Fitter, stronger, bolder … that’s what kept going through my mind as I ran a 4k tempo run on Thursday. I kept repeating it in my head as I ran. I was observing, rather than trying to convince myself. An amazing feeling.
The pace targets I’ve set for this year’s HM training are bolder than before. But why? I’ve just had months out for injury – an injury that may well recur. I’m not known for being bold – I’m very unbold to be honest 😂 - I feel a bit like a mutation of my former self just now. All very peculiar 🤷♀️.
Fast forward two days and it's time for my first event in seven months: Osterley Park winter 10k (they do a summer one too). I had a free entry in return for volunteering ealier this year. My usual pre-race nerves were pretty much non-existent – I knew the format having been before. I only had to park up, pin on my bib, grab a quick loo stop (no queue when I went) and roll up to the finish line. All went perfectly. Even the weather was perfect for running (a bit cold for waiting around in, mind). Above all, I had nothing to prove having had so long off running (last Monday I made my first attempt at 10k for seven months). But at the back of my mind was the tempting thought that maybe I could beat my previous PB, which was just a few seconds over the hour - after all maybe I really am fitter, stronger and bolder.
And so I ran the race. Fitter, stronger, and just a tiny bit bolder by the time I reached the start line. By 5k I was feeling bolder still. At that point things went a little bit off the rails as I tried drinking some of the water provided while still running – I don’t seem to have gotten the knack of that yet and my breathing and digestion regretted those few sips for about a kilometre 🤢. But from 7k onwards I settled back into my stride, fairly sure a PB could be mine. By the last few hundred metres I knew I’d be within the hour even if I walked the rest of the way, but I tried hard to dig deep and managed my fastest half km of the run to reach the finish line.
I so enjoyed it. At least two marshalls remarked on the ‘first runner smiling runner today’.
It was a great course with wonderful marshalls and support for a relatively small event. As the results email says 'What an amazing day!'
I’ve been really emotional this afternoon. A great PB, breaking the one hour and all on the back of a dreadful few months in many respects. On balance though, I’d have to say 2019 has been a great year for me and it’s largely down to you amazing people. When I started cycling in the boot, I received so much encouragement here, I still felt included and supported despite not running a step. So many people said I could come back stronger and, whilst I appreciated it hugely, I didn’t believe it🤪. Well – guess what? It seems you were right!
If you’re reading this from the IC right now, or find yourself there in the future, don’t give up, hang on in there and I for one will cheer your comeback so loudly you’ll want to cover your ears. Don’t ever give up!
*** Slight aside, one of my kids asked how the run went but didn’t really wait for an answer. No-one else has said a word. Thank goodness for HU! ***
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Thanks Dexy, it really was lovely. I really want to do Osterley park run now - I'm wondering if I could volunteer in June and do parkrun at the same time - I'm going to ask once they open up volunteer registration 🙂
Excellent run for you Linda, well done on that sub 60 minutes PB as well, I notice that one of your children asked you how the run went but never waited for an answer, a lot of other family members of runner's are like that, they know you run but are not really all that supportive, however, we here on Healthunlocked are and congratulate you for your run today.
My family just don't get it. I should just tell them I had a fab time, but the lack of interest puts me off. Maybe after a glass of wine later I'll pluck up the courage 😀. Thankfully I had no such issue telling all you lovely people and will never stop being grateful for stumbling across these forums 😍
Thanks Stephen. The inspiration for how I'm feeling, and for the fact that I even made it to the start line today, has come from so many people on here 🙂
Thanks! Let's hope I haven't tempted fate by saying that now😨 . I haven't increased my target training paces by much compared to my last HM, but the fact that I've increased them at all is not my usual timid approach 😂
🤣🤣🤣 that would be a whole new me. Maybe I'm no longer superstitious either ... though I've been counting magpies and 'wishing them the time of day' ALL day, so I don't think I've got quite that far yet 🤣🤣🤣
Thanks. I loved it. Run by a local running club, not huge but a very slick operation with fab support. I would recommend it to anyone (unless they're looking for hills 😂)
Ahh, never say never Madge! Didn't think I would either. It was a lovely venue for sure. Maybe I should look if there are other NT races nearby - this one is run by the team that do Ealing Half marathon, and they just do the two at OP and their HM.
Brilliant! Congratulations. 🎉🎉🎉🎉 And thanks for all those interesting and ultimately positive reflections. Many things to think about. As for you, I bet you are still grinning! 😄
Thank you. At times I was wondering if it would ever heal and the thought of running a HM again seemed very unlikely. Yesterday was an amazing boost towards that HM goal.
