(Edited to clarify I didn't really think I needed a hip replacement - I just looked as if I was on a waiting list for one if you watched me trying to get going from a stop! Apologies for any overdramatisation leading to confusion 🙈)
Hello lovely VRBs. How's your week been? We'd love to hear all about it.
Mine ended pretty badly. I think I jinxed it. Big time 😭
I shouldn't have mentioned my vague hopes of a marathon, should've kept that to myself. It was all going so well ... then suddenly it wasn't.
Sunday was the day of the Farnborough Winter Half. I got up and my left hip/leg just didn't feel quite right - not painful, just pulling. Uh oh. This was the same place I was injured all through summer last year. It wasn't bad, and I wondered if I was imagining it. Couchpotato2 staying over and I was driving us both to the race, so I figured I couldn't not go. To be honest I barely hesitated because it didn't seem bad at all. Anyway, the plan was to start at the back and stay there - not a race for us, just a training run with crowd support and bling!
I ran, considerably slower than my normal HM pace, and it felt OK. Except maybe when I walked and then I couldn't pretend there was nothing gong on. I could definitely feel it twinge a bit. I knew I was probably making it worse, but what are you to do when you're halfway round a course?.
The real trouble started when I stopped and, long story short, I now have the look of someone waiting for a hip replacement 🙈. And it hurts. A lot! Grrrrrr 🤬 Supposed to be shopping with a friend today - not sure I'll make it out of the coffee shop 🫖🍵
So a period of enforced rest is now upon me. From experience (if it really is the same thing again) it takes a long while to heal. I strongly suspect there will be no spring marathon for me. Maybe I need to go to a physio this time; I don't want it to become a chronic condition. In the meantime, naproxen it is! Oh, and I'll do a separate race report during the week for anyone interested - after all I'm going to have plenty of time on my hands 🤷♀️
How has your week been? As it seems I'm settled on the couch for a while, although I don't need sympathy, I could really do with some entertainment so it would be great to sit here and read how things are going for you 😍. Are you stuck on the couch too, or are you out there running and braving all that January is throwing at us? Do you have any gossip, plans or tall tales? About running or about anything really ... 🥰
Here's to a good week everyone (mine can only get better - I hope!!!)
From your team, Linda9389, Beachcomber66 and Irishprincess xxx
🎽For races/events in the last few days of January then go here to give us the details:
Arghh nooo Linda. I did see your Strava post but was out walking and couldn’t read it properly, but I did think all hadn’t gone as planned. I’m so sorry. I hope it isn’t as bad as you’re fearing. 🥺 Bet it was nice to see Couchpotato2 nonetheless.
All good here. I’m starting W4 of C25K tomorrow (gym, as I’m not braving the common in this weather), and even though I could ditch it now that my cough has 99% gone, I’m enjoying it too much and will see it through. I’m loving Denise Lewis, and it’s amusing me how much of a kick I get out of completing a run and ticking it off. 🥰
So (now unnecessary!) baby steps for me! Daft really, but I do love it. 😅
Typical cheeky “I have started so I’ll finish!” You will get a nice virtual medal when you finish; bling without using up hanger space 👍. I think that I am going to brave the forest. I have lost three runs now through ice; I must get moving!
You know how this tenacious chipmunk rolls don’t you BC? 😅 Hope you get out for your run, and it’s uneventful. I can hear the wind and rain outside the window and it’s making me appreciate the gym membership more and more. The common is NOT fun in these conditions. 💦💦💦 💨💨💨
I managed 5k in the end. Parts of my run were sheltered by trees, but there were gaps in the tree line, so I suffered the full icy blast in my face on the out section. I did get a bit of wind assistance on the return though, so they cancelled each other out. With one “but” I managed negative splits again. It is becoming a habit. The “but” is that I was stopped in full flow in lap 2 by a really well meaning friend who wanted to know how Mrs BC is getting on. Time well spent 👍. Thursday looks a bit better ! We used to have proper weather up here.
It was great to see CP2 again. Although I very much like running on my own, it's lovely having someone to start a race with, helps keep my nerves under control. Having her stay over the night before also took the bite out of pre race faffage - we shared the burden equally I reckon😍 .
