Happy? Whilst on the IC? How?! I hear you cry! Well. By volunteering at Parkrun, it transpires! I did my first stint this morning at my local event, and it was wonderful. I was a barcode scanner, and I enjoyed it very much. Was a little nervous at first, but everyone was so friendly, and it was lovely to be able to say "well done" to each and every runner as I scanned them in. Had lots of lovely running chats with folk, too. I know this is probably old news to most of you...but I do recommend it for keeping the old spirits up if you are unable to run.
I was able to have a nice, sedate 2km run home, as my physio wants me to keep doing short, slow runs to put some load on my knees (I am dealing with patellar tendonitis at the mo'). Also gradually loading them with wall squats and split lunges for now. Oh, and I joined a gym for a couple of months. I hate gyms so much, but my physio will be increasing my loading gradually over the next 2 months, and I will need the the use of the machines there (such as the leg press) to gradually increase the weights. Good news is that I can also make use of the static bikes, cross trainers and pool to try and retain some of my hard won fitness.
So, all in all, feeling positive. Where there's a will, there is a way.
Happy weekend to you all.
Sadie-runs xxx
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Sadie-runs
Half Marathon
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Hi Sadie. That’s great news. Glad you enjoyed the ‘Parkrun experience’ so much. As someone who runs it most weeks, I have total respect/awe for the kind volunteers such as yourself who show up, whatever the weather.
Hope you are getting better and stronger every day.
Thanks so much, Stephen! I have already signed up to volunteer next week. 👍 Once I am up and running 5k again, I think I will keep up the volunteering at least once or twice a month. 😁
Gyms terrify me too 😱. I just march in, head down, listen to a podcast and just get it done! Nothing beats outdoor running, and I cannot wait to get back properly again!
You should be proud to volunteer Stephen. It might encourage your colleagues to do the same. They suggest once in 15 runs, but I know there are people with 250 run shirts who have never volunteered. Shame on them I say.
Well done Sadie! I love volunteering at Parkrun🏃♂️🏃♀️🏃♀️🏃♂️ There’s always a great atmosphere and everyone is friendly. For those who haven’t done it, I’d recommend it, particularly if you’re injured as poor Sadie has been. It’s a great way to stay involved and motivated🙂👍
Good luck Sadie, keep going and hopefully you’ll be out there doing longer distances soon!🙂🤞🍀🍀
Thanks David. 😊 Totally selfish in a way, as I just want to be with other runners, but nice to be selfish and give back at the same time, eh? 😂 I am feeling stronger, just got to fix my pesky tendons. 👍😁 x
Well done Sadie- every cloud has a silver lining and you’ve just found it. There was a parkrun questionnaire this year and the findings proved people got more self esteem and happiness from volunteering at parkrun than running it. Lovely day for it too.
You will be a lean mean running machine by the time your physio has finished with you.
Thank you dear Dexy. Sometimes you have to really seek out the silver lining, but it’s always there somewhere. 😊 I saw that survey too - and I definitely felt very happy after today’s volunteering! Everyone is so kind and take the time to say “thank you”. It’s heartwarming. ❤️ xxx
Thanks Jo. Ironically I think this stint on the IC is going to get me fitter than when I was just running. 😂 As much as I don’t like the gym, it gives me multiple options for exercising - I can also swim and do any of the classes (of which there are LOADS!) Cannot wait to try the spin class 😱 🚴♀️
I know, I did the barcode scanning a few weeks ago when I felt low I couldn't run and as you say it was fab to be involved. I was also pleased to see what it looks like to be a first finisher and was able to chat to everyone about running without exertion
I like scanning. 😁 And just lovely to be out in the fresh air watching all the plucky runners! Our first finisher today did it in around 18 mins - a time I cannot quite conceive of! And thanks dear CP, I shall endure the gym...sigh!
It was really fun, yes I think I had a similar finisher but if saw the hills... the first lady was a young teenage girl in position 13 I think, I was so happy for her!
