I'm home again and attempting to get my life back in order! Weeks of holidaying, Christmas and then inactivity on account of a leg injury, have left me considerably less fit than I was and packing far more weight than I should be. Not the best state of affairs, but one I intend to change - starting right now.
I can eat better (and less), I can drink less, I can get out on my bike or for gentle walks and I can book an appointment to see someone about my leg. The responsibility for change is all mine, no excuses. The time to act is now. Warmer weather over the weekend tempted me out on my bike and it was great to use my legs and lungs and take in an overdose of fresh air. Now I just have to stick with it (although today's wind and rain make that a tad unappealing 🙈).
The other thing I want to do is catch up reading your posts on here; lots of good stuff to read but I just haven't had enough time recently 🥰
Have you made any changes recently? Or is there anything you would like to take action to change? Something you just haven't got round to yet perhaps? It can be tough to get started can't it.
Wednesday sees my runniversary - seven years since I started C25K, seven rollercoaster years of running which I have loved and am (not so) secretly very proud of. What will I do on Wednesday to celebrate? Of course I just want to run! Perhaps I could do W1R1? Although maybe even that's not wise yet. Does anyone have a bright idea of what else I could do to mark the day so's I don't end up feeling despondent and don't end up hobbling again! Dust my medal hanger perhaps ... 🤷♀️😍.
How's your running going? Although I'm desperately jealous every time I see or hear someone running by, I do love reading all your news, and firmly believe that soon I'll be able to join the conversation. So please do let me know all about your running or not running. The good, the bad, and maybe the things you'd like to change ...
Wishing everyone a fabulous week, whatever you do with it 🌞
From your team Irishprincess, Beachcomber66 and me 🙂
Great to hear your positivity Linda. It’s been a long and very wet winter up here in Scotland with inconsistent running on my part, with outings snatched here and there. This means I’m considerably off my usual fitness and motivation levels. When I do manage to get out it’s been a struggle so I spent the weekend plotting out how I can be more consistent and patient with my running and strength sessions. My main target for 2024 is another go at the Yorkshire marathon in October, so I’m looking forward to starting training for that in a few weeks time, hopefully I’ll then feel a bit more of a spring in my step. Currently my thighs and glutes scream in protest every time I venture out so that needs to change. It will, but I’m very impatient when it comes to the slow build back.
'Patient with my running' - well, if you find the key to that one, please do let me know. I'm sure a bit of patience would go a long way towards reducing the number of my visits to the injury couch! Having the Yorkshire Marathon carrot should be a real help in those goals. The thighs and glutes just need to be gently reminded who's boss, but patience will surely pay off if you can achieve it. Good luck 😊
I would like to action adding strength into my weekly routine. I will act on that once my marathon training is done. 12 weeks to go! I’ve got my first 16miler to do this week & I might add on to claim that long awaited metric badge.
My last pair were also white as the Nimbus 25 was pretty hot for our Summer heat so I knew that I didn’t want a dark colour. I think the 26 is more breathable so maybe white wasn’t the best choice for the Winter months approaching 😳
Thanks RW. I know I should build strength in too ... I'm hoping I'll find a physio or osteo to get me started on a regular routine for my leg; something I can maybe build on. Small steps in the right direction perhaps. We'll get that metric marathon polished up for you - it's going to look great with the new shoes 🏅👟
That badge will be nice & shiny by the time I get it. I had to abort my 16 miler today. Super hot today & felt like I was not over my virus from last week. Longest run ever though so I’m moving forward slowly🥵
You did the right thing stopping RW. It takes guts to do that, well done. It will wait. Adaptability is key with any plan. I hope you feel better really soon xxx
First three hour run & temp was pushing 30 degrees so I’m going to take it as a win. I was starting to spiral into “you’re never going to be able to run 26.2 miles if you can’t run 26.2km” I need to work on hydration. I’m going to try plain water & salt tabs on my next attempt. I wasn’t loving my sports drink & gel combo today. I also chose a hilly route through the dunes which was 10miles. Next time I’m going flat. I’ve got this 🤣
Yep, you threw a lot of extra challenges in there! Remember, every long run on the plan is a challenge. It's there to push you a little further so it's almost always going to feel hard. Just as the final 26.2 miles will. But the remaining weeks of the plan, together with the event atmosphere and support, are what will make the difference between now and then. Never lose sight of that, and especially don't lose sight of it during your tough long runs 🥰
Morning HU gang. Hope you can manage a teeny careful trot to celebrate your runniversary Linda. It needs to be marked somehow. 🎉 Seven years! 🤸
Seriously, this weather? 🙄 It’s now sunny (albeit blowing a gale) here in the West Country, but earlier there was torrential rain, often sideways. I was too late for a trip to the gym but I absolutely couldn’t go out in that, so I’ve postponed W2R3 of my HM Plan until tomorrow. I was so consistent on hols, but now I’m home and I need to crack on, or I won’t (if that makes sense!). Running every run of the HM Plan every other day (hmmm, or as much as possible!) to elongate the 14 weeks. I’ve found I NEED structure nowadays. I should probably strength train, but we’ll gloss over that shall we? 😅
Anyway, I too have new shoes, so depending on where I run, they’ll be getting an outing this week. 😍
That makes perfect sense Cheeky! I went for a walk this afternoon and got sunshine, wind, hail and rain! Some of that would have been awful to run in. I'm loving the shoes. There's motivation right there!
