Slightly late but.... week 8!!!

[Pianism]

Well, at 7.30am today me, my Garmin, my new waterproof running jacket and my achilles all got together on the riverbank to see what would happen. I've been off for 10 days having completely overdone it on Parkrun on the Saturday and then on a 5-hour hill walk on the Sunday. Fat and 44 DOES NOT equal bionic man!!

Achilles - started off with my usual 5m slow then 5m fast walking, then began my run. I'd put the C25k app on, more for Laura's company than anything. So I set off VERY gingerly... first 5 minutes, no pain at all (though it seemed like I'd been running for an hour!!). Next thing I know, Laura is telling me I'm half way through, so that's 14 minutes. Still no pain whatsoever. Turned round.... back to the start... no pain whatsoever (including the warm-down walk and the steep hill home). Therefore... "Happy Birthday Ian, you may now run again, love, your achilles".

Running jacket - this was the first run in heavy rain since "runnus horribilus" in week 5. After much to and fro and recommendations, and with some trepidation, I plumped for a Kalenji running jacket on the basis it had plenty of big vents in it (and was bright yellow!!). First bit of good news was that even though I've been on the IC, it was no longer too tight. Second bit was that I wasn't too hot and I didn't get soaked from the inside out. In fact, I was extremely comfortable. Got home dripping wet on the outside but only mildly damp on the inside. Hooray!! Rain now no obstacle to running!

Garmin - 4.59k (including warm up and warm down), so quite pleased with that considering my dumpy legs and my achilles-conserving pace this morning. 456 calories burned towards tonight's Birthday chippy tea!

On the whole, I'm buzzing to be back (can you tell??). My walk back takes me past the football pitches where I toiled away in the dark and the rain getting my body to tolerate those short spells of running. Had a little tear in my eye - I'm really doing this, and look how far I've come!

All the very best to my cohort, who will all be graduating about now! We never thought we'd do this but we are. Set your watches... my 5 run countdown begins now.

[RunaroundSue]

Yippee! And Happy Birthday.

I was just wondering how you got on with your planned return to running.

See you on Saturday - it looks as though there will be a big turnout this month. For the ukulele gathering, I meant, although I am sure the parkrun will be busy too.

[Pianism Graduate in reply to RunaroundSue]

Fingers crossed for the Ukes. I'm certainly hoping for a very enjoyable afternoon/evening.

Also looking forward to a very careful Parkrun!

[BaddieThePirate Graduate]

The late 8 run sounded perfect. Glad all is well. Happy birthday. Enjoy those chips 🎂

[Pianism Graduate in reply to BaddieThePirate]

Thank you. Top priority is not damaging myself now (except for with the chips!!).

[wobbles_when_runs Graduate]

Happy Birthday! 🎂

Sounds like you had a great, of not wet run. Pleased for you and encouraged by you. Well done and enjoy those birthday chips, you’ve certainly earned them 😊

[Pianism Graduate in reply to wobbles_when_runs]

Thank you. We all lean on each other for encouragement here - I wouldn't have got this far if it were not for this community!

[SeeJillRun Graduate]

Great news that your Achilles was pain-free. Obviously the time on the injury couch was well worth it 😊

Thanks for the running jacket info. I’ve been thinking I should get one n that one sounds perfect. I generally hate wearing waterproofs cos I end up as wet from sweat as I would from the rain (at least that’s how it feels!) so I like the sound of many vents

And finally, happy birthday! A birthday run is a great way to set yourself up for some guilt-free calories later 😁 🎂 🏃🏻‍♂️

[Pianism Graduate in reply to SeeJillRun]

Thank you. Yes, the jacket was a revelation. It has great big vents down the back (several of, not just one little one) and the whole underside of the arm is fabric rather than waterproof. No water got in that way but I reckon a lot got out. It really was marvellous. I just wore a tee-shirt underneath and it was perfect for the wet and cold.

[SeeJillRun Graduate in reply to Pianism]

Just been looking n I think I’ve found it, it sounds like just what I need. Ta muchly for the info 😊

[Pianism Graduate in reply to SeeJillRun]

You are very welcome. This is the one I got... decathlon.co.uk/kiprun-evol...

[SeeJillRun Graduate in reply to Pianism]

Very snazzy, and a good price too! I like the idea of the inbuilt mittens to keep your hands warm. Think I’m going to call in next week n take a proper look 👀

[mummybowles Graduate]

Happy Birthday to you. And Happy Week Eight

[Pianism Graduate in reply to mummybowles]

Thank you.

[Makka62a Graduate]

Big 👍 to you and HAPPY BIRTHDAY

[Pianism Graduate in reply to Makka62a]

Thank you

[Jell6 Graduate]

Good run👍

Happy birthday 🎂🥂

[Pianism Graduate in reply to Jell6]

Thank you

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Well done.

Just keep it nice and steady and carry on with the stretching.

[Pianism Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you. Yes, the stretching has been great as have the strength exercises the sports therapist gave me. Even whilst on the IC, I could feel my calves and Achilles getting stronger from them.

[Couchpotato2 Graduate]

Yeah!! What a great birthday 🎁 present!! I was going to ask you which jacket you went for but you already answered, thanks!

Have a good celebration tonight!

[Pianism Graduate in reply to Couchpotato2]

Thank you. The real celebration is on Saturday... more calories than is decent!

[Couchpotato2 Graduate in reply to Pianism]

It will only make you want to go for a run more after!

[DiscoRunner Graduate]

That is such brilliant news!! Well done. And enjoy these last 5 runs - they are mind blowingly fantastic! 💪💪🐌💪💪

[Pianism Graduate in reply to DiscoRunner]

Thank you

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Happy Birthday..Happy Healing..Happy new Coat and Happy Running...Well done you...!!!

Relax as you head on into the lovely, leisurely runs to the podium😊

[Pianism Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thank you. Very gently does it!