Although the YWA timely hip stretch session was yummy - and helpful too I think - it was acutely painful moving in and out of position. Much easier today though, so I may try that session again. I am a bit suspicious that it's the yoga the previous week that first began to irritate my leg/hip though ... 🤔
Running is all about loving it, so that can't possibly be daft! Onwards and upwards and 10k here you come 💪
It was an exercise that caused my most recent hip injury so I wouldn’t be surprised if it was yoga that set yours off Linda. Some moves are more aggravating for our previously injured bits I’m sure.
Linda, Linda. ! Ok, you don’t want sympathy, I get it….but that doesn’t preclude empathy! That horrible sinking feeling is only too familiar. Physio surely? If I can’t run, doing physio prescribed exercises is an acceptable second prize…but maybe that is just me. Have some unsympathetic flowers 🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸.
My start to the week could have been better. It is sunny, but still blowing a gale up here. I am hoping that the forest trails will be protected by the trees (I might find a few of them on the ground of course!). Things are not going well; I have just burned my porridge (as in incinerated and welded to the pan) through messing about with a computer instead of watching and stirring. I am tempted to give up and take to my bed for the day! Bottom line, I need a run; I must find a way!
Burning my porridge is the thing that most does my head in 🙈. Having to start over because my oats are reduced to nowt but carbon just makes me want to kick myself 😤
Fortunately this morning’s offerings were perfect 👌
Fortunately I was using a non stick pan, but it still took some cleaning. All was spic and span before Mrs BC decided to wake up. 😅 I think I got away with it!
I know its sacrilege but 2.5 minutes in the microwave, stirring half way through, does the business. Sometimes it boils over but normally it’s ok. Big dollop of jam, a sprinkling of blueberries, sunflower seeds and cinnamon. My speedy breakfast before I go to work. Yum 😋 No carbon involved apart from that which we are all made of!
I love putting honey in but it’s at the top of the cupboard and I have to drag the chair over to stand on to get to it, and it’s too early for all that effort!
I have to correct... often it boils over!!! Mine needs at least 4 and a half minutes too - maybe I'm eating a supersized portion. Whenever I can be bothered I do it in the pan though - it definitely tastes better that way!
Thanks BC. As I read this yesterday before heading out shopping, I was eating a delicious bowl of unburnt porridge and blueberries and I thought to myself, well, things could be worse!!! My first grateful thought of the day 🙏 Computers are very distracting aren't they, and running the perfect antidote. Glad it was a good one, wind notwithstanding.
I’m sorry linda9389 I know you don’t want sympathy but we all know how much we loathe being injured so you will get plenty here. I hope you’re wrong & it heals super fast so you can carry on with your plan.
I’m still running early & fairly short to beat the heat. I’m so looking forward to getting back to some longer runs. My iron is now back in normal range & kiddos return to school late next week so nearly there. I booked my flights last week & finalised the accomodation for my Gold Coast trip. Just waiting on my friend’s ultra running hubby to write my plan & I will press go! Let’s hope talking about marathons are not a jinx. (Sorry again linda9389 ) I didn’t know whether to talk about my plans in light of your news. I’m so aware that getting through the training & to the start line intact is not an easy feat. Sending hugs x
Thanks RW. It does feel an awful lot better today, so maybe it isn't quite the same. I will take a full week off running, and if I can bear it I'll take two (that might not be too tricky as we are travelling to NZ next week). The main test of my resolve will be the first NZ parkrun - to run or walk, that will be the question!
Great to hear your iron issue is resolved, hopefully that will give you some added impetus to take advantage of the boys being back in school. Chat away about marathon plans, we want to hear all about it. My marathon plan has always been tentative - I know I'm probe to injury over longer distances so at the back of my mind it's always been a slim hope. Having said that, if it doesn't happen in spring I will probably simply move the goal to autumn and work really hard on overall fitness in the meantime (all good intentions ...).
A new plan is so exciting, definitely something to look forward to 🥰
Aw Linda, get yourself to that physio if you can and let's hope healing goes smoothly. As everyone knows I'm healing from cataract op, my sight is amazing, only downside now is my face looks like the wrinkles have been drawn on, where did all those lines come from? I'm 68 for goodness sake, not 120!!!
Anyway I'm nearly at the 2 week point, I've been running really slow and enjoying it so much that I'm keeping it up for now.
