Mind games

[Knittingrunner]

I was surprised at myself this week. After managing to run my first half marathon just over a week ago I lost confidence and mojo. It sort of came from no where but also somewhere 🥴. Yes I had an extraordinarily painful back at the end of the run and it took 24 hours of rest and strong pain killers to fix. Yes my knee was painful too and I’d only managed a little trot last week because it still felt wobbly and painful but in my head I was beginning to think I wouldn’t be able to run any more! Daft I know. So I walked, did some strength exercises and booked an appointment with the physio for tomorrow. Today I decided that I had better see what was happening with my knee. I wasn’t confident about it and was really scared that it would collapse. But off I went for a slow 30 minute Jeff. Well that’s what I planned! 30 minutes later Garmin was telling m so had run my fastest mile , my knee was ok although a bit tight and I had a big grin on my face as I walked indoors. I can still run. 😊 why oh why did I think I couldn’t?! Maybe I just needed time to recover both physically and mentally.

So I’m going to run 3 times a week through the summer. Enjoy those runs how ever long they maybe and come the autumn I might enter another race although maybe not a half marathon. I don’t think my back can take it but never say never. So although I love this community I’m going to hang out with the 10k bunch for a while. Have a wonderful summer and thank you for all your advice and support. You are all amazing. ❤️🏃🏻‍♀️😊

[Teresa1632 Marathon]

Well done on getting out there! There is always a bit of a down/loss of mojo after a big run, and you are right to dial the miles down for a wee while. Just go out and enjoy yourself. Dine out in your HM achievement for ages too! 😀👍🏃‍♀️

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon]

KR, you nailed that HM and I hope you’re still reliving it with pride (maybe not the painful bits!) I’m so glad you realise you can still run and enjoy it with no pressure. Enjoy yourself! 🥰

[Knittingrunner Half Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Thank you. I will. 😊

[SkiMonday Ultramarathon]

Good to hear that you're still getting out there.

Your plan for the summer seems a great way of building a good solid base for the future.

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon]

My physio gave me a fix for a tight knee (runner’s knee in my case). Immediately before a run, I apply heat to the knee cap (it used to be a hot water bottle but I have bought a gel pack now) for ten minutes. I then sit on the floor with a folded towel under my knee and gently massage the knee cap. It works for this 69 year old. 🙂

[Knittingrunner Half Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

Ooh. Thanks for that tip. I’m seeing the physio today and like you I think it’s a case of runners knee. I will certainly give it a go but as I’ve cut back the miles it’s settling. I’m hoping that as I’m unlikely to do those miles again it won’t come back. 🤞🏻

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon]

You’ve ticked the HM box so you can be very proud but you’ve earned the right to chill now and run for pure joy and happiness 😍

And your body recovered enough to run for 30 minutes and run it well too! That’s all good.

Enjoy your summer running 😊

[Knittingrunner Half Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

Thank you.

[GoGo_JoJo Ultramarathon]

It is a constant mind game and we go through ups and downs. We'll done for getting through. 👍🏻😁

Talk to your physio about the back and keep an eye on posture whilst running. Keep those shoulders as relaxed as possible but straight. Longer distances can take a while to get your body into the swing of things. 🤞🏻

[Knittingrunner Half Marathon in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

Thank you. Isn’t it just!

Just seen the physio and got some exercises to do to build up a muscle by my knee which is wasted due to a previous brain injury and she’s confident I will be ok. So I’m off to do a nice 5k in the morning. So excited. 🥳

[Couchpotato2 Marathon]

Well done on getting out! It is such a mind game, I'm really realising this more and more. 3 times a week and enjoying it sounds like the best plan. Do races if you want but you dont have too and there are loads of different types. I do group runs with a running club now and that's great and I also do organised runs (paying) which are also good fun. Congrats on your half!

[Knittingrunner Half Marathon in reply to Couchpotato2]

Thank you. I enjoy group runs too and am looking forward to running with my local running club later this month. 😊🏃🏻‍♀️

[Couchpotato2 Marathon in reply to Knittingrunner]

That sounds great! Sometimes we get caught up in doing more and more but just doing is enough!

[Knittingrunner Half Marathon in reply to Couchpotato2]

Absolutely. 😊