Happy runniversary, Linda. Hope the leg problem is improving. I’m also injured again, but only very mildly and very much looking forward to the HM 10-miler.
Happy runniversary Linda, to celebrate you should get all your medals out , and remember each and every race you have run. Remember the views , the people you ran with and celebrate everything you have achieved. I’d also like to say a thank you for everything you do for us on HU too.
As it looks like showing off new shoes day today , here are mine .
I was hoping to run a 10k today, until I heard the wind and rain. I’ll keep that for a nicer day.
Thanks Dexy. I think I may well have a look through my medal hanger. They're all jumbled up. I'm curious as to how many real events I've entered since starting C25K, I wouldn't even like to hazard a guess. There will be a few memory joggers up there though, that's for sure. I am beginning to get new shoe envy today!
Thanks Miss W. You were brave going out for a run today! I chose the wrong time to go for a walk and got treated to a hefty dose of sunshine, wind, hail and rain! Hey ho. Let's hope tomorrow is kinder. Good luck with your timber, persistence will win the day!
I did wait til the rain abated but it started up again 🙄. It was thundering and lightning last night. All that weather in one day means it’s going to be fine from here on in 😁
I went to weigh myself yesterday and my scales asked me to insert my PIN activation code 🤨WTF 🤬😁 I said I’d come back when it had regained its senses ☝️ As if stepping on the scales isn’t tyranny enough 🤷♀️
Haha, I like your outlook on the weather. Great forecast. Ooh, your scales sound rather scary 😨 I do hope they come to their senses before you have to resort to violence! The greenhouse session sounds like essential therapy.
Hey Linda, it's great that you've been able to get out on your bike and I've no doubt running will happen, hopefully soon.Changes.....my whole life changed.....and it's ok to do different things.....I'm still running really slowly to keep my heartrate down......a move is coming up and I'm looking forward to running in different places.....
It was really lovely to get the bike out, though after two days on the trot my behind was screaming 'nnoooooo' at the thought of a third outing!
Yes indeed, sometimes change is forced on us and all we can do is try to embrace it. A move? Are you moving far? Potential run routes will be pretty high up my list of priorities when we finally get round to househunting!
I well remember being rather saddle sore after getting my bike out after a break to have the kids, very satisfying whizzing along though. 175 miles is the answer, from Sussex to Norfolk, seals and sand dunes and the notoriously hard GT Yarmouth parkrun , I'll be a bit out of town so country lanes as well but very few hills
Oh wow, that's a big move, and yes all new and different running. Exciting things to look forward to, although I daresay a change on that scale also has it's worries but of course you have already taken on far bigger changes. Sending you every good wish for fun and success in the next chapter 🥰
Thanks 😊, my daughter has a job there and it's near where my grandparents lived so I know the area we'll, I'll be glad to have moved but have an ENT appointment first and hopefully clearer hearing 🙂
I had better type a reply before I drop off to sleep. 15 k run completed, 129m total ascent and 5 seconds/ k less slow than last week’s 8 miler. Molly decided that she wanted to do her 4 mile walk at lunchtime (cafe stop mid walk). The weather was windy and cold and during much of the run, rain threatened, but didn’t materialise. Puddles covering the width of the trail added to the “fun”!
Stuff I am changing? I have put in a 5k hill run in place of my weekly easy 5k; I am doing exercise band strengthening exercises and stretches regularly and I am thinking about reintroducing an additional easy 5k by extending the days I devote to each “week” of the programme. Not sure about the latter yet. Big picture; I am within striking distance of 10 miles and I think I will stick at that for now as I try to increase pace. My main aim this year is to achieve a HM PB. Building a base camp at 10 miles before moving on seems to be a decent plan. We will see!
That all sounds absolutely wonderful BC! I do hope you managed to get a rest in later today; getting all that mileage in today was quite an achievement I'd say - we had some pretty feisty weather down south! Flexing the number of days in a week allows all sorts of permutations - probably worth a try at the very least; but knowing your end goal and sticking to a plan is a great strategy.
