Right back at it - with a smile!

[linda9389]

So after the disappointment of the GSR and my blistered toes I took a full week off running. Yesterday I volunteered at my local Parkrun for the first time, which I very much enjoyed (despite token sorting in 2 degrees of chilliness). But today was the day to get those trainers back out on the road.

What a difference from last week - it was very cold and blowy and wet! Kitted out in long sleeves, long trousers, waterproof jacket, buff as a hat and a pair of gloves I drove myself back to the canal I enjoyed so much pre GSR. And it worked it's magic again. A very happy 10k, which Strava tells me was run in my second best time (second to the GSR time).

So, however weary my head thought my legs were during the GSR, there's clearly nowt wrong with them today. That feels good.

I've decided not to enter another race just yet, but have signed up for a 50 miles in November challenge for now. And I'm looking to introduce some other strength stuff to support my running so if anyone has a link to a simple daily routine they have found useful that would be much appreciated.

Hope all this weekend's racers have had fun and success, despite the sudden change in weather. Happy running everyone

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon]

So good to read this Linda🙂 sounds like a fab run! I have stepped my distance down this week and enjoyed a couple of 5k trail runs on my favourite routes. 🍂🍁💨🏃🏽‍♀️So lovely out this morning in the breezy and chilly weather🙂

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Sandraj39]

Thanks Sandra. I needed to prove to myself I could still enjoy it! There was a lady in a Gsr tshirt at parkrun yesterday. I had a quick chat with her. Looks like she lives really close to me - if only I'd known beforehand. Maybe I should do it again next year after all - it was her 5th time 😀

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

My money is on it being a wet and windy one next year! I have had good weather both times I have run it and am thinking that the strong headwind along the promenade that many talk about, is some kind of myth! I guess running again is the only way to find out!🙂

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Sandraj39]

All that wind talk was pretty off-putting 😀

[AnnieW55]

yaay a lovely run, just what was needed. Looks like you were unlucky enough to have a bad run on GSR day, compounded by, or because, of the less than perfect previous day; accommodation etc.

Maybe running a few more Parkruns and entering a smaller event will set you up nicely for next year’s GSR or similar. The logistics of getting to event start lines are clearly important and can knock us off balance when they don’t go as planned - another part of the learning curve. (I know I always worry about that more than anything as I know the training has been done.)

So pleased you had a good “running weekend”

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to AnnieW55]

I already had London Landmarks HM booked (GSR was a stopping point on the way to the HM), so no choice but to try another big race

I can drive to it (parking spot already booked) and am running it (or at least starting it) with one of my boys, so lots of things about it will be different and a lot less worrisome too

As for another GSR, lots of time before I have to make that decision

[AnnieW55 in reply to linda9389]

Sounds a good plan Linda. Onwards and onwards, learning along the way 😀👍

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to AnnieW55]

How's your break doing? Are you very frustrated?

[AnnieW55 in reply to linda9389]

Thanks for asking. I have come on in leaps and bounds 😄 I even managed to put my post-op compression socks on all by myself for the first time today.

I think it’s going to be one of those quick improvements to start but longer to mend. Not had time to be frustrated ..... yet. My aim is to get back running but when I have no idea.

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to AnnieW55]

Wow. Sounds like you are coping really well. With that attitude you will be up and running before you know it 🙂

[roseabi Ultramarathon]

Well done!

This short workout looks ok:

theguardian.com/lifeandstyl...

Better if you did one-legged squats though (because running is essentially a one-legged exercise) - hold onto a chair for balance and lift one leg up in front of you with bent knee. Pretend you're sitting back into a chair, don't worry about squatting very low (you can aim for a 90 degree angle of the knee, but less is fine) and don't let your squatting knee go further than the toes of your standing foot. Keep your back straight and your heel on the floor. 12 each leg.

Add in some eccentric heel drops - 6 with straight knee, 6 with bent knee, both legs.

youtube.com/watch?v=3tc0lN_...(Not working as expected?)

And for added glute/hamstring benefit, incorporate a deadlift into the lunge exercise (again hold a chair for balance) something like this:

youtube.com/watch?v=KrEQq8Z...(Not working as expected?)

As you lift your leg, keep the knee of the standing leg very slightly bent, and your weight in the heel of the standing foot.

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

Brilliant thanks. Lots in there, and no equipment needed

[roseabi Ultramarathon in reply to linda9389]

Forgot to add: try to do the first press-up as a full press-up 😊

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to roseabi]

Where's the 'don't like' button?

[roseabi Ultramarathon in reply to linda9389]

😄

If you can, it's best to try because eventually you will be able to do one full press-up, then two... etc

[ju-ju- Marathon]

Well done you..... and your goal sounds fab too. As for strength stuff, if you haven’t done before, start simple. There are lots of 10 minute type runners strength routines out there if you google. I’m not an expert but some lunges, squats, planks and push ups might be a good start?

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to ju-ju-]

I'm on the right track. All of those are in the links roseabi posted above, so there's two great minds thinking alike.

I started today. Just sitting here polishing me halo wondering if I'll ever be able to get off the sofa