Nearly nine months ago my husband was the victim of a brutal assault, resulting in the assailant pleading guilty to GBH with intent, and being jailed for several years a couple of weeks ago. It happened near his rowing club, a place he’d been going several times a week since 1981, and it was 100% unprovoked.
It was also the route I used to build up to, and run, my first HM distance, and it remained a great go-to if I fancied a flat pretty trail run along the river. However I was disinclined to go there after the assault and I’ve been avoiding it like the plague. My husband, by the way, made a miraculous full recovery and is back rowing and racing like nothing ever happened. Strong man. 💪🥰
However today I thought I’d return and get over myself. It felt odd and I couldn’t help but glance across to where I know the assault happened. I told myself to get a grip, there were plenty of dog walkers and other runners around. I also made an exception and ran with Flossie on her lead. Having a dog by my side felt better somehow, even though she’s the most gentle little girl ever! Fierce Labrador? Far from it! 🐕😅
It was lovely. Totally unremarkable and very slow (covered 7k in an hour), but I was in no hurry and I’m mindful that Flossie is now 10 and is always off lead nowadays when I run with her. I’m hoping I’ve kicked those apprehension gremlins into touch.
So that nasty chapter is over. Running was there for me throughout, as it has the wonderful knack of doing, and I can look forward to this spring and summer. Next weekend is the London Vitality 10000, so how’s that for a fun start?
Thanks for reading this. It helps to write things down (aka bore people rigid!!) ❤️
Written by
cheekychipmunks
Half Marathon
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Not boring; your post makes complete sense. Running helps us to leave bad things behind us and live with those things we can’t or don’t want to move on from. Well done for facing your gremlins; it wouldn’t do to let the offender have even the semblance of a victory 🙂
Thanks so much BC, I do go on sometimes! But yes, running is wonderful like that, and knowing the guy is banged up made it doable for me today. Thanks for your support. 😀
You never bore anyone with your posts cheekychipmunks, I am so glad that your husband is back to rowing and the man who assaulted him is in prison.That was a good run for you today with Flossie, indeed you will be getting ready for The London Vitality 10,000 a week tomorrow, Dexy5 and UpTheStanley are also running in London, I am doing the virtual version the following Wednesday.
Thanks, that’s kind to say Al. I’d rather get it out in the open, plus I know how fellow runners understand how running really can help us in all kinds of situations.
Can’t wait for next weekend. It’s likely that Dexy5 and I will run together. 🏃♀️🏃♀️
Flossie and Holly, my neighbours dog who I take a walk at 2pm would get on very well if they met each other, both tails would be wagging like mad, Holly and Flossie are so friendly.
Thanks RW. It’s a lovely river trail, but naturally I wanted to avoid it until the guy was well and truly incarcerated. It felt good to be back, and yes it was definitely lovely having Flossie trotting alongside. 🐕 😀
Oh Cheeky, what an awful thing to happen! I am so glad your husband is fit and well again 😊 Well done to you for completing that important run, with lovely Flossie looking after you 🥰
That was very brave, even with Flossie to protect you, but facing the demons in the past has made you stronger and writing it down is hopefully closure, something that you will never forget but won’t define you. Glad to know your husband made a full recovery
Thank you Sola. Yes I do believe this is closure. The guy has been behind bars since it happened - he was never granted bail - but I wanted to wait until he was sentenced for real before returning to the river. Flossie helped. ❤️
Very well done cheeky, I know how you loved that path but can fully understand your dread of running it again. You waited until the time was right and you and Flossie beat all those demons. The assault really was a case of wrong place , wrong time and today was the right place at the right time. I am so glad that Mr Cheeky has fully recovered and is back to rowing again too.
So looking forward to seeing you both again in London.
Thanks Dexy. I couldn’t face returning until he was officially sentenced, even though he had been behind bars since he was charged. Even so, I won’t go running down there in the early mornings like I used to. It’s pretty isolated in places. Flossie and I were a good team today though. 🐕🥰
Mr Cheeky is one fortunate fellow, that’s for sure. His rowing fitness clearly helped. 💪
Well done for getting out on the route again cheekychipmunks especially after such a horrible thing happened. Glad that Flossie was able to run with you too - she looks such a sweet lady. Hopefully see you at the Vitality next weekend!
That's such an achievement cheekychipmunks , well done to you and that savage monster Flossie too! So pleased your husband's recovered well and that the criminal who attacked him has been jailed - I hope it was a guilty plea from the outset, to spare you even more trauma.