Hello Beachcomber, Well done on your 15km. Seems like the recent troubles are fading away, you and your physio have worked your magic together. 👏We are at a similar place again. I am hoping to run a flat route 15km, planning to drive to the start along Cromford Canal. Currently my car won't start, so if my husband doesn't manage to sort it today, I think I shall catch a train. As I said to Linda, I must be keen. Big difference, as I think you know, you are running the whole way whereas I am keeping my heart rate between 118 and 128bpm and hence my runs are run /walks.
Thanks >61. My heel/achilles pain problem isn’t solved in that it was very painful the day after my run and four mile walk. What my physio has done is to give me a way of managing the problem….so the pain disappeared on the following day. A combination of exercises; nerve slides, crab walks and squats with exercise bands, adductor stretches and adopting the Happy Baby pose to finish off seems to settle things down. Physio thinks that the long walks are causing the problem rather than the runs. Heel cups in shoes when walking is the final component of this latest cunning plan. She always finds a way; and I just do as I am told (only sphere of life where that is the case!)
Maybe the train isn’t a bad idea for your journey anyway? Chilling with a cup (or glass) of something on the way home might work wonders. Your determination to get this distance is amazing. Run/walk ….irrelevant detail…… Hope it goes well; as you know, I think it will.🙂
Aw .. I appreciate your confidence. My multi talented hubby has sorted the car. The train would have been a diddy two coach one, pretty sure no refreshments and the journey just 9 minutes. Run/walk …. isn't such an irrelevant detail for me. Seems like a major change, but for this MAF 'training' I'd rather call it playing as running does seem like happy play to me, I have to walk a bit to keep in the 118-128bpm. It has certainly been novel and I think my pace at low heart rate is improving. I don't intend having a heart rate display on during my HM. As long as my heart is beating that will be fine by me.
...I just do as I am told (only sphere of life where that is the case!) 😂🤣😂
First since 10 miles in June last year. I always run with Nike HM when I am building up distance and always CB on a long run. Gives me something else to think about 🙂.
I think I listened to his 15km guided run for my recent 15km 2nd April. Struggling quite to remember much from it now, but I appreciated it at the time. 😊
Hmm…I ran some intervals yesterday. They felt really good. Then I had to drive 76 miles up to Northumberland on a motorway/ trunk road blighted by road works …lots of clutch work…lo and behold a pain (on and off) appeared in my left knee! It returned as I was just sitting around after the journey. It might be a nerve rather than an injury, but suddenly my 10 miles tomorrow can’t be taken for granted! We live on the edge of disaster! 🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞
I have always driven manuals(old school…Dad always said there was too much to go wrong in an automatic….probably true at the time but an outdated view now!). Never had a problem before…..grrrrr!! Will go for a walk soon.🤞
I have always had manual, but driving my father's automatic round BC, then borrowing one in Ireland, totally sold me. My husband refused to change tho. I think he's mad 😍Fingers firmly crossed for your knee.
Happy runiversary to you Linda9389, I am sure you will be able to run again shortly after your injury.
After my. 1000 feet climb walk last Monday this morning I took a trip on the train to the coast where I had a short walk along the prom, the weather was windy but dry, the sea a bit choppy but the nearby ferry wasn't cancelled, wind force 5 west north west..
Update, this Wednesday morning I ran my 49th 10K, I set my metromone app at a low cadence of 163bpm hoping to get at 10K time of 1:20:00, my 5K split time was 39:47, so still on schedule for 80 minutes, my 8K split time was 1:02:43, a little ahead of schedule and 10K finish time was 1:18:10, so the second part of my 49th 10K was a little quicker than the first part, for your HU 10K I will set my metromone app at 175 cadence for my 50th 10K and hope to get a sub 75 minutes 10K.
Congratulations Linda on your 7 year runniversary. It's a fab achievement. 🌟 Whatever you decide, maybe you could remind yourself of all your running successes, both your own personal ones and those you have helped us achieve over the years.Also the way you have maintained and even increased your fitness through cycling while unable unable to run. You will be back. 💪
I had a twinge in my knee towards the end of the HM last week. It returned early in the haily, windy run this morning. My action is to be sensible and rest it. (Maybe a little swimming or upper body yoga).
Thanks CSMN. Maybe half of W1R1 ... 😍 and a look through the medals I've collected along the way. Do be gentle with your knee. if you catch it quick and nurse it for a short while, hopefully it will disappear as quickly as it came.
