So, it's almost a month on from my half marathon, and in that time, lots has happened with my running (little photo montage to show some of it, including a rather hilarious photo of me running the HM – MY FACE!) Also, NEW shoes! My last On Cloudflyers had lost some cushioning after the summer of many miles, so new ones needed. The colour may be boring, but they are fab for ninja-style winter running (think MUD!). This prompted what you see in the other image – a running shoe savings jar. ON running shoes are not cheap, pfft. So, every time I run anything under 5k, a £1 goes in the jar. If I go above 5k, then it is £2, and this money will be my shoe fund.
Since the HM, I have only been running short distances, so as not to exasperate the old ITB injury I picked up on HM training. I have also been religiously following a strengthening programme, and doing lots more yoga to keep things nicely stretched. However, fresh hell seems to have been unleashed on my body, manifesting itself in very achy knees after a run. Below both kneecaps. I am fine when running, fine for at least three hours after, then they start to ache and are a bit tender. It wears off after a couple of days, then flares up again after the next run, without fail. Dr Google thinks patellar tendonitis; let's see what the physio says on Monday, as we all know that self-diagnosis is a dangerous path to take. No more running until I get a diagnosis I think, so self-imposed IC for me. Again. FFS!
In cheerier news, I did Parkrun last week and loved it. Was going to wait until Dexy5 and UpTheStanley visited so we could do it together, but this was a spur of the moment thing, to try and cheer myself up (fed up with knees, life in general etc). It very much cheered me up, along with a 1st Parkrun time of 29:55 – very happy with that! Have already signed up to volunteer next week, as I want to support this great organisation as well as enjoy it.
So folks, it's ups and downs as usual. Have had very dark moments of contemplating giving up on running altogether, but I know I would miss it too much. Sigh. Over and out.
Sadie-runs xxx
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Oh, please don’t give up Sadie!😕 I know you’ve had a rough time of it with your injuries but hopefully it can be sorted out with some physio and rest🙂🤞
You’ve got those lovely new shoes to wear🏃♀️ and you’ll be super fit after all the strength exercises etc you’ve been doing💪
Fingers crossed for a speedy recovery from this latest setback😀👍🍀
Thanks David. x I suppose I am just frustrated. Never had knee issues before, do all the right things, yet my body still protests! But, I keep on trying to do positive things for my running, and to keep the ole spirits up. One of those things is that one day, with some luck, we will get a run out together!
There’s the Beckenham half marathon to train for after all, and plenty of time to get ready for it😊👍
I’m laughing to myself. I just bought the exact same pair of Cloudflyers, they arrived today and I had a trial run to make sure they’re ok for Sunday. I’m glad they’ve restored the longer laces. We now have identical pairs of Cloudflyers as I also have the salmon and ink ones. I really like the black and white ones but wish they would do them in all black.
I think you look awesome and utterly terrifying in your HM pic!
And really sorry about your leg problems. I really hope you can sort this out soon as leg injuries are worrying and frustrating xxx
Ha same! I just saw your post... I never thought I would ever go for such a dark coloured shoe, but I love this colourway. Sophisticated, right? We are Cloud Twins now. Hee hee hee!
Terrifying?? Really?! Little old me who would not say boo to a goose!
And thanks for the sympathy. x I am worried I will never see the back of injury as it is one thing after another right now, it feels. But, I get the feeling that some extended rest will help it, though the idea of not running scares me as it is the only way I am keeping on top of my depression right now. Yikes. xxx
Yep, Cloud twins, though if you really want to be my twin then you need a pair of Cloudsurfers and a pair of Cloudventure Peaks as well 😂
I feel for you, re the injury problems. My knee hasn’t been right since February, except briefly this summer. But I think we will both be ok eventually. I had terrible knee pain and was crawling upstairs yelping a while before I started running, and I thought I was crippled for life, but not a trace of it now. Xxx
Hey Sadie! Hang in there, you will come through this. I know it’s a complete pain, but you are strong (mentally and physically), and can totally get through this period. The bad weather recently doesn’t help. I know I don’t mind a bit of rain, but not a torrential downpour, no thanks!!
Loving the shoe fund idea too, oh and well done on your first parkrun, sub 30 too, brilliant!!
If it’s any consolation, I’m kind of on the IC because my right calf is annoying me again... grrrr!
Thanks Neil. You know you have a running shoe fetish when you start a savings jar!
I know you are right, I will get through this (cos what choice to I have?!) Yes, trying to look on the bright side, this may be the best season to be out with injury, what with all the rain! But you know how frustrating it is. Sorry to hear that your calf is playing up again. I just want us both to get to the bottom of why, so that we can deal with it! Hope it is feeling much better soon.
