’d done it and could I please have my badge!
Virtual badge in hand, I went out on 26th & 28th December too, but on the 2nd run I twisted my ankle on pot hole I didn’t see.... not that bad at the time, I made it home.
The following morning I couldn’t stand on it. On Dec 29th I managed to find a physio that was open and had a space.... I’d torn a tendon on my inner left ankle - no running for 4 weeks!
4 weeks turned into 8 and I was finally allowed to run again, but on a running machine (1 minute on, 1 minute off) for 20 minutes “just to see how I’d get on”
About half way through I felt as if someone had pinged an elastic on the inside on the knee..... no pain, no discomfort, just a sensation..... I finished the run, feeling slightly tender - but I hadn’t run for 8 weeks...
2 hrs later my left knee was the size of a football - it’s now the end of Feb ‘16.... Doctor just said I’d over done it, rest and try again in 4 weeks. Went to a new physio... can’t do anything while it’s like “that” come back in 4 weeks..... back / forth to a few different physios, limping everyday, can’t kneel down.... can’t turn / rotate the leg... friend of a friend recommended a someone who immediately told me my left foot was “sticking out” more than my right. This meant that when I ran all my weight was on the inside of my leg/knee, hence the “strain” in my knee.
After sorting out all sorts of issues with my tendons & quads she (my physio) said she couldn’t do anything more for me but would write me a letter to my GP to speed things up as “something definitely wasn’t right” My daily ‘limp’ was gone, but as soon as I went faster than a walk I couldn’t go more than 1 step. GP immediately referred me and a steroid injection into the middle of my knee and waiting 6 weeks didn’t work either…. soon an MRI followed and I had torn my meniscus and needed surgery (keyhole) to cut out the damaged section. Que more waiting time…..
I had the operation 3rd June ’17. I’m never ill (apart from almost terminal man flu) and I’d never had anything like this, but it all went smoothly. Forecast was to be running again in 6 – 9 months.
I’ve mentioned a couple of times, in other posts, that I’d tried and failed to get started again around December & Jan on a running machine with a knee support .... but as my 17 yr old would say “I just wasn’t feeling it” and it hurt a lot after.
Fast forward to better weather around mid April. I had another “now or never” moment and I went back to W1R1, outside.
If I’m honest - I have found it harder this time as I’ve done it all outside, come rain, wind, hell or high water...... if it’s a running day, then I run. No argument.
This post is a bit rambling and I really didn’t mean it to be, or to sound in anyway self serving..... I want newbies to read it..... and have some small self-belief that they can get through week 1, you won’t believe it before you start but you will.
If you are a newbie and you are reading this, at the end of week 1 you will look at week2 and you’ll be thinking “I’ll never make week 2” but you will.... keep coming back here to your new virtual running buddies. They understand... some will be ahead, some will be behind, some will have been doing it for years..... but they will ALL be supportive, and they have all been through what you’re going through now.
The guys here are like a virtual family - I said in a previous post that my wife & mates make fun (in a nice way) because I go on about this so much.... they’re supportive in their own way, but they haven’t been through it..... these guys, the guys here, will keep you going, reading about others peoples ups and downs - just like you.
sallenson , _SimonT_ , Jay66UK , Forestgrump , Ripcurlrana71 , Sadie-runs , Julian1970 , DeeRunning , thegirlfrommarz , Bluebirdrunner , Saartjie , SaskAlliecat you are just some of the gang of lunatics that have helped me along the way and I’ve probably missed loads more of you.
From me to you – Thank you from the very bottom of my heart.
To the newbies I hope read this post – Just do it, you’ll never look back
Written by
LoungeLizaard
Graduate
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Wow!! I never realised what you have been through to get where you are now. Talk about determination! If this doesn’t inspire any new runners out there, nothing well. You have my utmost respect & admiration LL!
Oh goodness gracious you big sop. You’ve nearly got me in tears after all that. What a wonderful man you are!
I didn’t know your full story. You are the epitome of never say die determination. It makes me feel like I’ve cheated coz it’s been pretty straightforward for me!
You have a fantastic graduation week (again!). I hope it’s plain sailing and you can enjoy every minute of it. 🤗🤗
Ha, not at all mate. We all have our journey, no cheating... I just had to do it twice lmao! How are you doing? Still having custard related “issues” lol
I'll always provide hugs, support and pastries. And a side order of Emergency Jelly Babies.
I had no idea what a long and tortuous journey you've been on. Blimey 'o'blimey.
Kudos, tiger. I'd have given in muttering about "Fate" a long time ago.
Now, then my lad. Head up. Chest out. A few more steps and you'll be back on that podium again where you should be. A podium with some sort of commemorative plaque to YOU, given your epic adventure.
