The Joy of Running

[Richard7]

After a 3 week semi enforced lack of running today was the day that I could stand it no longer.

3 weeks ago I went on holiday for a week and made the decision that I would not take my running shoes with me. The holiday was great but after too much walking including lugging suitcases up and down the underground on our return I realised that I had a bit of a knee issue and needed to give it a bit of extra rest!!

Then towards the end of the week the flu/bug hit me!! This has worsened my asthma and left me feeling decidedly under par.

But .. enough is enough.

Still not feeling great today I knew that if I didn't watch out despondency would set in followed by a lack of self belief and motivation and a longer term return to the couch. Nope I had not come this far to do that.

So I set my alarm last night and slept right through it getting up an hour later than intended. Still I was awake and needed to get a wiggle on and so got up and ready.

Once out I did my warm up walk and set off at an almost sedentary pace. I didn't care. I was running again. I expected to flake out after a couple of minutes so made sure I kept my pace nice and slow. It worked as I was able to keep running for a good first run back.

Both during the run and once finished I knew that this was what the Dr had ordered. I felt decidedly happier and whilst struggling still with dry cough and sniffles I had a smile both on my face and in my legs.

During my 3 week rest the 1 year mark for when I started running came and went. No trumpets, confetti or anything .. just an awareness of how far I have come to date since the “old man” getting off his couch last August. It feels good to have got to the stage where I am wanting to go for a run for even though I am still feeling under the weather.

So the Joy of running. Well for me it was too specific moments in my run. The first was when plodding along getting comfortable and feeling like my feet were not even touching the ground. I had music playing on my ears but at the same time it felt so quiet. It felt for a couple of minutes both peaceful and effortless. The second was towards the end of my run when the gentle breeze caught me and cooled me down. No gale force just a gentle noiseless wind – the likes of which you don't get sitting in your house or on your sofa or in an air conditioned room.

Happy running everyone. Good to be back out running again. For anyone on the IC – I feel for you and hope you are back out running soon.

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

There’s nothing quite like a comeback run. Great job.

[Richard7 Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Thanks. Slow and steady just felt right and a great feeling being out again.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

So glad to see you back Richard.... and that you are feeling more like yourself.. A beautiful gentle run and a cooling breeze to waft you home...

So good to have a post...I missed you on Strava too

You have indeed come a long way, since your first tentative steps... and are doing amazingly... and to achieve that wonderful feeling of effortless running... just feeling as if you could run forever and at one with your body, mind and the world around you... Perfect!

An inspirational post for anyone on this running adventure.. at whatever stage.

Thanks You x

[Richard7 Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thanks OF - would have been great if the effortless feel lasted for longer 😉 but a very welcome run. Took your advice made it nice and slow and steady just what I needed.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Richard7]

Xx

[cheekychipmunks Graduate]

What a lovely post Richard! You’re right, though, running is so much more than exercise. It’s a sense of wellbeing. I’m a total convert and I intend to go out tomorrow morning, dicky toe strapped up, and go for a gentle jog.

Sounds like just the ticket for you too. You must still feel amazing! 👍🏃‍♂️

Happy running! 😀

[Richard7 Graduate in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Thanks CCM I hope your toe doesn't give you trouble. I tend to find my niggles disappear when I run except for my dodgy knees which are always troublesome. Have fun with your run.

[cheekychipmunks Graduate in reply to Richard7]

Thank you! I find the same. I was able to run off a very tight ankle that started in W2 of the programme. I made it all the way through, so if my ankle can do it, so can my toe! 😀

[helen0794 Graduate]

Thankyou Richard7 for such an honest and inspirational post ... I haven’t run for nearly 3 weeks for lots of reasons, and I’m so annoyed with myself...I was doing so well. Your post is just what I needed this morning...I shall go out and feel the breeze this morning. Thankyou so much 😊🏃‍♀️Helen

[Richard7 Graduate in reply to helen0794]

Have a great run. Keep it slow and steady 😉 and enjoy

[Languid_Lil Graduate]

What a lovely, wise, honest, generous post. Well done for getting out there & have fun xxxxxx