Not running.. but not giving up..still on week 6

[PeggySusi]

Almost two weeks since I did week 6, run 2.. so I still haven’t heard Jo Whiley tell me I’m a runner again (Al Morr!).. but I haven’t given up, and I haven’t been glued to the couch either - far from the couch actually, as I’ve been adventuring in glorious Devon, (and also glorious Cornwall).

I spent last weekend at the Calvert Trust near Barnstaple, with a wonderful charity called Limbpower, which supports amputees and those with limb difference to take part in sporting and leisure pursuits. Limbpower focus on ability not disability.. As everyone on here knows, increased confidence in physical activity = better mental health too.. So.. If you know anyone Limbpower could help, do publicise (or even donate..) Activities included canoeing, climbing, abseiling, zip wire, archery and tai chi. Everyone in the group of twenty odd (including one quad amputee) had a go at everything.. the photo above is me on the climbing wall.. and I did make it to ring the bell at the top..🤣

Further adventures followed, visiting my niece in Cornwall for a scenic walk and a boat trip for a pub meal, and then back home for my 65th birthday treat - an hour’s rowing on a local river.. what a week! Back to dog walking and lots to catch up on in the garden this week..I might have to repeat a few of the earlier runs before I’m back to where I was before all the unaccustomed socialising and excitement..😊

[Mrsrun Graduate]

The trust sounds fabulous and what a time you have had, it sounds amazing . Belated happy birthday . Good luck for your return to the plan.

[PeggySusi Graduate in reply to Mrsrun]

Thanks Mrsrun.. and a belated happy birthday to you too..😊🎂

[Petem56 Graduate]

What a great weekend it was, my running was slower last week after Calvert weekend, hopefully back to pace tonight.

[PeggySusi Graduate in reply to Petem56]

It was indeed a great weekend.. the best bit was the meeting in person with those who have only met virtually before.. and making completely new friends too 😊

[Fionamags Graduate]

Fabulous photo! That sounded like an action packed week. Sounded brilliant fun!

[PeggySusi Graduate in reply to Fionamags]

Thanks Fiona.. not the most flattering photo but it shows how I was feeling at the time..🤣 - some activities were more enjoyable/easier than others.. but it was indeed brilliant fun..😊

[Frenc Graduate]

Wow PeggySusi you’ve been super busy! Limbpower sounds incredibly supportive, and I love that pic of you. Climbing is something I’d love to have a go at but have never had the chance, lucky you. Happy climbing/running/rowing! 🧗‍♀️ 🏃‍♀️🛶

[PeggySusi Graduate in reply to Frenc]

Thanks Frenc.. I can’t praise Limbpower enough.. it was founded by an above knee amputee, Kiera Roche. She was there herself at the weekend doing all the activities.. her seemingly boundless energy and commitment has helped so many amputees, particularly during Covid. The climbing was fun.. but I really didn’t like the abseiling.. I won’t be doing that again..😳

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Your pluck makes me smile with admiration.........you are a star!

Too many people focus on what they cannot (or believe they cannot) do and you prove that coming to terms with limitations, but concentrating on abilities is the way forward for all of us.

Go you!

[PeggySusi Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thanks IannodaTruffe you are very kind.. I’m not at all brave, but it was a very controlled environment, and my level of amputation and any problem it causes is very minor - especially in comparison to most of those who took part in the weekend.. the only real difficulty I had was pretending to be brave about things I hadn’t tried before - abseiling and zip wire.. I almost chickened out of abseiling.. but the first to go over the top was a quad amputee in her wheelchair.. she smiled all the way.. after that nobody could refuse to try it..😊

[IannodaTruffe Mentor in reply to PeggySusi]

Working as a disabled access steward at WOMAD festival and the amazing people I have worked with there, have taught me not to whinge about my problems. Get on with living life and count your blessings, is now my philosophy, which you exemplify.

[MaCherie112 Graduate]

I love this! Happy Birthday!!! 🎉 🎂 🎈 Sounds like you had an amazing week & an amazing cause! Plus you we’re still keeping active, so it shouldn’t be too much of a challenge to get back to the programme at all! Best of luck on future runs!!!

[PeggySusi Graduate in reply to MaCherie112]

Thanks MaCherie112.. I’m not doing well on getting back to running.. only a bit of duty dog walking this week.. all my energy is being expended on gardening..It’s time for the autumn tidy up and everything has grown apace this year.. especially weeds..But as you say, I’m not on the couch but staying active, so I’ll get back to it soon I hope..😊

[MaCherie112 Graduate in reply to PeggySusi]

That’s the spirit!!! 😊

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Well done you...on all levels!

That sounds to have been a super weekend and meeting up with virtual buddies is fantastic.

As someone who has walked snd climbed for many years...I love that photo!

I am just thinking of starting up again too!!

You are doing brilliantly...slow and steady and you will get to where you want to be!

[PeggySusi Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thanks Oldfloss. The climbing was fun on the wall but I think I’d prefer to be out in the countryside.. I’m guessing that’s the kind of climbing you mean.. hope you can get back to it soon 😊

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to PeggySusi]

Yes..outdoors..and thinking of a bit of low-level stuff , on some old stamping grounds !

[PeggySusi Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

I don’t know your old stamping grounds, but we headed to the Lakes this summer because a friend suggested trying Loughrigg and Helm Crag as good places to start.. Unfortunately the weather was far too hot for even an easy climb, especially for the dog, so we ended up swimming in the lakes instead..😊 But we will try again another time, maybe in the spring.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to PeggySusi]

Well we played on our local rocks. The Roaches...but favourite area for Mr OF and I... Llanberis Pass in Wales and the Rickracks at Capel Curig for fun. The Hillary Everest team trained there !