Just a doggon minute Sadie - rewind a bit. You did PR in what? Sorry? I didn’t quite hear you. 👂 Sub 30? Well HELLO, that’s absolutely fantastic! 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 What a fabbo runner you are. 👏👏
Also, that’s a great photo of you running the HM! You look cool and composed (you should see me ! 🍅 🥵 🏃♀️)
Good luck with the physio. I know it’s hard to self-diagnose, but hopefully it’s nothing too serious and you can get back out there and smash some more sub 30’s! ❤️
Aw, thanks so much, Cheeky for your very kind compliments. I feel a bit down though, as it's always when I am really enjoying my running, and reach new PBs, that my body says a great big NOPE! I shall feel more reassured when I see my physio, whatever the outcome, because I do like a plan. xxx
I’m saying this to you in the nicest possible way Sadie, “don’t be ridiculous you can’t give up running. You’ve got too much kit” 😂😂 There.
It all sounds a mixed bag doesn’t it? But sticking closely to your physio sounds like a wise thing to do at the minute and getting your body a lot stronger in other ways.
I’ve heard that some runners take the winter off running completely and concentrate on strength and fixing weak areas. I’ve thought it about it myself a few times but have never actually done it. But perhaps a thought.....
Anyway, well done on the parkrun and time. See, you couldn’t possibly give up now 🙂 xxx
LOL oh my goodness, that is so true IP! Thank you for highlighting this very important fact! And what you said about some runners taking winter off for strength training etc – that made me feel better in a way. I might *gasp* even join a gym! Funny, I was such a couch potato a few years ago, now I need a daily fix of some kind of exercise otherwise I feel awful! Thank you for your kind reply, m'am. xxx
PS: forgot to say brilliant for your park run time - but I’m not on the least surprised! Xxx
Oh thanks Flick. But given the state of my knees it was perhaps not wise! (Mind you, it really lifted my mood, so in that respect it was really wise.) xxx
I totally understand your frustrations Sadie. Since my last trail race I've barely ran and I have an ankle that has suddenly decided to be tight, tight, tight. I've signed up for a HM next summer with my injured running partner so that should be incentive to keep running, but it has been hard to get motivated and I've questioned (to myself, of course) if I should have signed up for it even though our plan is to just have fun with it and not worry about time.
It is a blip though. We will get over these niggles and find the love again. Short easy runs for me for now back to my old faithful trail shoes. There is no giving up Sadie! A Irishprincess says, we have too much kit (I love that! It is so true) and when we find the love again, it brings so much joy and helps to battle that darn black dog who tries to creep back in.
Thanks dear Sask. I know you have heard your share of blips and niggles, and I am sorry to hear about your ankle. Hope you have a good plan of action to untighten it. I desperately want to sign up for another event, but right now have no idea when I can safely run again (cue physio though, so I should know more soon.) In the meantime, I wish you happy trails, and that soon I will get to put my new shoes on again! xxx
It really is at the moment! One thing after a flipping nother! I just want to get to the bottom of it, as I do try to do all the right things like strength training, and not increasing milage too rapidly, and blah blah blah! Thanks Jo. Will focus on my strength work for now, it can only do good, right?!
I am sure you will be safe in Alex's hands - tell him we are all counting on him
Brilliant time for your park run! Actually, I should have led with that, but I'm on my mobile so cut and paste ain't happening!!
You look GREAT in your picture - my face would be SOOOO much redder and much less composed - you don't look like you're gasping at all
You're having a blip, just like in normal life when everything seems to go wrong at once, but it is just a blip - just remember that in a short period of time you will be back out there.
😊 Thanks BIT. (Sounds funny to abbreviate, do you mind?!) And sssshhhush! Don’t tell Alex, but I am seeing Andriana this time (middle name Alexandra, no doubt). Would have had to wait a week to see Alex. I am a physio whore, I’ll see ANYONE! (As long as they are qualified of course!)
And thanks for your kind words. 😊 Wasn’t running fast enough on my HM to get out of puff, glad no-one took pictures at my Parkrun, that’s a whole other story!
My life is one big blip right now. 🙁 But! The bad times make the good times so much sweeter when they finally roll around. Or that’s what I tell myself. 😂 xxx
I know how you feel Sadie. I’m feeling the same. First I was soo tired, then it was a tight chest and couldn’t breathe, that’s sorted and now my hip is the problem. My left hip has niggled a bit since the summer when I first ran 16k. I thought it was cos I was tense after running for a while... so the next few runs I stopped and did a couple of squats every 5k. Which seemed to help. My sports masseuse said it was a muscle deep in my left buttock and did some deep massage which seemed to help ( agony while she did it 😖) but came back when I ran again.