A..this is SUCH a great post!! Totally inspiring...I am sooooo glad you are able to run after all you’ve been through...& yes, just keep going...one run at a time & look what happens??!!! Fantastic LoungeLizaard
Thanks mummy! Yes, and that’s the exact message to newbies .... 1 run at a time and they’ll be fine. Looking at the full 9 weeks just puts people off! lol
Wow! I didn't realise you had such an epic journey to get here 😱 You must be extra proud then to get to this point. Best of luck with your graduation week and a huge well done for your perseverance in getting there. Count me in for the after-party 😁🎉🏃♂️🏃♀️🍾🎂🍩🍰🥂🏅🏅🏅🏅
Wow! This is an amazing tale of persistence! I am so impressed. And look at you now, a runner. Thank you so much for posting this - it should inspire runners old and new alike. Setbacks do not mean the end! Well done on overcoming your setbacks and with a superb attitude too.
What a brilliant post. It’s so annoying when we’re trying our best to get fit and we get these set backs. Your story is encouraging and well done for keeping on. I’m getting frustrated at not being able to run any faster and that I’m not losing weight. Def feel fitter though as I couldn’t run at all before. Love this community, people come across as genuine and share openly
Thx GG - definitely these guys are the best... but don’t worry about faster, each week i think I’m being completely steady and my pace changes on Strava. There are so many factors that will make you run slower, faster, make you feel tired! Just don’t worry about it..... speed will always come later, just enjoy the experience and the fact that a few short weeks ago you couldn’t do anything like this!
Wow, not just newbies who will benefit from this post! Incredible and inspiring stuff for graduates too! I have been feeling very sorry for myself, graduated 3 weeks ago but suffering with new niggles all the time and reluctantly taking a week or so out at the moment. Your epic journey really puts things in perspective. What’s a week or two out compared to your experience? Sheer determination got you through. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. I’m still trying to remember that. Amazing 👏👏
Wow, what a journey (as they would say on The X Factor - well, probably)! Very impressed that you’ve come back from a nasty injury like that and had the guts to do the programme again. Puts my two days of moaning about my bad back into perspective, that’s for sure!
I know exactly what you mean about this community - it’s so friendly and supportive, and really keeps you going if your motivation starts to flag!
We will all be waiting for you on the podium, cheering you on. Just try to avoid the IC this time around! 😘
How inspiring that after everything you have been through, and dude that is EVERYTHING, you pay it forward and write a post for newbies and everyone here to offer hope, and to show what resilience really looks like. Like others, I had no idea you have overcome such enormous challenges and your humility about it all is admirable. I have done nothing but whine about my (non-running related) issues from week 1. Apologies to all
It's a true testament to your determination that you're at week 9. Massive respect, my friend. I'm so pleased that amidst listing all the horrific things that have happened to your knee/ankle/leg, that the near-terminal man-flu also got a mention. That was a real close call mate
Big hugs to you in your final week. You know that we are all virtually running beside you (sure, I'll be the one waaaay behind y'all but it's the thought, right?) as you reach this amazing milestone. I am so proud to part of your gang of lunatics. xx
Ha ha - Cheers Dee, we're all one big happy bunch of loonies.... Man Flu had to get a mention! I'm still in awe at just how bad it was (maybe its man thing, but even wifey said it was the worst she has ever seen me in 20 yrs) she even threatened to take me to hospital ….. it was almost as bad a girl cold
Hugs back atchya, I just wanted to give Newbies hope as I am positive that a lot of people will start and then give up...
Podium around the corner, even if I need to carry my leg and hop! lol
A brilliant post! “I’ve done it all outside, come rain, wind, hell or high water...... if it’s a running day, then I run. No argument.” Is amazing. What a great achievement, determined to do what you love and breaking through all the challenges along the way. Well done really isn’t a big enough word! You’re amazing! ❤️
What a journey you’ve been through! And what determination. I guess it drives home how delicate our bodies are and how important it is to make sure we’re set up to succeed before going in headfirst.
I’m only on W3, doing R3 tomorrow morning - and I must say I’ve found the runs fairly straightforward and felt I could do more. But I understand that this program is designed the way it is for a reason - to gradually build strength and stamina. Without out, we run the risk of burnout or injury.
Here’s hoping you continue your onward progress. Thanks for sharing your story!
Good lord!😳 I’d have hacked the offending limb off and got myself one of those running springs. I had no idea you’d gone through all that. Massive respect for your determination .
See you on the graduation virtual finish line in a few days.
I might do mine tomorrow morning before work, depends how much wine I scoop tonight after work 😁.
Kudos to you for persevering. It's been a tough go for you, yet here you are, getting it done despite some huge challenges. A true inspiration. This forum (and it's sister Bridge to 10k and Marathon and Race support forums) is so amazing and has been such a help to get many of us through the programme and continuing on with our running journeys
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Running and Long Covid
Inching beyond consolidation 
Fluff me that was a frosty but flipping fantastic run 🏃🏻♀️❄️
