Through laughter and tears

[Gthants]

Doing my exercises last night, I really felt them deeply for the first time. I'm doing 20-30 minutes of yoga or pilates everyday; I'm mediating; there's an occasional extra nighttime yoga or mediation; and I'm doing my back/hamstring exercises - at least 20 minutes, once or twice a day.

When I did last night's exercises I FELT them. They always hurt, but I simply have to do them. I've been set up with a whole raft of exercises by two different physios, and need to work to strengthen my core, to work the facility back into my rotator cuff, to ease my back and gradually, oh-so-slowly ease my calves and hamstrings. The exercises are safe and I'm doing them properly. Normally I just grit my teeth and do it - and I always, always feel better, looser, freer afterwards.

Yesterday I was in some sort of new zone and they made me cry; then sob. I kept pushing through the exercises and the tears kept coming. Lots of frustration and pain stored in those muscles!

I guess I'm still in that emotional space today. I did my final run of week 4 this morning - 16 minutes of running. I had a few cracking tracks for my little outing, but as I was entering the last couple of minutes of the last 5 minute run, Chariots of Fire came on. And I thought THIS should have been the track that played when I first graduated! It's so appropriate, it made me smile, then laugh out loud as I was running; and, as I'm still feeling last night's emotion, it made me cry too.

So ... there I am, Japanese running like a 🐌 laughing and crying on the pavement through town.

I am officially Northamptonshire's major tourist attraction!

I ran very slightly faster, though still far slower than I'm used to. Physically it was a doddle and my back feels just fine. Emotionally, I feel as though I have run a marathon. I may do an extra mediation today!

Happy (😬) running! 🤣

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Oh goodness.... ! Chariots of Fire ? Tears and laughter... would a very gentle hug be acceptable? x

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

Gosh! Those exercises sound harsh, the run sounds good though and its all releasing pent up emotions, which I guess can be a good thing.

[Gthants in reply to SueAppleRun]

I've been through lots of therapy. And body-centred therapy. And my lady is a qualified psychotherapist. As I started to cry, my first thought was, "oh-no, here we go again!" 🤣

[SueAppleRun Graduate in reply to Gthants]

Exactly my thought daily at the moment... And "Will this ever end?" Which of course I know the answer to

[Gthants in reply to SueAppleRun]

Yes. Ive often been through that sort too. All too often. 💜

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate]

It sounds like you’re making great progress. It’s emotional coming back from injury. You hit milestones you’ve been through before but in a totally different way that suddenly makes them have a totally different significance.

So glad things are going in the right direction for you. Wishing you well on your journey ❤️❤️❤️

[Jools2020 Graduate]

My goodness, you’re going through it emotionally and physically! Your road to recovery is a tough one.

I don’t doubt you’ll do it, though 😊. You’re determined enough to stick with the physical exercises and you acknowledge the emotions 🤗

[Daith]

Aaah glad you seem to be coming back together. I've had some Chariots of Fire moments with my playlist just the way it's gone always makes me smile.

Happy Running ❤️

[Gthants]

"Born to Run" on Run 1 was a favourite ... 🤣

[ToothPickJafah Graduate]

Sorry to hear about the pain, frustration and tears but glad to hear about the run! And the laughter. I can totally relate 🖤 hugs! 🤗

[Penwithpink Graduate]

I love the chariots of fire theme it’s beautiful x stay strong and thanks for yr kind comments x

[nowster Graduate]

Were you doing slow motion running along to the music?

[Gthants in reply to nowster]

I was Japanese running, which is pretty slow, but Hugh Hudson was sadly missed ... and I didn't see a steady-cam anywhere!

[nowster Graduate in reply to Gthants]

"The British are coming!" (Collin Welland, at the Oscars)

[BR808 Graduate]

So ... there I am, Japanese running like a 🐌 laughing and crying on the pavement through town.

This made me snort and chuckle a little more than it should have! I just empathised with this a little too much! Big virtual hug coming your way🤗

My god what a rollercoaster you have been on. But I know with your determination and humour you will grit this out! 💪🏻 Your road to recovery has been tough, but look at you, you’re doing it! Be proud x

[Gthants in reply to BR808]

Thank you so much! All we can do is keep moving (slowly) forward, right?