I just don’t know what to say to make the gym better
Running like a Loris is perfectly acceptable, Loris. 👍 Good work! I think Parkrun is the perfect setting for improving your 5k time - though today was challenging for our runners cos it was so squelchy! 💦
Well done Sadie! There is a great atmosphere at parkrun that sets you up for the day I agree! I was marshalling by the river today. Surprised how long it took to walk to the spot compared to running it! 😂
Thanks dear aliboo. 😁 I had a good laugh and chat with the other scanner there, and just felt so cheery after. I particularly love the dogs that howl with excitement just before the run starts! 🐶😂 You have a Parkrun by a river? How lovely! 👍
Yes, I am even enjoying my recovery plan; it’s kind of nice to be mixing things up a bit. 😊 xxx
Yes our is partway along cycle track by river medina, with a lap of the field at start and finish . in the summer we move to the seafront at Ryde cos the iow festival chews up the fields! 😂
I had a lovely chat with the lady marshalling the other side of the bridge and her son. Nice to get to know new people 😊 we are both doing GSR tomorrow and in same wave too! 👍
We had a few happy splashing puddle doggies there today and all ages and abilities love it! 😊 xxx
I love volunteering at PR - have volunteered more than I have run because of injury or M training plannthat didn't fit. I also like volunteering at local races - as you say it's really uplifting when you can cheer people on and congratulate them. A great way to get a dose of run magic when you're unable to participate yourself 🙂
Absolutely, Linda! It’s about still feeling part of the running community even when you cannot run. And runners, on the whole, are such a lovely bunch of people. I was beaming on my way home. 😁 xxx
Just you wait, I defy you not to become gymstitutionalised! Especially as you'll be using all the weights, classes etc. I just do cross trainer, bike and rowing machine (as I'm too embarrassed to do the rest!) and even I - hater of all public exercising, have joined the converted! It doesn't beat running, but it is a nice change when you can't. Just gotta ignore all the grunting, weight-clanking posers!!
And you do make me larf! Gymstitutionalised - great word! I think I am going to try the spin class (although it terrifies me), see what the Pilates is like there. Oh, and the yoga. 😁 Thank god I am unemployed right now! 😂
Now, if this all doesn’t get me run fit again, I don’t know what will. Sigh. God loves a trier (tryer?), right? 😂
Me slowing down has helped my arse so I hope it has the same effect on your knees before you whip them into shape with ya weights. You will do this!! 💪xxx
Sadie-runs apologies for not seeing this sooner, I'm really bad at keeping up with HU for some reason, I think it's because my brain sees it as the same thing as Strava, so I think I'm all caught up, that's how I managed to miss the big Lyme Park VRB run which really annoyed me!!!
Anyway, I'm glad to hear that your PR volunteering went well, and really well done for running back. That's commitment, you're a champ!
Sounds like you're doing completely the right thing too regarding your recovery, and flip Sadie, you've joined a gym? Wow, I'm very impressed, those places scare me, even though I'm considering it myself. Perhaps lol! You're doing great, you'll be back in no time, going for your marathon!!
Aw, no problem Neil! Too much social media addles the brain! I struggle to keep up myself. 😂
And thank you. The irony is, I am probably more active now than when I was running! Now I am with a gym the options for exercise are limitless. Well, everything bar running. 😐 But I am feeling stronger already. Won’t be able to run properly for a while yet, but know all too well I need to stay active for my mental health. 👍 Seeing the physio again tomorrow, and I expect she will want to ramp up the loading on my knees 😱. Quite looking forward to it actually!
The gym is not so bad - I just go in with a focus, do my thing, and skiddaddle out again. Though might try some classes next week - spin and a kettle bell work out!
My calf has actually been a little better today. I keep doing heel drops every time I walk upstairs at work (slightly annoys the people coming behind me!) and gastroc stretches... plus using the spikey ball thing to release my back... progress I think, plus I can still run as long as I don’t go too far. I was naughty on Monday and went too fast (Alka told me off!!) but I got away with it 😉
You need to report back Sadie!! I’ll let you know how I go. In fact I’m due another post on here anyway... I’ll do that soon, note people with a Neil update!! 🤣
Physio has just upped me to TWO runs a week woo hoo! And I can increase to 3-4k depending on feels. Plus, she has ramped up my tendon weight loading exercises 😱. But is pleased with my progress. 😁 Now, where’s our Neil update?!
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10 miles in the bag! 
A 10K in the sunshine ☀️
