We have had rain here all day today and a grey sky. But, the corner is warm, we have snacks and warm and cool drinks, the cushions are out and all we need is you!
So, sit a while and.........Listen....
How often did we hear, as children, or do we still hear as adults, that word.
Not a huge word, but a really important one for we runners.
These last months since Mr OF's heart attack last summer, has meant an upheaval in my running plans and I have had to listen to advice from a fair few folk, and this, yet again got me thinking.
I have had, like so many of us, to take notice of that word, a lot since I began running... I have had to learn in some instances, to listen to my body... our initial best guide, to the advice of medical experts in the event of illness or injury and of course., on a regular basis, the advice from the huge number of experienced , seasoned runners on these forums.
That last point is the important one.
We make up a massive resource, where, ideas, tips and sound advice is given, freely, on an ever evolving basis.
Okay!
If you have just begun or are even thinking about running, it may all feel a tad strange and overwhelming...so listening to, ( or reading), some of the great advice and tips that are available to us is really useful. And, if you are a more seasoned or returning runner. That advice still remains a useable , valuable, resource...
I have been trawling around, and getting a few rambling thoughts in order !
Right here, on this forum is a HUGE resource that we are all advised to dip into and read before even lacing up our shoes.. do we always do that? Well, as an Admin here, who has seen so, so many folk head to that finish line... not always.
It is a big read... and has links that lead you further and further as you run on. But at the beginning... making time to read the first, basic advice of running the C25K programme, can make your running progress, safe, hopefully, injury free and, very importantly. enjoyable!
That post can be found here... and if you have not taken a look. Please, please do.
Please do too, read the posts as often as you are able. The posts, not just from the Admin Team, ( yes we are runners too), but the posts from your running friends. They ask questions, they tell you about their running, their successes and their setbacks too!
Very often, they as questions that you may have, read the replies, see what the answers were, follow the links to any advice etc.
Check past posts... type a question in the search box... and see what comes up.
Much of our advice here, is gleaned from the incredible, extensive resource of our own runners here, and their experiences. They know about running, they are runners. Just like you...
Now I am going to put a link here... it is an old post from two years ago... and I am simply requesting, that you read it. It says it all...
Sadly my running journey took a bit of a hiatus over the winter, what with the weather, flooding, illness and general lethargy!
I’m aiming to bounce back now the better weather and longer days are here. My goal first of all is to return to running three times each week, so I’ve restarted C25K (yet again!) to give my running some structure. I’ve had great support from running club friends so far and I’m sure that will continue as I close in once again on running for 30 minutes in about 8 weeks time. Wish me luck!
I am sure you will find that those running friends will be right there beside you! You are doing well...and I know you will enjoy C25K again, as have so many of us...
well I’m still running and feeling better mentally, been busy with the 60th birthday celebrations that are ongoing !! Latest was a trip to ABBA Voyage which was truly an experience and we had dance floor tickets we danced and sang for the whole show !!! So that was a work out but also so uplifting.
I am now on Nanna duties next couple of days and then off for a girlie spa visit,so this morning is my only chance for a run and it’s raining but what the heck I know I’m going to enjoy those puddles💦💦
Love this forum it shows us we are all human sometimes we can run and sometimes life gets in the way but this is the greatest place for a vent or a craic .
Here comes Annya. Trudging her way through the thick quagmire of treacle known as Long Covid, but nevertheless still trudging on.
No runnning I'm afraid, apart from an occasional sprint up the drive followed by a "Why in God's name did I do that!"but I am still walking regularly - 7,000 to 8,000 steps most days - and back dancing again once a month with an occasional weekender thrown in throughout the year.
I am desperate to start running again, but I am finally getting the the message that I have to walk before I do that and learn to use my spoons much more effectively than I have been doing. My biggest problem is me and the expectations I put on myself........isn't it the same for many, mind?
For those who don't already know, I was finally officially diagnosed with LC a couple of months ago, some 2 years after symptoms started to rear their ugly head (there are many hoops to be jumped through before you "earn" the badge). I'm now taking part in an 8 week fatigue programme and have also had two stand alone appointments with an O.T. which have been useful in terms of insight.
I've got lots of decisions to make, many of which will be difficult ones, but I am thankful that in the grand scheme of things, I am a lot better off than many who have been struck down with this ghastly disorder, and ever-hopeful that I will one day start to pound the treadmill again - Niko-Niko style of course 🫠
Your walking sounds to be going really well indeed...and the dancing too! Not being able to run is so, so frustrating as I well know! But. you are being sensible.
No matter how much we tell ourselves we are doing the right thing,, it never feels, easy.
At least you have finally got an accurate diagnosis, although that does little to help the way you feel. I do hope the OT is going to prove useful... and the 8 week programme too!
I think with your determination and of course, patience ... you will get there... slow and steady!
Thank you so much for sharing this with us... and, well done you ! x
What a fab post and I loved the link to the old post. It is so true - I try to find time when I can just to browse the forum - the hive mind is a wonderful thing! Seven mile run for me last night and never in a million years did I think I could do that. Training for my half marathon is a mixed bag with my asthma being difficult to manage recently (hospital appointment Thursday for that) and I will admit I took last week off completely as I was so exhausted I was falling asleep at work!
This forum is great and is such a safe space to share our experiences so thank you to you and everyone else who spends their valuable time running them! I actually really enjoyed my seven mile run, but it was slow (1 hour, 40 mins). I deliberately went slow though because I wanted to enjoy it and not flare my asthma too much (still took 8 doses, but hey, that's better than it has been!). I couldn't run 400 metres at school so to be training for a half blows my mind if I'm honest! Thank you for all your wisdom and support in these forums x
You are most welcome... and it is so good to hear the experiences of folk like you, who refuse to give up, but are determined to make a change for the better!
I’ve been struggling recently, I need the exercise for my mental health and it’s super important I’m on top form at the moment. I’m only managing about 1 run a week and I can feel my fitness slipping. I do other things as well such as a strength and conditioning class and I try and ride horses as often as I can and I try to get my steps in but it’s all slipped recently. The problem is it feels like I’m constantly sore in my hips and legs. Rest makes it worse and I feel like I’m chasing my fitness. I have a desk job and I’m often on the train to help care for my Dad. At Dads there’s a lot of sitting in hospital waiting rooms and those chairs just wreck your back.
My plan is to finish my week 4 as I seem to be okay with that and then repeat wk4 properly and then progress. I might just have to keep bobbing along for multiple week 4! I’ve rejigged my diet to help fuel my body properly and am seeing improvement in my energy levels. Just feel so fed up with it.
Sorry for being a downer, good news is that it’s not raining today!
Sit down a while... you could certainly do with a rest. Oh gosh. This is a rough time that you are going through, and the mental draining, alongside the physical is so hard.
One thing is compounded by the next, and there are few things worse than that feeling of tiredness, aches and pains. Hard chairs and long hours.
I feel your frustration and your weariness.
All you can do is,,, what you are able. Fit the runs in when you can and keep up those supportive activities... There are some desk exercises on the S and F forum too... if you are able to get a few seated ones in? Ill find the link !
Just do wat you are doing... try to stay positive and always remember to be kind to yourself. If the runs do not happen... a gentle short walk, maybe.
Hold hard, my friend... and pop in anytime... there will always be a cushion here for you...you are doing amazingly! x
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