HM - Fail ! But looking forward to 5x50...

[sfb350]

The Ironbridge HM I was hoping to run was postponed last week because of the snow and is now due to take place tomorrow. I've been dithering and dithering about whether or not to go ahead with it or not. I haven't run for almost two weeks as both achilles tendons are niggling - they'd almost certainly be ok for the first eight miles, which are either downhill or flat and then almost certainly give me grief after that as there is a steep, longish uphill and a long gradual incline. I think I could make it round, but I'm pretty sure my ankles will give me pain for a long time afterwards and probably stop me running altogether for a while - apart from anything else, I've been concerned it would make the 5x50 challenge a bit of a tall order.

Anyway, i was still dithering this morning when I went to marshal at our parkrun. Four of us spent about 45 minutes breaking up ice on one section of path, which was solid ice when we got there this morning. It took a lot of hard work and we were all nicely warmed up (overheated) by the time we had the path clear. After that, I was Funnel Manager - sounds grand but just means I ask the runners to stay in order between finishing and collecting their numbers.

Our club coach came by, checking the course for the HM tomorrow and asked if I'd be running it. She knew I had ankle trouble as I'd had to cut short the last club training session. I said I couldn't decide if I was being a wuss if I dropped out or just being sensible - she said it would be sensible. She also mentioned that there was a bit of a shortage of marshals for the HM, due to the change of date and short notice. I was almost certain then that I would offer to marshal, then after the park run, I noticed that just walking up the slope to the car park was uncomfortable for both ankles and that made my mind up. I've finally decided not to run and have offered my services as a marshal instead. There's even a chance I can defer my entry until next year so I don't lose my entry fee !

I'm disappointed but not gutted - I can stick to shorter, gentler runs while doing exercises to improve my achilles tendons and hopefully concentrate a bit on improving my technique so I don't keep aggravating the same injury spots, as this has been a niggling problem for a few months now. It IS frustrating but I have been feeling that every time I started to improve, I hurt myself. I'm going to try and use the 5x50 challenge to concentrate on some quality training, including cross-training and hope that I'll be in better shape by the end of it.

[dottiemay Graduate]

That sounds like such a sensible course of action - taking care of yourself is not a fail! Much better to let this one go and concentrate on making sure you are strong enough to complete the next one.

I should think the 5 x 50 is going to be tough enough - best of luck to you for that and hope the injury sorts itself out soon.

[sfb350 Graduate in reply to dottiemay]

Thank you

[SBG356 Graduate]

So sorry to hear this but as you say concentrate on trying to get it better so that there is no long term damage done; definitely a wise decision even if hard. Still being part of it as a marshal will be fun though!

Don't overdo it with the 5x50 either but yes cross training will help I'm sure. Take care

Sue

[sfb350 Graduate in reply to SBG356]

I'm relieved to have made a decision as it means I can concentrate on a new Plan - I already feel more motivated

[SBG356 Graduate]

That's the spirit; it's all positive!

[swanscot Graduate]

Being sensible and listening to your body is not a fail. In fact it shows a very positive attitude and shows you're in this for the long run, not just to complete one particular race. I know you'll be disappointed about not taking part. but it's good your already looking ahead and making new plans.

[sfb350 Graduate in reply to swanscot]

Thank you Yes, I'm definitely trying to see running as a long term commitment - have met several much older runners and found them very inspirational.

[AliB1 Graduate]

Sounds like you have made the right decision, there will be plenty more HMs in the future. Have fn marshalling.

[sfb350 Graduate in reply to AliB1]

I've just got back and definitely made the right decision - tendon is sore from marshalling ! I had a great time - we were on a water station at about 3 miles and 10 miles. By ten miles the runners were really spread out so I was offering a "meet and greet service" for those at the back - I was walking, jogging out to meet them with a cup of water so they could drink one and then grab another at the water station. I think it was appreciated but it did aggravate my right achilles tendon a bit. I think I covered my 5k for the 5x50 though ! Will probably do 5k on the cross trainer later just to make sure