It's Friday, it's weekend, it's time to be positive 👍

[linda9389]

I've just been reminded that this weekend I should have been running Regents Park 10k 😥. It says a lot that I had actually forgotten about it at all, but running is becoming a distant memory - thank goodness for this forum for keeping my link to running alive for the last three and a half months!

But hang on, I said it was time to be positive so here goes:

1. I can now walk carefully downstairs painfree (without hopping/skipping/hobbling/lolloping etc)

2. I have lost 6kg since stopping running (I had put some on during my three HMs and even more in the first month of not running); I now weigh less than I have for several years with the help of my bike, my Garmin and MyFitnessPal.

3. My waist is just under 31 inches - it's not hour-glass, but it is now in the NHS healthy zone 🤣

4. I have discovered a love of cycling - if all goes to plan, on Saturday I will complete 1000km cycling in August and on Sunday a 50 mile ride (that should distract me from thinking about Regents Park too much).

5. I'm still here! I'm still waiting to run! Belief comes and goes, but being positive, the time for running can only be getting closer 😍

To anyone else on the IC, hope you're finding the stength to stay positive too ❤

[Sadie-runs Half Marathon]

Oh this is just the best post I have seen in ages! Thanks Linda. It does help to make a list of positives when things are tough – and what great positives you have! Well done my lovely, for managing to improve and continue to work on your fitness despite not being able to run. You set a fantastic example to all of us. I shall write my own list soon. So much to be grateful for. xxx

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Sadie-runs]

It's a daily rollercoaster, even after this long, but I'm getting better at remembering to big up the highs 😍

[roseabi Ultramarathon]

Brilliant post, Linda!!! 💗💗💗

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to roseabi]

Burying the anger 🤪😂

[Tasha99 Marathon]

Sounds great Linda! I wish I was losing weight! I’ve put a stone on 🙄 Running doesn’t seem far off for you now 💪🏽

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Tasha99]

You need to keep your energy levels up for marathon training - now is not the time for you to be losing weight. When I was running I was less concerned with my weight, I think because I felt so fit. If you can train for a marathon you're definitely fit, so no worries 🙂

[Tasha99 Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Thanks Linda - I’m going to try and cut out rubbish but can’t diet for sure 🤣

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Tasha99]

Sounds like a plan, but not something to beat yourself up about until after your marathon - you've enough pressure 🙂

[SaskAlliecat Half Marathon]

Such great positives you have there Linda. As an aside, it makes me feel a little better to see I am not the only who gained weight with HM training. I’d love to think it is all muscle, but nope it’s not. With my hills, my legs are more muscular but I am definitely packing on some extra pounds everywhere. I may have given into too many of my rungry cravings 😆. Oh well. I’m not worrying about it until after my race, then will think about getting back on track and trying to eat better once again. I definitely allowed myself to enjoy the alcoholic beverages more often this summer as well. Calories galore .... oops 😆

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to SaskAlliecat]

I took 'carb-loading' very seriously for my halfs and it became a habit 🤣. Then with the fracture I was miserable and bored and sought comfort in food and alcohol with no running, not even walking the dog! At some point I managed to switch mindset - about when I got my bike out - and now if I want to drink (cheers, you caught me 🥂) I have to ride hard enough to keep MyFitness Pal happy 😂. I leave for Vancouver on Thursday so it will be hard to cycle there - MyFitness Pal will just have to stay in the UK! The tricky bit will be getting back on track when I get home again. But I'll face that hurdle when I get back!

[SaskAlliecat Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Enjoy your trip to Vancouver 🇨🇦. You’ll get back on track when you get back. You’ve already proved you can.

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to SaskAlliecat]

I'll hold that thought 😀

[Dexy5 10 Miles]

A great positive post Linda. I’m really glad that the cycling is providing you with an avenue to keep your fitness going . Well done.

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

Thanks Dexy. That was the positive I missed off my list - Strava puts a number on my fitness level (as a paying member) and that was at it's highest after my third HM, but then plummeted! The cycling has got it back up - and beyond my HM level 😍 Of course it's just a number, but if it keeps me motivated ... 😂

[LittleNell83]

Glad to see you being positive. My HM training has collapsed so great north run next weekend will be fun. On plus side tinnitus has dropped this last week but I hadn't realised just how much more I was drinking in the hot weather so now got alcohol free gin in the cupboard

Lovely tan lines from my knee supports too atm. Good look

Nell

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to LittleNell83]

Oh dear - that made me laugh! Knee support tan lines 😂. You've done a half before - you can do it! Maybe have a proper bottle of gin in the cupboard for treating yourself after GNR - that will help get you round 🙂

[LittleNell83 in reply to linda9389]

Two sets of tan lines... One strap and a cross from trying KT tape

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to LittleNell83]

😂😂😂 ahh, KT tape ... how I have missed you 🤣

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon]

Fantastic Linda. Just the right positive attitude to get you up and running again soon. Your patience will pay off. 😀😀

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Patience really isn't my thing! Shows how uncomfortable it has been - otherwise I'd be struggling not to get straight back out there. But that's a hurdle I'll be happy to face 😍

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon]

Quietly turning in to an ace cyclist there, Linda!! 🚴‍♀️ Every day is one day nearer to 'run day' - keep the faith! 👍🙂x

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Sandraj39]

Can't wait for 'run day' - it will be very exciting 😍

[aliboo70 Half Marathon]

Great attitude! Glad you are improving and impressive cycling that girl!👍xx

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to aliboo70]

Even looked the part today - a proper cycling top (cold enough for long sleeves and as all my ls running tops are black/grey I wanted something brighter for maximum visibility on the windy country lanes 🙂)