Recently it’s when I walk too. So if I get up from a chair or out of the car after driving it hurts and takes some time to get moving without pain. Also hurts at night and wakes me up when I turn over in bed. Makes my thigh feel hot and swollen ( though it isn’t) and stops me even wanting to attempt running.
Oh Lou. 😐 So sorry to hear of your woes. Is it your piriformis muscle? That’s painful (I have had that. In fact, the list of things I haven’t had is getting shorter 😱). Can you get to a physio? They are much better placed to find the root cause. I had a sore hip last year; caused by mid-back tightness which in turn caused a pelvic tilt! Would never have guessed that....Hope you feel better soon. x
That’s where mine was, deep in the hip flexor. 🙁 It can be caused by many different things, so good you are seeing a doctor and then hopefully a physio. All the best to you, Lou. x
Oh no! I feel your pain. I'm back on the IC too after about half a dozen short runs! It really sucks. But we won't give up right? Wishing you all the best and that the Dr can find a solution.
Oh Linda, I am sorry to hear this. 🙁 Hopefully just a case of a bit more rest to allow more healing? How frustrating! You are right, we won’t give up. Wishing you all the best too, I am rooting for you. xxx
Whaaaaat???? I loved this post until I got to the end...you? Giving up running??? Running without you would be like toast without jam.....the world wouldn't be the same without our Sadie-runs so get those terrible thoughts out of your head, otherwise you're going on Santas naughty list...
You are a well seasoned runner now so you know that we all have these blips...you run more than I do, you run further than I do, my legs ache sometimes so yours are bound to give you some jip from time to time...get that physio seen, carry on with that lovely stretching work you're doing along with some core work and you will be back up and running before we know it...those pesky kneecaps!!!
I love your new shoes, I'm thinking of some more too but I've just bought some.new headphones and also this garmin that I absolutely love so maybe, if I am a good girl, Santa might be good to me!!
Don't dwell too much about being on the IC Sadie...all the best athletes have IC moments so you're in good company xxxx sending a massive hug to you xxxx
Aw, thank you dear MC. Am sorry, I was feeling very melodramatic yesterday. I can cope with blips (just), but when it’s one thing after another, you do start to wonder what the flip it is you are doing wrong! 😱 But, well, I do have new shoes, and cannot let them go to waste, so will rid my head of all thoughts of stopping running altogether! Plus I do want Santa to bring me new kit this Xmas...😂 xxx
I know what you mean...it so frustrating when it’s one thing after another, but sometimes that just happens...you’re not doing anything wrong, not at all, you’ve been training so hard lately and maybe your body is coming down from it’s high? Getting back to running no pressure 5ks will be a breeze for you when this blip is over xx
Yeah, I do think the HM training took it out of me! I was running fine, injury free, until I got to the 19k mark...then my body let me know it had gone a bit too far! I do hope I don’t lose too much fitness with rest though...but I suppose I can always just build back up again. No journey is linear! Thanks for your support, as always my love. xxx
Hi, enjoyed your post and the running shoe money pot. I’m wondering how many Ks you’ll have done when the money pot is full. I’ve had my shoes since April time and they still seem in pretty good nic. I deleted my MapMyRun history as I didn’t want to depress myself as I had to go backwards due to an injury. Now I’ve no idea how many Ks I’ve done. Anyway best of luck!
Thanks Jelly. It’s a big jar! But I do get through shoes quite quickly...so it’s much needed! Doesn’t feel so much of a sting when it’s a pound at a time! Good luck with your recovery from injury - wishing you all the best. 😊 x
Hi Sadie. Always good to have an update from you, but I’m really sorry to hear about the ongoing knee woe. What a nightmare that must be after a year of ups and downs.
You have been such an inspiration to me – and I’m sure many others in the OSRAS (Official Sadie-runs Appreciation Society) – that it’s truly terrible to hear that you feel like giving up. Please don’t!! This will pass.
Your physio will no doubt have useful advice and hopefully some kind of plan for running adventures to follow. Fingers crossed that it goes well on Monday. Do update!
The shoe fund is a great idea, by the way. Maybe I should start one. (I have black trainers, too, but a cheap and cheerful pair because I was never sure I’d make it past week 1 run 1 of C25K.)
Knew you’d love Parkrun and glad to hear that you did it.
