Drumroll please... I did it! (again...)

[grumpyoldgirl]

Hi all, haven't posted for a long time, although I've been sticking my nose into other people's posts without so much as a by-your-leave.

I graduated back in June, did a park run, consolidated, felt brilliant, and then a few weeks later did my foot in, in a non-running-related incident. (ok I got my foot caught under a rocking chair runner, don't ask) and doctor told me not to run until it healed. It took weeks of gp visits, x-ray, etc, to establish that it was ligament damage aggravated by the beginnings of arthritis - Oh joy- , and if I was a good girl I could run on it without causing further damage. IF I took it very slowly stopping at the first twinge.

So, I have been very carefully working my way back up, only running for 5 minutes, then 7, then 6 plus 5, I used the c25k table to work out my own recovery plan. Wearing compression socks really helped support my foot. It took a long time, because I lost a lot of the fitness I had built up. I also needed more recovery time between runs, and I still only go twice a week at the most.

AND, I have finally run for 30 minutes without stopping!! Since you ask, it was for 34 minutes and 4 seconds. I am beyond proud.

I realise that I need to keep as mobile as I can, it's always going to be a fine balance between what I want to do and what my foot can withstand, so I won't be going for 10k any time soon. But maybe I'll head back to parkrun soon, and at least get that 5k ticked off again. Anyone else out there running with arthritis got any tips for me?

Thanks for reading, you lovely lot.

[bluepanda Graduate]

No arthritis tips, sorry but I just wanted to say a huge huge congratulations!! Your determination is amazing - very inspiring There is no rush so take it at your own pace as you have done so far. Hope your foot isn’t too bothersome xx

[grumpyoldgirl Graduate in reply to bluepanda]

Thanks, I'm learning what is an annoying ache that I can ignore, and the kind I have to stop for. It's got steadily better and stronger, so fingers crossed 😊

[Bartontiger Graduate]

That's brilliant. Well done and what a good time.

[Latecomer]

Congratulations! That’s an amazing story of triumph over adversity! You don’t sound grumpy at all - you’re an inspiration x

[grumpyoldgirl Graduate in reply to Latecomer]

I was pretty grumpy in July and August, let me tell you! 😁 Thanks though x

[MelsieJay Graduate in reply to grumpyoldgirl]

I remember that feeling. More than grumpy tho. Outright depressed cos gained over a stone in 8 weeks of inactivity. Everyone told me to do upper body stuff but hauling myself upstairs was all I achieved! Well done for getting over it and inspiring the rest of us that we can too x

[Hedghog Graduate]

Aww well done you 👏👏👏 ive only just completed C25K but am sort of 'needing' to run now so it must have been awful for you.

I have compression socks on my Santa list - do you think they benefit your recovery?

[grumpyoldgirl Graduate]

Yes I'm sure they did, I have the low cut ones. They really seem to prevent jarring when my foot lands, if you see what I mean.

[MelsieJay Graduate in reply to grumpyoldgirl]

Do you think they would help me? The break was lower fibula and if I do nothing it doesn’t hurt but even after a walk it throbs again. Been told it will hurt for a year and it’s 6 months in but I am anxious about it when running. I’m doing ok and physio is delighted with it and ok about running but would a sock be a good plan. Never heard of them! Where do you get them? X

[grumpyoldgirl Graduate in reply to MelsieJay]

I got my first pair from runner's world, an actual shop, but I should think any online running store would sell them. Don't know if they would help in your particular case though. Maybe get a longer pair that has good reviews and try them out? Or ask your physio on your next visit. Oh here's a thought, how about support tights or stockings, you can get them for long flights to prevent DVT, or if you're on your feet all day for varicose veins, to wear after a run and see if that helps. Disclaimer, I have no medical training!

[cheekychipmunks Graduate]

Rocking chair runner?? 😫😳 Boy that must have hurt! Rather like me busting my foot twacking my toes on an armchair whilst doing yoga! 🤦‍♀️ Those chairs are liabilities! 😅

So glad you’re back running, and it’s down to your strict rehab that you’re doing so well! Good for you!

Hope you continue to have fun, and yes parkrun sounds like the perfect goal for you next! 👏👏

[grumpyoldgirl Graduate]

Thanks chipmunk, those pesky chairs, it's the way they just sit there looking harmless. Sinister, I reckon 😂

[Tartancat Graduate]

Sounds like you created the perfect recovery plan. Running 34 minutes pain-free is no mean feat (feet?).

Here's hoping you stay injury free - won't be long before you get that 5k in the bag!

[grumpyoldgirl Graduate]

Oh I hope so Cat! I'm slower, but just as determined. I was a complete non runner before I did the c25k, I couldn't believe how much I hated not being able run.

[Katnap Graduate]

You don't seem grumpy to me! 😸

Welcome back to the 'Graduate' club!

[grumpyoldgirl Graduate in reply to Katnap]

Well I've certainly cheered up lately! Thanks, might just get that medal out and dust it off😁

[blackcatgib Graduate]

How frustrating after you had gone so far !

Amazing that you have built yourself back up 😀😀😀

[grumpyoldgirl Graduate in reply to blackcatgib]

Thanks blackcat. Lots of felines on the forum, I love it!

[MelsieJay Graduate]

What an inspiring post x

[grumpyoldgirl Graduate]

Thanks melsie, it's funny how this running malarkey gets you 😊