Long time, no post...

[Pianism]

I've been a little bit absent recently... on the IC, I'm afraid, both from running and from life in general having aggravated my Achilles in the Hateful Hokas and split up with my partner. My choice (on both counts actually!) But still hurts.

Anyhow, decided I couldn't just not do anything so joined a gym to begin some weights and do some low impact cardio.

Weirdly, 2 x 10 minutes on the treadmill the other day gave me more relief on the Achilles front than nearly 2 weeks of rest. Who knew?

And whoever recommended sportshoes.com to me is an absolute legend. Got a fab pair of Saucony Guide for under £50 and replaced my Hoka trail shoes with something with a more traditional heel drop for under £40. Low drop shoes absolutely don't suit me and leave me in agony.

So anyhow, feeling good, I decided to go for a little 5k yomp along the Mersey at my long-run pace. It's been about 3 weeks since I've been down there and, boy, have I missed it! I could have cried. Since I was last there all the leaves have unfurled and the early-summer wildflowers have come into bloom (oh, and the wild garlic has brushed its teeth, thank goodness!). Not a single twinge or complaint from the Achilles. Feeling so happy now.

Think I might have to cut back to 2 runs a week, but will see what the physio says next week. But now at least I have the option to do my 3rd cardio session on the elliptical.

Anyhow, please forgive my indulgence. The moral of the story, dear reader, is that if you are just starting out on your C25k journey, this could be you in a few short months, talking about cardio and pace and trainers whilst on an endorphin high! I hope you love it as much as I do. Look what you've done to me RunaroundSue !

[backintime Graduate]

Good on ya ! Thanks for bring motivation and inspiration. Hope the Achilles tendon stays healthy.

[RunaroundSue]

All because of a lunchtime conversation that sent you straight to Decathlon in January. I am so pleased to have been a part of your success Pianism Enjoyed your performance at the Plaza today as well - a pleasant way to spend a Saturday morning.

[Pianism Graduate in reply to RunaroundSue]

Thank you. And according to Garmin, 2 x 20-minute Cinema Organ sets is the equivalent in calories to that huge cooked breakfast I ate afterwards!!

[RunaroundSue in reply to Pianism]

Was my veggie breakfast equivalent to the calories I used while sitting listening to you? Although we did forego our post-parkrun bacon buttie. At one stage we thought we might be having 3 breakfasts today

[Pianism Graduate in reply to RunaroundSue]

That's how I got to where I was in January!

[RunaroundSue in reply to Pianism]

[Realfoodieclub Graduate]

Welcome back, sorry you have had a tough time. You are the second person in two days that I have heard of that has had trouble with Hokas. Yesterday someone said they had tripped four times in six weeks with them. They must be a marmite shoe, I adore mine, they are the only shoe that I run in pain free. I usually need orthotics but over distance they hurt so I turned to Hokas as they are perfect for me but I do have hallux limitus ( big toes don't flex) so the meta rocker is just right for me.

Glad you had a great first run back.

Happy running

Rfc x

[Pianism Graduate in reply to Realfoodieclub]

Thank you - yes, I'm sure they are a bit marmite and they are a lovely looking and feeling shoe. I'm hoping to be able to go back to them eventually but I think that few millimetres of extra heel travel one each step isn't helping. Not trying to discredit Hokas - we all have different likes and needs. I think the trouble is with me rather than the Hokas!

[Realfoodieclub Graduate in reply to Pianism]

I know a lot of people can’t have them because of heel. Not a cheap shoe either, I was a Brooks Ravenna girl before I found Hoka. Good luck with you Saucony’s. Rfc x

[Jell6 Graduate in reply to Realfoodieclub]

When I bought mine the chap in Up And Running described them a a Marmite shoe.

I love my fugly Hokas too!

[Hidden]

Glad to hear that you are on the mend. Sounds like a lovely place to run

[Pianism Graduate in reply to Hidden]

It is lovely... it starts off urban and ends up feeling quite rural though there's lots of relics from the industrial past as you go. Just my cup of tea.

[Hidden]

Good to have you back Pianism, I’ve missed your posts! Sorry that you’ve had a rough time of it lately. Your Mersey Run sounds just what the doctor ordered. I hope everything gets a bit easier as time goes on.

[Pianism Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thank you - a bit like starting running, it's an investment in future happiness and wellbeing.

[notquiteretired Graduate]

Sounds like you have had bit of tough time lately but good to hear you back to running, hope you get sorted 😊

[Pianism Graduate in reply to notquiteretired]

Thank you

[Granspeed Graduate]

Welcome back from the deep trough of silence. So glad the shoe issue is sorted & the Achilles seems to be tamed.

Isn’t it amazing how we miss this running that we only discovered in the dark days of January? 😄 Enjoy your resurgence! 👏🏼🎉🎶🎵🎶

[Pianism Graduate in reply to Granspeed]

Thank you. it is really strange - but also wonderful.

[Granspeed Graduate in reply to Pianism]

Good for the head as well as the heels, I find. Take care.

[SeeJillRun Graduate]

Glad to hear you’re on the mend, sounds like it’s been a tough time. I’m also glad you got some lovely new shoes too, the Hokas didn’t sound pleasant, but replacing them with bargain shoes should more than make up for it 😁

[Pianism Graduate in reply to SeeJillRun]

The Hokas look wonderful and feel wonderful when you put them on... they just aren't suited to me. Thank you for your kind words.

[RunRunRun13 Graduate]

Nice to have you back and through all your rotten times recently comes some good ! Back to running in the beautiful outdoors (nothing better) ! Onwards and upwards !

[Pianism Graduate in reply to RunRunRun13]

Thank you

[BaddieThePirate Graduate]

Great news Pianism on all fronts. Wythenshawe next week then in the new Sauconys?

[Pianism Graduate in reply to BaddieThePirate]

I'll be there!

[MuddledGardener Graduate]

Glad your Achilles’ tendon has got better! Sorry about the break up, but onwards and upwards, as they say. Xx

[Pianism Graduate in reply to MuddledGardener]

Thank you - I suspect it'll be an ongoing battle with the Achilles but at least 8t's letting me carry on for now.

[Oldgirlruns Graduate]

Thank you for that Pianism; you seem to have had a gritty time of it lately - but glad to see you’re able to get back into your running again. I’m IC myself at the moment and am a) really looking forward to starting again and b) terrified of starting again in equal measure! Keep posting - I love a motivational post!!

[Pianism Graduate in reply to Oldgirlruns]

Sorry about the IC - miserable isn't it. But it's joyous when you can finally get out there again.

[JonathanP Graduate]

Glad you're getting back on track Pianism! Oh and I love 'the wild garlic has brushed its teeth' - even more if I knew what it meant! 😀

[Katnap Graduate]

Glad you're on the mend! Take care!

[Franglaise Graduate]

Sorry to hear about your rough time...nice to have you back with your running family

[Laurzmum Graduate]

Glad to hear you are back with us. Always enjoys reading your posts Pianism.