Oh thank you so much, Stephen. I tried to put some positives in my post (shoes! Parkrun! Savings jar!) and these are all things I am doing to try and keep my pecker up. But in between that I cannot help but wonder how long this flipping injury streak is going to go on for?! Pfffft. Two steps forward, one step back etc. But, I feel better for having made a physio appointment.
Thank you for your kind words, Stephen. And for running my fan club 😂. Does that come with a badge and a monthly fanzine? 😂
Sadie x
PS The Testaments by Margaret Atwood will be my IC read, consolation for not being able to run. 😊
Lorks, now I would be surprised if anyone wanted a signed picture of this mug! LOL! But keep up the good work.
I am a real Atwood geek. Before reading The Testaments, I am re-reading The Handmaid's Tale, to get myself in the right headspace. It has been over 30 years since I first read that! Gawd, time flies...
Ironically, getting laid off from a job in publishing has given me more time to read! 😂 I don’t recommend being unemployed though, as a means to read more. 😁
I feel your pain Sadie. I'm back on the IC and yesterday I had the same dark thought ... maybe I just can't do this, I spent the rest of the day eating, drinking and sulking on the couch and booked it as a second rest day in three days 🙄 I'm not really ready to believe that just yet, but it's hard to find positivity all the time. When something goes wrong it seems to send everything out of kilter and the knock on effects are hard to mitigate against. But they can't be impossible to overcome can they? As you say, a professional opinion is what you need right now - hopefully there will be a good answer and an easy solution. I will keep everything crossed for you 😘
Oh Linda, we need to fight to battle those dark thoughts, don’t we? And I know you can do this. But you are right, it is very hard to be positive when you are going through it. 🙁 I am trying to focus all my efforts on strength training whilst I cannot run. I do worry about losing all that hard won cardio fitness though. Running was keeping me going mentally since losing my job in May; it was a focus keeping me positive, so I need to be mindful of that. I am keeping everything crossed for you, too, dear Linda. 😘
I have to say I'm less concerned now about cardio fitness. It was joyous to run a few short distances regardless of speed! My concern now is to rebuild bone, soft tissue and biomechanics which looks like a slow, slow process that won't require that much cardio fitness!
Oh Sadie, that’s a great first parkrun time wrapped up in a sad story. I’m sure you’ll be OK sooner than you think. We almost came to do Beckenham PR on Saturday, but family matters got in the way. I did play hockey at Langley that afternoon but to get up there in the morning, or the night before, just didn’t work.
Let us know when you’re right for another go (it will happen) and we’ll see what we can do about it 🤞👍
I’m so glad that you went ahead with your first parkrun without us Sadie. Last week would have been the week for us and then family (sad and happy) complicated our week and weekend. How great is that to do a sub 30 on your first one? You enjoyed it too - I am pleased. Have fun with your first volunteer role too.
Good luck with Alex; I am sure he will have all the answers.
Thanks dear Dexy. Sorry to hear about the sad bit of family matters; hope you and UPS are okay. I thought of you both when running it! Such a lovely run it was, and a joy to run with others again. 😊 We will run as a HU family soon, I hope! xxx
I listened to this podcast - it was fab, thank you. It was really interesting to hear the guest physio say that we should train to run (i.e strength train) rather than run to train (i.e only run for fitness). Made sense to me, especially as an *ahem* older runner. Thank you again. 😊
Think everything has been said Sadie, hope the diagnosis on the knees is positive and you can be back in (full) action again soon.
Funnily enough the pain sounds like exactly what I was getting around the end of C25k, I’d come in from every long run and within a few hours both knees (front, just under the kneecap) would be aching really badly. I took to massaging that spot after each long run, which seemed to help, and after about a month or so, the issue just went away. On reflection maybe that was a symptom of me pushing on too much too soon as I built up the distances.
Anyoldhoo, hope it goes OK... and btw... awesome Park Run time, that’s faster than my 5k PB! 👏👏👏💪🏅
Thanks dear Hoagy. It feels a bit tendon-y, but let’s see what the physio says. My poor legs did take a bit of a pounding with the HM training, so I won’t be surprised. And thanks for your kind words on my Parkrun. I truly don’t know what came over me! 😂😁
Bloody Nora, you aren't having much luck SR Wonder why that's suddenly happening then? You take such good care of yourself too. Maybe it's a consequence of HM training/pounding on the body and will clear off again in time.... let's hope so.
That PR time is amazing!!! I am currently running about 10mins slower than that!! Although I do like it slow now (which is just as well!).