Thanks Cmoi. Ahh yes, she’s ferocious my Labrador! 😱😱😱🤣🤣🤣
Yes the guy was remanded on the day that it happened and was put behind bars with no bail granted. He did plead guilty I’m relieved to say, and he was sentenced a couple of weeks ago. Such a relief. 🙏🏻 The run today was lovely. 🥰
Thanks for your kind words sparky. It was hideous, but it could have been a whole lot worse. My husband is the brave one, and it feels good to be able to put the whole sorry episode behind us.
Running as therapy, isn’t that what it’s partly about? Nothing remotely boring about that. Good for you Cheeky, beating those gremlins. Heres to many more miles along your favourite path x
I think(hopefully) that I speak for most on here, that you wouldn't bore people rigid. I think this is a really supportive network of like mined people who all want to help and support each other, so no worries there. Glad to hear your husband is fit and well again.
I remember you saying on here when it had happened and having gone through something similar many years ago, I totally understand how and why you feel the way you do. My partner and my one of my male best friends were assaulted as we were walking home from my 40th birthday, by a group of males with baseball bats, totally unprovoked, and it was terrifying. For months I avoided going anyway near the place it had happened and still remember it so vividly, but you sound like you totally faced up to your fears and gained confidence again to put it behind you. Well done on that, it does take a lot of guts and its not easy.
I wasn't into running at the time this happened, but if it was now, I think running would give me the place and space to have peace of mind and some calmness.
My remaining dog (lost my other dog Billy 1 6 months ago) is nearly 14 and can't run with me now but I did used to love running with Billy, somehow I always felt more safe and protected!
Take care and I hope you continue to find strength and peace in your running.
Oh Hedgehogs, I had no idea. How terrifying for you to witness the assault of your partner and friend. 🙁 That must have affected you badly. I didn’t witness my husband’s attack, in fact no one did at first. Luckily the guy was spotted by some people when he tried to run away and he was captured shortly after.
My husband felt fine to return to the club when he was fit enough to drive. He didn’t want the guy to ruin his enjoyment of rowing, and whenever he parks his car he has to walk past the scene of the crime, literally. I couldn’t until the assailant was jailed, it was too disturbing.
I agree, this forum is simply the best for support. The running community is so giving and I feel so fortunate having become a part of it.
Ahh, Billy sounded lovely. 🥰 A running buddy! Aren’t they wonderful companions? Flossie just runs off lead with me now, except for today’s one-off. She’s fit, but I want her to remain that way. 🐕
Not a boring post at all - if it helps to write it then it's great and just think how much you always help others with your posts and comments! This is no exception! I'm so glad Flossie gave you the strength. I took Bob today for same reason- I just don't feel safe running along the canal with out him. How great that you can feel happier along this route now 😊
Ahh thanks so much CLR. I’m so much better writing things down or talking them through. So thanks for your kind comments!
I don’t blame you taking Bob. Even before all this happened, I often used to think how isolated the river path was and I used to feel uneasy sometimes. I’ll always make sure I go when there are more people around from now on. It slows progress as it’s quite narrow in places, but it’s a trail so not a fast run anyway.
Thank you so much Sandra. Yes, today was a big deal. I dreaded returning for the first time, but today seemed right and it was busy enough not to feel isolated. Plus Flossie helped too! 🐕 I would definitely say it was empowering. ❤️
Thanks so much. Birdlady! Oh gosh yes, running is amazing when we need a bit of mental TLC. It also helped when I lost my mum in 2019, and I know other people on here have found it comforting too.
Can’t wait to run in London next week. It’ll be my first time running there! 🏃♀️
Sorry your husband has been through such a shocking time , you sound like a strong & resilient pair and we'll done to you and your loyal doggo for facing up to heading back there. Onwards and upwards xxx 😘
Thanks so much Jonathan. It was hideous and totally surreal and I still can’t believe it happened. The main thing is, there’s no lasting damage to Mr Cheeky and we can move on. 😀
Far from boring and with a good ending to that awful chapter. Onwards and upwards! Good luck at the London Vitality 10000 next week. I’ll be there too x
Omg cheeky, what a traumatic event, you’ve beat your demons by running the site and facing it head on, thank god that guy is inside where he belongs and your husband is back to full health. Long may your strength and confidence go on xx
Thanks Walshy! Yes indeed, getting back there was important to me (hubby went back as soon as he was able to drive - how, I’ll never know!) Yesterday seemed like the right day, and it was. 🥰🐕
Good for you! Full kudos to Mr CC for bouncing right back. They only win if we let them! I can wholeheartedly understand your hesitation in running there but glad you managed it 👍🏻😁
Thanks so much JoJo. His fitness saved him 100%, absolutely no doubt about it. And now the vile attacker is safely behind bars I felt safe enough to return. I’m so relieved. 🥰
I know just how hard that must have been, so well done for having the guts to go. Now you really can move on and put it behind you. See you on Sunday xx 😃😃
Thanks Sandy. It’s a chapter in our lives we can now move on from, and I can get back to running along the river every so often and enjoying it for what it is. 🥰
Bring on Sunday (oh, and Monday!) 🏃♀️🏃♂️🏃♀️🏃♂️🎉🏅
Not boring at all. Just the final chapter/happy ending to a deeply traumatic event. Running has worked its magic and dear old Flossie has been by you side all the way.
