Rip off the sparkly HM epaulettes

[RunSkippyRun]

The past few weeks have been problematic and I'm thinking it's time to retrench and admit that HM is beyond me for a bit.

So saying I am fully concious of the the quincequonces - sadly, and with infinite regret, the administrators will tear my HM-wannabee epaulettes from my virtual running vest (the epaulettes are a rather fetching design featuring pink, sparkly unicorns in my minds eye), declaring that I must leave before I bring opprobrium and ignominy on the Noble House of Marathon Running and Race Support. I shall be forced to sell the jelly baby collection, my water reservoir will be pierced, and I will be reduced to the ranks.

.... sniff

actually, can I stay please? pretty please ?? pretty please with pink sparkly unicorns??

Ok, to be sensible for a moment. The issue is my meds side-effects and how it affects the runs. I'm on long term cancer therapy that is great (as keeps me at lower risk of metastases) but can make me feel episodically crappy - in relation to running an "episode" does boost my HR rather dramatically as well as send my balance off. This is not a problem in itself as I monitor the HR and cut the run when it is getting too high for safety (doc's advice here). Late August / early Sept there was a goodish period when I was up to 14k but the last two to three weeks have been disasters (or should that be a Craig Revel Horwood "dis-a-sters"?) in that the episodes have occurred on every run and I'm getting a bit phobic now. The current rate of episodes each day makes it unlikely that I'm going to make 10M let alone a HM.

My strategy going forward is to ditch any firm training plan and instead to keep running with two or three things in mind. Firstly, make it fun and get the most enjoyment I can from it. Secondly, to be sneaky and take opportunities for longer distances when they are there - set off for a 4/5K but with the sustenance on hand and at a sensible pace so if it is going well I carry on. On the back of that I need to devise routes that - if it's a good day can be extended, and if it's a bad day don't leave me several miles from home in a howling north wind (like today in fact).

My treatment can only be for three years and there are six months left. The drugs can reasonably be expected to have largely left the body in about 12 to 18 months from now. Hopefully around then, the "proper" training plan can be resumed.

So, I would really like to stay part of the group as it's very encouraging and uplifting to see everyone's posts and progress. I probs wont post for a while now, but before going into a sort of "radio silence" I wanted to explain the reasons for that.

Happy running everyone

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon]

Sounds like you have made the best decision for you at this time - it makes no sense to have to contend with unwanted side effects which result in tough runs and the pressure to stick to a plan. As you say running is supposed to be fun!

The HM is merely postponed until a later date and I hope you are able to enjoy your runs more now.

Take care and good luck.🙂

[misswobble Marathon]

It will happen - maybe when you least expect it - but just keep getting out there enjoying yourself. Most of us can just get out but you have more stuff to take into consideration so hats off to you for coping with that 💪🙂

Finishing a run miles from home in foul weather is what I conspire to do on a regular basis. I never learn ☺️ I then have to keep running to stay warm. I always have a jacket and a snack about me though. Some bus fare might help in those circs or for a hot drink if you finish near civilisation

Good luck with your running. Keep a sense of humour and enjoy yourself. Keep a space free for that medal 🏅

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon]

“Forced to sell the jelly baby collection” 😂😂😂

There’s no hurry, the miles you have already done will always be there and every run you do now is another run in the bank.

Running for pure joy is what it’s about and I love your approach. You’ll get there probably when you’re not expecting it....

Take care, keep running and keep the joy 🙂

[roseabi Ultramarathon]

What a lovely post! Still, I am sorry to read of your struggles xxx

I think you have been doing amazingly, and your plan is great - running for fun and experimentation is wonderful medicine 😊😊😊

Also, I am seriously tempted to make a 'Unicorn' badge just for you 😄

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to roseabi]

Do it ... and there'll be a queue!

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

You've got it on! Run to enjoy. That's what it's about. At the end of the day running a HM is only so we can enjoy that we did so. Enjoy this run, the next one ... and all the ones after that; that's the deal here.

Definitely stay, feel free to post too - lots of people here not training for anything in particular, let alone a HM, all runs count (the good, the bad and the ugly).

Hang on to your sense of humour and your pragmatic approach and I bet that HM badge will be yours one day soon 😊

[Jonno34 Marathon]

Slightly off topic but can someone tell me what the HUHMv10K Badge is all about? (also v10 miles etc) Thanks

[Irish-John Marathon]

Run....if they let me stay here, they'll certainly let you

Seriously though - with all you have going on, in my book your runs are akin to ULTRA marathons

Wishing you many happy miles in your future