You can't give up with those beauties waiting to be run in! Good luck at the physio, hopefully they can explain what's going on xxx
Thanks FPF. I fear that the body doth protest at my previous HM training... maybe I wasn’t doing enough strength training over the summer? I have really upped it since, and feeling stronger from a muscular point of view, but my knees are suffering. Pffft. I will keep on keeping on. Just every now and then I cannot help but thinking “what now FFS?!” Hope your arsecheekitis is behaving? xxx
I know, I would be thinking the same - espesh as you are now stretch 'n' strength guru genius. Not ruddy fair. All you can do is KBO as Winston would say. Running certainly knows how to mess with our minds on a daily basis. Even when I was injured for that that year, I still couldn't stop thinking about getting back to it, trying to strengthen up in the gym instead. My arse muscles have gone from golf balls hidden in a bunker of rice pudding to fully inflated footballs....And still it chuffing well aches!
I did manage a very 'cheeky' 5.16k at the crack of dawn (ok 7:45am) in a record slow of 38:33! It was delightful and I am still buzzing now! And no aches as yet!
Maybe slow running would be less pressure on knees? But still fulfil your running habit for now, whilst you recover, if physio thinks ok.... It is really difficult to go slow I've found - takes commitment!! Let us know how you get on at your appointment xxx
VERY pleased to hear you got to 5.16k with your football-firm buttocks! 👏👏👏 Brilliant. 😁 You have been tenacious, and it will pay off, especially with the gym work. If my physio lays me off running for a while, I am going to join a gym and get super buff. 😂 I hate gyms, but will do ANYTHING it takes now to get strong for running. Sheer madness.
I am swerving wildly from feeling despondent to feeling resolved about strength training and resting knees. It’s awful, almost Jeckyl and Hyde. 😱 I will feel more stable once I have seen the physio I reckon. Will keep you posted. In the meantime, happy running to you and your magnificent glutes! xxx
Aww Sadie, my lil lovely, lovely girl, I absolutely love the idea of the running shoe saving jar, (try saying shoe shaving, sorry, saving quickly) 🤣🤣 it's a totally marvellous idea and I think it will catch on fast 👍
As for your HM photo, you ARE, (and not look like), a totally professional runner there. Your physique, stance, all looks a the part, so be proud of it. I wish I had a pic and looked like you, I'd be chuffed as fish n chips 👌👍
Now, as for your injury, just take it ever so easy and get to your physio on Monday. Unfortunately, these things happen and it happens to all those top pros out there in that big world, so don't worry too much about it. You're doing totally fab.
Plus, keep going, you always inspire me and keep me from ditching the running, once I can get the time I will get back to it. I take so long to get out there and get myself sorted, so I pray I will be able to fit it in and do something for me. So don't you have those non running thoughts again, think of me and how your positivity inspires me and others and you won't think of giving it up, together with your amazing runs and achievements xxx 😘😊
Oh you say the nicest things, Beth. And you have right cheered me up, thank you! The giving-up-running thoughts are fleeting (but horrifying when they happen); I do love running so much. I think that's why I over-react a bit when injured; I fear it is terminal and may never get out of injury cycle again! Oh the horror. But I know I am being silly. Really looking forward to talking it over with my physio on Monday – at least I will know where I will stand then. I do hope you can get back out and running again soon. In the meantime, walking those lovely pooches will keep you nice and healthy. xxx
Giving up and then what? Sell your stuff on eBay and invest in vaping gear, sit on a sofa and watch Jeremy Kyle? Do crosswords and reward yourself with a biscuit for every correct word? Work on your arm strength by lifting pints? I don't think so. Get that physio guru of your to earn his money and fix the problem. You'll be back soon.
Thanks Mike. 😊 And maybe you need a running shoes savings jar, and start “paying” per run?! I love On Cloudflyers, they suit my feet/gait perfectly and are so light. Everything else feels so rigid after running in On. Downside is they are spendy and don’t last as long as some shoes. But I say go for it! (Of course 😊).
Hi! You might have to do some more glutes and thigh exercises for your knees and stretching your bum out (that’s what I got prescribed) let us know what they say! Love photos and what a good idea about the shoe fund, makes total sense!!
I’m glad you managed some running and fingers crossed for a speedy recovery!
Thanks CP! I already do tons of glute and hip strengthening exercises - let’s see what the physio adds to my already full exercise programme. 😱 I’ll keep all you lovely people posted, of course. 😁 x
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I just want us both to get to the bottom of why, so that we can deal with it! Hope it is feeling much better soon. 
A little update from me.
Madge’s report from the Cambridge Town and Gown 10k
Once more from the top
Further race report