So pleased to hear that your husband is totally recovered and you have won the day and reclaimed your peace of mind.
Aww thanks Week7. Yes, the last few months have been tricky, but all is now as it should be. Flossie and running have been fabulous, as has the support from all my wonderful friends on here. ❤️
Not at all boring cheeky (your posts never are). It takes a lot to overcome trauma and face our fears. So glad you had Flossie by your side 🥰🥰 also glad your husband is fully recovered and you're both back doing what you love. Big hugs 🤗
You’re very kind Beatles! I can’t write concisely (even my replies go on and on sometimes!!) but it really does help to share. I’m glad I’m not boring you all! 😅😅
Time to move on and run for fun by the river whenever I can. Flossie loves it there too. ❤️
Cheeky, thank you for sharing this with us. I remember your runs on Strava at the time it happened. It's good to hear that your husband has fully recovered, and wonderful that you can now, once again, enjoy riverside runs with your faithful friend. Enjoy London xx ❤
Ahh you’re so welcome CSMN. It’s therapeutic for me to write things down and I hoped you’d all understand, being the wonderful community that you all are. 🙏🏻
London will be such fun. Shame Flossie can’t come too! 🐕
I’m glad you’ve gone back to run there! It’s hopefully closed the door on that painful episode and you’re both moving on. Physically easier than the mental side of things but you’re both tough, and with your friend at your side, you’re reassured.
The weather is improving and the lengthening days promise so much outdoors fun. Enjoy yourselves! You deserve to be happy now after such a hard time 😀👍🏃♀️🐕
Thanks so much MW. I’m truly amazed how my husband recovered, both physically and mentally. I’m sure he must relive the episode from time to time, but he’s strong and has a great support system if he needs it.
As for me, I’m fine as long as he is. I have my running to turn to, most of the time with my dog, and it’s helped no end. I knew you guys would understand, as the running community, and this forum, is second to none. 🥰
I understand what you mean about your husband! You’re stabilising each other, balancing out what’s great about life, and it’s going to be much better going forward together now. It’s a new life! (dare I say). There was before and there’s now.
I wish you and your husband all the luck in the world. Running, rowing, fun with the dog. Simple pleasures but all combine to make life good! 🙂
Aw ... Well done to you and Flossie! So very pleased to read your post. That you can run the pretty trail run along the river again and that your husband has recovered so, so well- such good news is welcome indeed! By the way t is not a long post at all and you never bore me! 😊🏃♀️🐕
Oh wow cheekychipmunks . I can’t imagine what you and your husband have been through. I am so glad to hear he is fully recovered. Going back to the scene of the assault would be incredibly hard and would bring many emotions with it. Mad respect that you were able to do that.
You’re so kind Sask, thank you. I waited until the guy was well and truly behind proper bars before venturing back, and I’m glad I did. My husband returned ages ago - he wasn’t going to let the vile man ruin his enjoyment of his favourite sport. 🚣🏿♀️
cheekychipmunks sorry to hear your family went through this traumatic time. Huge well done for continuing with the running and great to hear it got you through it.
What a horrible thing to happen to you both, Mr Cheeky physically and you emotionally. So good you can now run in that beautiful place again and not let it be spoiled for you both. Two very brave people.x
It certainly was a shock Mormor. Crack of dawn on a Sunday morning in the summer. But yes, he’s recovered remarkably well and we can both move on, he with his rowing and me with my running by the river. 😀
Understandable that you would face that route with trepidation, but great that you've managed to overcome that so that you can move on. Sometimes we need our "go to routes" so to be deprived of one for such a terrible reason is unimaginable.
So good to hear your husband has made a full recovery.
Thanks sTrongFuse. I seriously doubted whether I’d ever want to run there again, but with my husband passing the exact spot where it happened every time he goes to the club I thought I’d better face up to it. If he can, I certainly can! But still, I’ll make my runs later than when I used to use that route. I’d rather there were people about, whereas before I preferred avoiding them.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
