This week’s question comes from the lovely Annieapple who is on an enforced break at the moment…
It comes to most of us at some point. An injury. Illness. A change in circumstances. It makes us realise the massive positive impact that running has on our lives. Luckily, it’s usually temporary even though it’s miserable at the time. What would do you think you'd miss most if you had to stop running?
I had an injury last year and it was mentally really tough. I missed the freedom of just being able to get out and get active. I hadn’t realised how much of a nicer person I am when I’m running regularly! It’s when I get to think things over or just switch my brain off and turn my legs on! I love the feeling of being tired because I know I’ve done something good for myself. There were other ways to keep active but none of them hit the spot like the runs did.
It was helpful to remember that I was still a runner even though I wasn’t running at the time. I was doing recovery and rehab ready for when I could start again. That switch of mental attitude really helped, and with time I was able to build back to where I was before. The injury ended up as a net gain for me-it forced me to address some weaknesses I didn’t know I had and I came back stronger (and faster!) as a bonus.
So over to you! What do you think you’d miss if you’ve been lucky enough to keep running without any bumps in the road? What did you miss if you’ve had to stop at times? Any tips for those on the injury couch or not able to run at the moment?
MissU x
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At the end of every cooldown I give thanks that I'm fit enough to have done today's run. Maybe corny, but how many things in life do we take for granted then one day they're gone...?
To talk about what I'd miss it's probably easier to list what running has given me: a new sense of awe that I can do this, an appreciation of the function of my lower limbs rather than just a focus on their appearance, confidence that I can run, for km and km, should I ever need to, the general wellbeing that you get from being active, to name the most obvious.
At the age of 66 I don't take any of this for granted and each run is a bonus. If I was ever forced to stop permanently it would be so frustrating, but I guess that there'd be bigger issues to worry about, severe injury or physical illness. At least I'll know that I appreciated it while I was doing it.
When I've been on the IC it's generally been painful but there was the prospect of starting again and starting better. I hated every one of those pulled tendons but at least I've learned a lot of exercises to hopefully prevent them from happening again.
Here's to us all carrying on for as long as we enjoy it 🤞🤞🤞
You are not the only one! Running gives me the freedom not to think too hard about whaf I’m eating beyond “broadly healthy” and I can eat an extra bag of crisps without needing new jeans!!!
Well done on the 11.2km. I know when you’re building distance and setting new records. That 0.2km is all important!!
I’m so so thankful that I am fit and well enough to get out and run. Every time I complete my run no matter how long or short it is or wether there’s jeffing going on I’m always so happy at the age of 66 to still get out there. So for me I would definitely miss the fact that running is a good habit that I’ve got myself in to and for me it factors into my life. I often wonder when will be the time for me to stop running I really couldn’t say. However in the meantime I shall run for as long as possible.😂😂🏃♀️
The last time I ran was for Tim’s run. After that I found it really difficult running. Ive now found out why, after being breathless &my chest feeling really strange I visited my GP to find that Ive got a very leaky heart valve. Ive now been in hospital for 7weeks, I’m waiting for an operation.I can’t wait to get back to normality,walks, runs, taking the dog out,going home.This all came out of the blue &I would love to be back running. 🏃♀️
I’ve had a couple of longish layoffs in the 2 or 3 years since I started running. Being brutally honest I can easily settle back into a lazier routine. But, the guilt always gets me and I am trying to keep type 2 diabetes at bay so I really need to exercise.
Aside from that, once I get out again I really enjoy the feelings it gives me. More energy and fitness, the mental benefits of being out on my own in the fresh air and nature (I know some people like running buddies but I haven’t had that and not sure I want it).
So, I love it and want to keep going as long as a 67 yr old, overweight woman can😊
It’s amazing how a bit of health “guilt” wanting to do something good for ourselves can turn into something we really love! You’ve absolutely caught the running bug! Long may you be able to carry on! ❤️
I’m a natural lonely goat too solo runner too-nothing wrong with that!
I think the thing I miss the most about running, or rather not being able to run, is that it used to quiet my very busy mind so well and gave me a real feel good vibe.
It was lovely to be able to do something just for me and for my own self-care, and I hope and pray that one day the long covid will shake its way loose from me again and I may be able to do it again.
It crept up on me in a very insidious way and I hope that once I get more regular time for myself and no longer have to work then I might be able to negotiate with my fatigue and at least get back to my Niko Niko shuffling. I very much doubt that I will ever be up to anything more enthusiastic again, but a shuffle would be better than the nowt I have now.