Remembering back to the New Forest, the fast bits were fast and the rest was a walking disaster, I'm hoping to return this year in much better condition.
Last week I ran slowly, swam with my head held high to keep eyes dry, slowly, and sat in the steam room with one eye shut....today I'm just trying to work out where to run, and wasting the day.
Thanks Sue. It's feeling a lot easier today than I expected, so fingers crossed. I brought my sports massage forwards to tomorrow, so will see what he suggests.
So glad you are pleased with your eyes now, how wonderful to see so clearly again. Return to the New Forest to slay a demon or two and have a ball too!
It was a bit mediocre to be honest but it was time out there and I'll go again tomorrow, building the swimming too by 2 lengths each time we go, I'm up to 12 so 14 next time 😁.Hope your sports massage helps and it starts to ease soon
A friend of mine once spent ages trying to take an eyelash away from between my brows and then realised it wasn't an eyelash but a wrinkle! We did have a good old laugh about it 😂 😂
You might be able to self-refer to the nhs physio. I got in quick for my knee, to my amazement! It was so worth it as she was able to reassure me. You don’t want to be worrying unnecessarily.
Ankles, knees, hips! If it’s not one it’s the other 😤
I hope you can sort it out shug. Hips are like toothache 😩. Drat em ☹️
Unless things have changed, getting an NHS physio appt in Bucks is flippin' hard work. I suppose I could at least give it a try ... but then there's a voice in my head that tells me it's self inflicted and there may be people in greater need waiting for the appt I'm trying to get. It would be different if our appts were in plentiful supply. Still, I could make the call, things may have changed 😍
I pay £60 to see a private physio, and consider it money well spent. He was recommended by our independent running shop. I think a sports physio is more understanding of the injuries and your need to run.
That's part of my problem. I don't know where to go! I haven't been really happy with any physio I've seen so far (not that I've been that often).i'd love to find someone I 'got on with'.
I did ask the running shop last time. The guy was pretty good, but I didn't like him telling me he could have pushed my leg back with his little finger at one point (implying I was very weak). Call me oversensitive if you will ... 😍
Yeah I know what you mean. I remember an osteopath once asking me if I “really wanted to run.” “ What do you mean? I cried, “I’ve just bought a Garmin!” 😂 I never went back to him…
What about the sports massage therapist youre going to see? Could he recommend anyone? And have you thought about seeing an osteopath? After an unsuccessful visit to my usual physio I went to an osteopath for my hip and she sorted it out.
I asked him he says he goes to someone in Northampton 😅 He did say he'd ask other therapists he knows locally so I'll see what he says tomorrow. Maybe I'll try an osteo for a change 😊
Try an Osteopath. I find them much more helpful than a physio. My running club founder prefers them as well. Ours is used by the RSC and the local rugby club, he even goes on tour with the RSC! So I think that’s a pretty good recommendation!
So sorry to hear that the injury may be resurfacing Linda. I’m another member of the Get to the Physio ASAP club. A little bit of reassurance goes a long way.
I’m taking it fairly easy at the moment, no great distance but getting out regularly. I’m back to physio for my rotator cuff injury, hoping to avoid another medical intervention. Thank goodness it’s not affecting my running .
I really should be starting on some skiing exercises for our trip in February.
I’m about to head into that wind - at least it’s sunny here, if cold.
Thanks Dexy. Yesterday I could barely put weight on it whenever I took a break (it eased up quite a bit once moving), but today it does feel an incredible amount better. While some of that is down to painkillers, last summer it was breaking through both of those for several weeks. So hopefully it won't be as long drawn out as last year 🤞
I hope the shoulder settles Dexy; that's another injury that grumbles too regularly.
Ooh skiing, that's definitely something to look forward to. Mr 9389 has already been so it looks like this will be another year I miss!
Fingers crossed that you’ve just overdone things a bit and it will clear itself up with some rest (although physio sounds a good idea).
Mr S and I are taking a quick break at our place in France for a few days (maintenance/odd job trip 😣), so an opportunity to go out a couple of times with my running family over here. A little on the chilly side (sub zero at 9.00am), but lovely to be able to catch up on all their news.
Empathy not sympathy here, Linda - I really hope this settles again for you and as Beachcomber66 says, see any rehab exercises as that first step back!