And I absolutely promise I didn't do anything silly. Apart from the midway water issues, it was a pretty constant pace and it felt relatively comfortable. I constantly checked in with that foot, but it had nothing to say yesterday 😍
This is so exciting and amazing Linda... I feel so proud of you, and a little bit like you ran that one for me too😊... You were so kind offering to come and watch and support me running my first 10k race in September, and then when I couldn't run because of injury, you have been full of wise words and encouragement to manage being on the IC, having been there so long yourself.
I'm full of admiration for how you have cross-trained and gained so much fitness and strength, and the result is pulling off this super result today. Woo hoo!😍
I have put running on hold 'til after Christmas. The pain in my foot has shifted to a different area, and I will just have to wait for it to settle. Seeing what you have acheived is inspiring, and gives me confidence.
I didn't get my medal, but seeing the picture on Strava of you wearing yours, makes me feel good... Congratulations!😊xxx
Ahh, that's lovely BB, thank you. During the run I actually did think of you and of a few other people who are struggling with injuries right now and so wanted to run well for you and for them too. We worry so much about what we're missing and whether we will ever run again, how far back it will set us. I couldn't have imagined how wonderful my first run back would feel or how amazing my first race back would be. That I could be stronger so quickly was beyond my (admittedly limited) imagination. Being injured for so long was just horrible in so many ways, but that time out gave me a chance to reset a lot of habits I had fallen into. Back to shorter distances I have run at less fixed times of day, I've been less concerned about what/when I've eaten, i don't avoid hills and I have gone a long way towards breaking my 'one pace' habit.
Hopefully setting a date in the future will have given your mind a break from the can I? Can't I? chat inside your head. New year will hopefully find you in a better place, ready to run and enjoy again.
Well done, Linda! I love the fitter, stronger, bolder you! ❤️ And it is all down to your hard work. I have so much admiration and respect for you - I know it was so tough being on the IC, but you handled it brilliantly. You are testament to the fact that other things can be done to stay fit when not running. It is your sheer love of running that got you through and you are an inspiring woman of steel!
So pleased you had a great race and a PB! What a fabulous time! Happy HM training to you. 😘
Ha. As the old saying goes 'it takes one to know one'. You're looking in the mirror Sadie 🙂. To be honest I'm very ordinary, and definitely not a woman of steel 🤣, but I do seem to love running, and especially events; I also have a stubborn (obsessional?) and determined streak which helped a lot. I can see the focus on cross training/cycling while injured has paid huge dividends for me and it seems the same for you too 👍💪
Thanks IP. It's wonderful to be celebrating after so many event cancellations and disappointments this year. Back to HM training now and see if I can close a door on that demon too 🤞. Cheeky mentioned you're doing Bath too - maybe I'll see you there 😀
Fantastic run Linda; showing the rest of us how to cope with IC and come back stronger than ever. I was starting to wilt under the weight of my new exercise regime.... am now in "just get on with it and quit whining" mode thanks to your brilliant example 👏👏👍👍👍👍🥂
Just so pleased for you Linda - well done!😀👏👏👏💪 You have been such an inspiration throughout your long lay off - cycling in your boot, never losing the faith and continuing to be a massive support to the rest of us on here. Happy days!!👍🙂x
The most phenomenal post, Linda. Just wonderful. I always love what you write and so admire your dedication to keeping up your fitness during injury. I shall think 'Be More Linda' when I encounter bumps in my running/training. We should get t-shirts made!
Oh wow! You've made my day 🥰. That's amazing, cos I really am very, very ordinary I promise. We so rarely see our own full potential - maybe that's what we should all have on our t-shirts 😍
Whoohop! You rocked it. You had such a great attitude during your extended stint on the IC and look where it took you. A great role model and inspiration for all of us. Congrats on a great race and comeback!
Fabulous! Well done on beating the hour. Great achievement.
Nope I can’t do the drink and run thing either, last time I tried I just managed to throw it in my own face! Who knew the things you had to train for when you start out on C25K! 💦
For longer runs I tend to walk and drink, but I was very aware of time on this one and didn't want to end up regretting it. Stupid thing is I didn't really need the water - just a couple of sips left me feeling worse not better, but cos it was there .... 🙄!
Belated congrats. Well done especially with the last few hundred meters sprint. Sounds like you are back from IC with a vengeance. Love the bit about the reaction from your children. That made me smile...... WHATEVER!!! Is tea ready yet?
You really seem ti have come back fast and strong from injury. I’m very impressed with your determination and all that crazy cycling you’ve been doing really did pay off! Sounds like a good race too and amazing congratulations on breaking an hour!
Many thanks CP2. I'm not sure if I can feel slight grumbles from my foot today 🙁, it feels like walking a tightrope of recovery! Will stick with at least two days off between runs now I think, make sure there are no grumbles before I run again and keep my fingers firmly crossed 🤞
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