A new year, a new (re)start, and another memento from covid.

[grumpyoldgirl]

A lovely vrb asked after me the other day, and I realised I haven't posted since I got my ear infection, so here's what's been happening - or not!

So, the ear infection back in November caused vertigo, which stopped me from running because it just felt too weird. I was just getting back from that when I got what I thought was a sore throat, but it turned out to be covid. Well, just like the first time I got it, the main symptoms were over in a week or so, but the tiredness went on and on. I was clear for Christmas so that wasn't spoilt but I had no energy for running, or much else really.

In the new year, I've been feeling more my usual self, and I ventured out for a few walks. The photo is from one of those. I could feel my fitness returning. I didn't need to sit on that bench!

And, this week, on a bright but veeery cold day, I decided it was time to try a run. I went for a week 2 run and it heavy going at first but it was actually fine. I went slower than I would have thought possible, but it kept me warmer than a walk would have done!

So now what? Well, I can feel an ache in my right foot where it has been injured in the past - I think that's a covid effect, it seems to exacerbate old weaknesses. So I'll go right back to the start, week one run one, and dig out all my old foot strengthening exercises to do daily. All I need now is for it not to snow... 😬☃️

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate]

Hi Gog,

Sorry to hear you have been unwell since November with one thing after another. Sounds like you've had a nasty time of it.

That Covid virus can cause all sorts of upsets can't it and it also interferes with sleep and energy levels drop. Miserable, but good that it didn't ruin your Christmas.

Its good to hear you are feeling more yourself and are venturing out in your running shoes again.

I had a knee problem since June last year, which I found out was a Bakers cyst when it burst inside my calf in October. I was advised to rest for 3 months after that, and given stretches and strenghening exercises.

With the New Year I too ventured out last week to try Wk1 R1 and really enjoyed it.

I went for the second run of W1 yesterday and all seems fine. Like you I will keep doing the strenghening exercises.

Good luck as you build back up again, we can do it, slow and steady. Already looking forward to R3.

🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🤞🌾xxx

[grumpyoldgirl Graduate in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

You've had quite a time of it too! Yes we can do it😊

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Oh gosh.... you have been through the mill. ! Aren't we a right lot of walking wounded at times.. all of us.. Well done on that run!

Loads of foot exercises to work on and get that foot feeling strong again!

I got out again today.. ran for 3K and it felt fine too!! We can get there... all of us, together !

[grumpyoldgirl Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thanks Floss, we will! So nice to see you doing your stuff again 😊

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to grumpyoldgirl]

It is good to get out there!

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

Yay 😁 good to see you back!COVID really is nasty and the tiredness goes on and on.

Enjoy re starting. That's a beautiful photo.

[grumpyoldgirl Graduate in reply to SueAppleRun]

Thank you Sue 😊

[Beachcomber66 Graduate]

Hello grumps. It’s weird, and frustrating how these issues can add up to weeks off running. In my case it was a fall followed by vertigo type issues; I couldn’t even walk properly. But, the big day comes when we lace up our shoes and head out again. It doesn’t matter how short or slow the run; it’s progress. That feeling of being on the comeback trail lifts the mood and, week on week, we build back up again. I hope that your return goes smoothly. 🙂

[grumpyoldgirl Graduate in reply to Beachcomber66]

Thanks BC, I'm expecting this to take a while but like you I just enjoy being out there.

[Over60sRunner Graduate]

Oh, what a nightmare time you've had! Great to hear you're finally on the mend 👍 Having been diagnosed with long covid myself, I can really relate to the tiredness that seems never ending 😴

Well done, and good luck with your comeback - onwards and upwards 😁

[grumpyoldgirl Graduate in reply to Over60sRunner]

Thank you yes, it keeps sneaking back when I don't expect it, but now it just feels like the odd day rather than all the time. Hope you are doing better too 🤞

[Over60sRunner Graduate in reply to grumpyoldgirl]

Thank you. I'm still up and down with more bad than good days, and absolutely back to square one every time I catch another virus, Covid or not 🤨

I'm currently under investigation to try and work out why my immune system seems unable to fight off cold/flu viruses since my second vaccine back in June 2021, which is when all this trouble started. Lots of blood tests and the next step will be the Immunology clinic, but I'm not holding my breath as the wait for that is even longer than the Long Covid service and that's over a year!

Like many others in the same boat, all I can do is crack on and do what I can, when I can. I have much to be grateful for despite this mind - at least I'm still here to lament my losses, so crack on I will 🙏

[grumpyoldgirl Graduate in reply to Over60sRunner]

Oh wow you've got it bad I'm so sorry! It is weird about other infections though. I keep thinking I've got covid again because every cold feels like covid now, with the weeks of recovery. I can't say I still have long covid though - or if I do it's a lot milder than it was. So I can have a normal active day but then realise that I won't be going to choir practice in the evening because I'm suddenly exhausted. But more or less ok the next day.But your case sounds more akin to CFS/ME (which my daughter suffers from). Proper nasty. And a horrible irony that it was the vaccine that set it off! 💐

[Week7 Graduate]

Sorry to hear that you've had such a rough time but pleased to see you posting again. Starting again at tge beginning of the year seems very apt and I am very much looking forward to your posts (and photos! )as your runs extend towar the Spring Happy 🏃‍♀️

[grumpyoldgirl Graduate in reply to Week7]

Thank you so much!

[Elfe5 Graduate]

Hello GOG, good to see you!😄 I’m sorry you have had a grotty patch of health - it’s frustrating when we are hit by one bug after another. - There seems to be a lot of that about currently.

Go gently & enjoy your return. 😄

[grumpyoldgirl Graduate in reply to Elfe5]

Thank you, I will go as gently at I know how 🐌🐌😊

[Teaching]

Glad you are doing better now. Welcome back!

[grumpyoldgirl Graduate in reply to Teaching]

Thank you 😊