I am running 3 times a week again following a very annoying injury that has been hampering my running for months too.😩 Still building things back gradually and ran my first full 5k for a few months on Sunday. It was great to be back on my favourite trail route!
I am still not fully recovered however - some runs are easier than others, so will continue to take things easy. There MIGHT 🤞 be a little trail run to take part in later on in February but I’m just going to wait and see how things go…and if I do take part, I will only run the 5k.
Thanks Sandra, you've definitely had a rotten time of it. Sorry to hear it is still lingering enough to make some runs more difficult. A trail run next month sounds like a nice juicy carrot though. Fingers crossed for you. Oh, and there's nothing 'only' about a 5k! 🥰
Oh poop!!! -not sympathy just a little crossness!! I hope things turn out not to be as bad as you fear after a little rest. I'm still trotting along hoping to finish RED January in one piece. Really enjoying popping out for a quick pootle each day. Weather here has been great for running this weekend .
Hopefully things improve quicker than you expect 🤞. In the meantime I hope your couch us a comfortable one!
Crossness abounds!!! It really is more comfortable already, so I am more hopeful than yesterday but will try to exercise patience. I don't think I will ever be a RED candidate - good on you!
Not only is the couch comfortable, but it's dull and wet outside too so at the moment patience isn't such an issue 🥰
Oh nooo Linda! Just when things are going so well, and you're tentatively making plans 😭 Do hope it's not as bad as you fear...what a bummer 😔I am still plodding on with the heel raises and strength exercises prescribed by the physio. Progress is slow, but it is progress. I think it will be at least another month before I can start C25K again...
Wishing you a speedy recovery, from one couch to another...
Hey there fellow coucher. It's frustrating isn't it? That sounds like a good while for you to wait yet. Much sympathy/empathy/crossness/well wishes coming your way!
Oh Linda, it didn’t feel right clicking ‘Like’ to your post. What can I say (apart from ‘Go see a Physio or an Osteopath’!)? I think you need to bite the bullet, it could make all the difference, I do hope so 🤞🤗😘
I had an injury scare last week but thankfully I think I’ve worked out what the problem is. I was on Day 17 of 5k/day RED Jan and my knees felt like they were popping off and my left achilles was really sore again. I was hobbling and in no state to run, so I had to stop my streak so I could try to get better for the Running Show Fordy Shakeout Run on Saturday and the 4th Winter Series run on Sunday 😢 I walked round parkrun with Shake-and-run and we went to the Running Show. My knees and achilles still felt awful but I was determined to do the shake out with my running club mates. I felt a complete fraud at the Running Show as, whenever I think I’m injured, I think my time is up. So why was I getting new kit (2 pairs of socks and a jacket)? What was the point?
It got nearer the time of the shakeout run and we went back to the car to get our running shoes on (I was wearing an old pair of Ghosts to walk round in). As soon as I changed shoes (into my New Balance 1080s) my knees felt better! I was able to run back to the NEC and I got round the shakeout run without any problem other than a tired, sore achilles! So glad as it was such a laugh running around the NEC grounds with 300 other Fordys! We had glow sticks and whistles, and one of our clubmates ran round with a big speaker on his back so we could have disco music 🤣
I have been doing many of my 5k streak runs in my Ghost 14s that are designed for night runs. They have got a lot of miles on them but they aren’t worn out. I also just started wearing the newer pair which have about 100 miles on them. I reckon it’s the 12mm drop, it’s too much. My shoes recently have been 8mm max. I used to love Ghosts but as Katnap has said, it’s time to ‘give up the Ghosts’! We had a lovely chat with the person who runs ‘Jog On’ at the Running Show, he collects trainers for redistribution and recycling, so they will be going in the Jog On box at our local leisure centre.
And the Winter Series run? That went ok, I’m just feeling a bit battered, bit like my Toad in the Hole 😂
Sorry all, this is more of a post than a reply but it might help someone? Would it be something as simple as shoes for you Linda? I really hope it is - worth a punt? 🙏
Fordy Runs Global Run Crew members at the National Running Show at the Fordy Runs stand
I have had those “this is it” feelings too! First on C25k when I had repeat calf troubles. I thought that I had calf compartment syndrome!!Enter physio with “don’t be so daft you have, at worst a very minor tear.” Same when I got runners ‘ knee and a plica; physio “ you and I are going to fix this…..” and the same with my mysterious foot swelling. In every case, she nailed the diagnosis, gave me the right exercises, and I emerged stronger than ever, abandoning my “The End is Nigh “ sandwich board in the process!! 🙄 Prima Donna !!