Thank you for raising this prickly subject, at least for me. To be able to get my feelings down on paper as it were is very cathartic 🙏
I miss being out with the dawn chorus and watching the sun come up after my runs…never would I ever have thought I’d be loving getting up at the crack of dawn for a run and to watch the sun rise after! But there ye go! I’ve had a major setback after breaking my ankle but maybe next year I can get started again 🙏 just taking things one day at a time for now…
Good luck with the recovery! You were so unlucky with your accident. I know you’ll be tackling your rehab with gusto and you’ll be back as soon as your body lets you! Sending good wishes your way! ❤️🩹
Sorry you’ve had to take some time out-I think thats when a lot of us realise what running was doing for us. The great thing about this board is we know what it’s like to not be able to run and cab send genuine sympathy. It’s hard.
Really hoping you’re back to your joyful Niko niko shuffle soon ❤️
I am just hating not being active and I feel sluggish and heavy. I also get more unrelaxed around food. Finally, I'm missing the space my mind goes to on a run. I do meditate but it's different somehow.
I absolutely know what you mean about moving meditation! Last night I was out for a dusk 5km and it was the most relaxed I’d felt all day even though I was having a little workout. Maybe it’s the rhythm of the breath and the legs turning over. It’s a wonderful feeling and I think it’s what we’re all chasing!
Let’s hope we can keep getting out there and enjoying the moving zen!
I had to have a think about your question. I'd like to say toned legs, I'd miss them, but they are old and lumpy so they'd just be more so if I didn't run.I think what I'd miss most is that quiet time alone, listening to music and looking around me, going for a drive isn't the same at all. I've never walked for the sake of walking so going for a run is very special.
I'm alone a lot nowadays and enjoy my own company but even that's not the same as a run. I'd miss being able to run too, however slow it is.
Justifiable “me time”…,I love that! It seems much more valid to say “I’m off for a run…will be back in an hour” than “I’m going to sit on my derrière for an hour and I’d like to be alone so please don’t talk to me!”.
Good luck with the recovery. Hopefully you’ll be back soon ❤️🩹
I would miss so many things, too many to list but including the run, the location, the friendships forged here and beyond,: but most of all, that feeling that only a run outdoors, can give...
That of being a small part of this wonderful world , grateful beyond belief, that I am able and still fortunate enough to run , to see, to sense and of course to enjoy. x
Annie.. the runs and we are awaiting your return x
This is so lovely. You’re absolutely right about the running community-I hasn’t even thought about that. One of the most unexpected benefits of running!
Wishing you many more of your famous slow and steady, joy filled runs! ❤️
I think the thing I’d miss the most is the general feeling of happiness I feel when I’m regularly running. Not that I was grumpy before, but that runner’s high? It’s definitely a thing, and it creates this very personal emotional resilience like nothing else.
It is, thank you. I’m back to running/joggling again 2-3 times per week, and am roughly using the c25k journey again. Have even started to use the c25k app again, first time since graduating all those years ago. Am on week 2.
About my Calves: what I think is contributing to the health of my calves:
1) use of standing desk
2) use of compression/warming sleeves
3) regular use of my roller, again, also attending to my upper back (with very satisfying pops)
So very happy with my progress, as it feels I’ve nipped it in the but! Or rather calves, maybe.
That feeling of freedom , run on my own so it’s just me and my mind which had a bit of a wobble a while ago . Don’t know where I would be without it or the encouragement of my family to get back out there as I’m a better human with it 😬🤞🏼
I run to start my day, get some exercise, breathe that fresh air and get my morning light fix. But running is so addictive. When I've been on the IC, I've still had to get out, but walk instead. It's not the same, I miss the runs and the feeling of wellbeing that running brings, but we know it's only temporary and the runs will return.
I wish I was a morning person-I can absolutely see how it’s a wonderful way to start the day! I totally get the walking thing-I’ve been lucky that every time I’ve been on the injury couch I’ve still been able to walk but you’re right, it’s not quite the same. Let’s hope our stays on the injury couch are always short!
Wishing you lots of luck with this. Take it at your own pace and don’t forget, any runs you do are worthy of celebration. When you’re ready, you’ll have lots of supporters ready to cheer you along. Your runs, your way. ❤️
In a word "Headspace". I have never liked running and couldn't understand people who did. But c25k after my weight loss started it all for me. I feel that I'm in a far better place mentally that I ever was, and I would put that down to running.
I would miss the ‘me time’ the time when I can just runaway with my thoughts …my mojo has run off so I’m struggling to get back into the habit and that’s what I’m definitely missing x
I have just started again this morning after nearly 6 weeks off due to injury and I have never been so glad to get out there today… and before the rain too.😄
I have been so jealous of my daughter who has been running home from work every wednesday( just effortlessly running over 6.5 milesAFTER a days work!!). She runs on the opposite side of the river to me but I still begrudged her every step!!! Not really …. but although I have been walking when I could and gardening and doing about 3 times as many Pilates sessions a week to keep fit, I have so missed the running.
So glad that my toe is healed and I CAN run again now. And I feel so much calmer now today. I have been back to Slimming World while I have been on the IC and managed to lose 10lbs so far so now I can’t tone up again hopefully. New me!!
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