😂😂I think it may go with everything we take up at an older age and love, we’re just waiting for the bomb to drop all the time. A type of catastrophising imposter syndrome?
I can’t wear a 12mm drop. Always gives me knee problems. Think 8mm is my preferred drop. I’ve tried them all 🤣 I’m keen to try the 1080’s but no more running shoes for now. Glad you worked out the issue. Great pic 😍
You see, I love a 12mm drop, or at least my legs do. I used to get lots of achilles niggles. They are now 🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞 gone! I had to work on calf strengthening, but now, I pull on my Brooks Adrenalines with confidence. I wonder if this is another age thing; however minute, I think that my achilles don’t have to stretch quite so far 🤷🏻♂️
If I can get a recommendation, I will go and see someone. Even though it's easing just now, a physio appt will highlight what areas of weakness I should be working on. Otherwise it's just going to keep rearing it's ugly head I think.
I'm sorry you had to stop your 5k RED, but at the same time I'm really impressed that you did! I'm also really pleased it didn't mess up your busy weekend. What a great time you've had!
I guess shoes may be my issue. I've been running in Hoka Cliftons for years now; I deliberately don't change them in case something else wouldn't suit. I haven't always had this injury, but I guess it's something else I could try.
Hope your achilles returns to full health quickly now the Ghosts have been ghosted 🤞
Thanks Linda. You never know, our gait changes as does our suppleness. Different shoes can work on different parts of you. I only changed shoes because I was putting more miles in and I also needed different shoes for different types of runs. Perhaps you need a rotation of a few different pairs if you’re finding you always get injured when you up the mileage?
We had a brilliant weekend, and I was so, so, so relieved when I got to the end of the Sunday run and I was still in one piece!
Oh no, so sorry to hear this 😟 Wishing you lots of patience for your rest & recovery.
I’m doing fairly well, not managing to consistently meet my target of running at least twice a week but I’m mainly sticking with trail runs & so really enjoying the runs I do manage to fit in.
I’ve discovered the joys and craziness of Hash House Harriers running! Absolute madness but I’m loving it and it helps me get trail runs done in the dark as I’m not keen going out on my own at night.
Best of luck Linda, hope you get some good news soon and good luck to everyone whatever their running journey.
Yup! I'm an old hand at sitting it out. And an old hand at the comeback. And I've done more than my fair share of adapting too. At least this time I hadn't forked any money out for the event I half had my eye on!!!
The runs will definitely wait. And there's ll be plenty more races to choose from too.
That very welcome hug was received with grateful thanks 😘
Aagh Linda. What an absolute pain in the ****. I know that horrible gut-sinking feeling only too well and totally sympathise 😭 Here, have some flowers 💐
But I’ve read your replies today and it’s great news that the hip is feeling much better. Hopefully it’s just one of those things and will just need a little rest. A sports massage will work wonders I’m sure.
I remember once waking up with a really painful ankle. It came from nowhere and I could hardly walk and limped my way around a plant fair with a friend thinking I’d be off running for weeks. Well, within two days the pain had completely disappeared. I still have no idea where it came from or what caused it so hopefully your hip falls into that “weird but not serious” category 🤞
My running is going well and I have to head out in any weather because the plan tells me to 🙂 I do think the cycling is working a bit of magic too so all is good 😍
I saw two deer on my run this morning, one ran right in front of me and she stood while I took a photo but I couldn’t capture the other one before they both ran off into the trees. Beautiful they were. Definitely worth a pause on the Garmin 😂
I’ve got everything crossed for you that this is a very short, temporary pause in your training 🍀🥰 and that you’ll be back to it again very soon .
Thanks IP. I'd be delighted if it fit into that category! Fingers crossed!!! Glad your running is still going well and the magic of the plan prevails. I'm always startled on the odd occasion a deer pops out of nowhere, and hardly ever get a photo. Yours is great.
When I'm in Canada, deer are regular visitors to the garden. We never trouble them, and they are very laid back. Photos are easy and sometimes there can be eight or so of them. This photo was taken in December.
Hi linda9389 , Is a little sympathy/empathy allowed?? If so there's some winging your way and I'm sorry your plans have been scuppered (for now🤞) hope you can get some sound advice for the future from a physio... 😘
I was encouraged to join our Sunday group this week as they posted up an East Cowes route for a change,think around 15 were there . Managed the 8 miles just about,still not feeling very fit, but onwards and upwards. Had a few aches since that's for sure!
Hope all VRBs have a good week ahead whatever you're up to . Its sounding wet and wild here atm!xxx
I think you should think about adjusting that to ' not feeling as fit'. It's all too easy to forget how fit we are, even when we feel we're underperforming. There's a whole world of folk out there that aren't very fit, but even at our lowest ebb, that's not us! Aches are good - they're a sign you're working at getting fitter!
oh no Linda, I replied to your race report before I read this. Hip replacement????!!! oh blimey thats awful for you. Once its been done I'm sure you will be absolutely fine but can completely understand how frustrating that must be 🤔.
Im rather cross this week, having been on treatment for the last 3 months for the anaemia and other things, I thought at one point I was feeling better, but the last couple of weeks its seems to have gone backwards. Long story short, a blood test ,followed by a call from my GP to say the reason I wasn't feeling better, was probably because they had given me the wrong dosage, it is too low. 3 months Ive wasted!!!! Grrrrrrr, Im now on the right dosage but they say it will be another 3 months before I feel the effects 😖
Wait! No, that was me being a drama queen HH 🙈 - it just felt that bad!!! In fact it felt an awful lot less painful again in just 24 hours. It's still aggravated and I'm still taking painkillers, but it's a lot more comfortable thank goodness. I do need to figure out what's going on, but for now I'll just rest it so it's OK for going away.But how disappointing and frustrating for you. I'm so sorry to hear that they've made such a mistake. Sending hugs your way 🥰
I called out, 'Oh no!Aw....' when I read, 'I now look like I'm waiting for a hip replacement.' I wonder how things are now. I do hope there is now some good news to report.
I am managing to complete 3 runs a week, can hardly believe that I am running without concerns about knee, hamstring or achilles. Still wearing knee support and mindful that I have been told that my knee will never be a 'normal' knee. As you may recollect I have found that increased pace causes me trouble so I endeavour to be restrained.
I think I need to edit this post! What I meant was I was walking with the look of someone who needed a hip replacement 🙈 Thankfully bit has eased a lot. I have to be careful with the first few steps but am at least upright 😍 I don't think any surgery will be required 😅 It's wonderful to hear you are running three times a week again. I know how much you doubted being able to return, so can imagine how good that must feel. Wishing you many, many slow and beautiful runs ahead 🥰
I am pleased that I misunderstood your 'diagnosis'! Upright is a definite improvement.
At 67 I really do appreciate what I am able to do and intend to keep investing in my health while I can. My daughter is due to be married soon. I had thought no runs that W/E, but yesterday thinking things through I thought a run before breakfast on such a special day is quite the thing for the bride's mother! 😂🏃🏻♀️ Well this one anyway. The wedding is not until 2pm. 😊🏃🏻♀️
Oh how wonderful! Have a fabulous day. And yes, a run really would be quite the thing for the bride's mother to do before breakfast. What a special day 🙏❤️
Oh dear Linda, I’m really sorry to hear this. The IC couch is warm and comfortable mind. I’ve been on it for over three months now and just tentatively starting back. I know exactly the mindset you had when you first “thought” you felt the pain as I’m pretty sure that’s how I felt on my first session back at the track last week. Thing is I haven’t tested it properly since and tbh I’m scared to. If it’s still painful then I’m likely looking at surgery. Yikes. I’m going to have to test it properly this Thursday at the club training session. Fingers crossed 🤞
I hope your recovery is swift Linda and not as bad as you fear.
Oh goodnes, it's a horrible twilight world isn't it? I think I'll be battling this for a while, but I've got my head round it. Marathon plan ditched. Back in survival mide 😍Really, really hope your fear is unfounded and Thursday goes well.
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