Congratulations on your upcoming runniversary! Maybe book a race for the autumn, as a focus! 🤔I'd like to lose some weight,feeling podgy! And try and get into a better routine, plus get my bike serviced(by Dad!) so I can cycle to work occasionally! 🤔
Happy runniversary for Wednesday Linda. It is my 6th runniversary next Tuesday (23rd) so, as we have had to postpone our trip to Ireland due to a family health crisis, I think I will go for a celebratory run. Now I am back running after injury, which I had been so lucky to avoid until last year, I take more notice of my body and I make sure I warm up and stretch after every run, as well as being much more disciplined about my 15 minute daily yoga and exercises. Losing some weight would also help! I have also stopped worrying about my times. I used to regularly go sub 30 for 5k pre covid and really wanted to get a sub 60 10k, but now I just go at the pace I feel comfortable. Fingers crossed that you can finally get your leg sorted and get back to running pain free again 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻
I do hope the health crisis is happily resolved soon, but what a shame about your Ireland trip. I could certainly benefit from focusing more on warmup and post run stretches, not to mention some regular strength work ... there's my next list of actions for change I guess.Congratulations on your upcoming 6th runniversary - relish every minute of that celebratory run 🥰
Hi Linda, happy runniversary tomorrow. I think you should treat yourself to a new piece of kit that you can show off when your leg is better. A bit of an incentive to look forward to, No wearing it until that day.
Katnap and I went on a short run with Shake-and-run this afternoon, followed by wild garlic and cheese scones 😋. A short season but one to look forward to each year, The dairy intolerance doesn’t like it much but it’s worth the gurgles! We have the week off to reset a bit. Everything is working as it should be thankfully, just a little achy. Feeling a bit lost without a plan but it’s only a couple of months to the next one. Looking forward to the 10 miler. Did I really say that?!
Hopefully by the time you’re really ready to run again the weather will have improved 🤞
Now there's an idea! A piece of kit that will only fit after I've got rid of the excess baggage! Always good when you realise everything really is still working - especially so after your two latest PBs! Enjoy a few weeks without a plan ... sometimes it's wonderful just to do whatever you feel like with zero pressure ... and a grin 😊
Yes, my shorts have only just started fitting properly again after too much comfort eating, so I know what it’s like 😁 Maybe that’s been the secret of the PBs, maybe you get stronger when you’re a bit heavier and when you’ve lost some you can go quicker?
All the best with your new fitness regime. Hope the leg gets sorted soon.
Congratulations on 7 year runniversary-perhaps a post with a montage of your 7 favourite medals? Would be lovely for us newer members to see where you have come from in that time.
Happy runniversary Linda 🥳 hope you're having a great day.
I try to treat myself on my runniversary (well, that’s my excuse 🙄) so you could always browse for something lovely and gift it to yourself.
Talking about gifting oneself…… I got myself new shoes and Soundcore earbuds that cheekychipmunks recommended a few weeks ago. I haven't gone out in the shoes yet but have used the buds a few times now and really like them, so thanks Munks!
There seem to be a few pairs of new shoes around here at the minute, so I didn't want to feel left out 😂
I’m pottering with my running and gently increasing again as my knee feels a bit ouchy after 5K but it’s all good. I’m back into a strengthening routine and I’m sure that’s helping the knee.
I did put all my winter gear away last week but have got some of them out again as it’s been freezing here the last few days. I’m just itching to get the shorts on again and sunglasses 😎
Happy browsing Linda and have a great week everyone xxx
I must confess to treating myself to W1R1 this morning. It didn't feel right, and probably deteriorated at each interval, but it doesn't feel too bad just now. I went for a walk too and it doesn't feel any worse than yesterday. Fingers crossed for now. I was definitely chilly - not enough layers for a run/walk in the cold wind today. A far cry from cycling in shorts at the weekend!
Hopefully that will be enough to calm and strengthen the knee and before you know it you'll be increasing the distance again. more crossed fingers!
Love the shoes ... maybe I'll do some browsing after all!
Well, that was a full day….and still the evening to come! The main event was an easy 5 k this morning with a decent hill (right at the start, stretching for 2k!) thrown in just for fun! I think that some improvement is beginning to show; almost negative splits (the pace for laps three and four was identical) average heart rate was 136 bpm, and VO2 max hit 41. The question is, will I hit “superior” or will Saturday’s speed run muck things up? It really doesn’t matter of course…or maybe is does, just a bit. It is good to be running more freely, thanks to my latest exercise regime. We need you fixed soon Linda; hope you find the therapist with the magic touch 👍
Oh, it matters 😍😍😍, wwll to those of us who care! Sounds perfect, how pleasing is all that. I finally called the osteo - booked for the next 8 weeks which is as far as his book goes, with 10 names on his cancellation list! Why didn't I call him before I left! Considering my options!
Well, as my leg groaned on my walk (despite a sports massage this morning), I decided it was time for action! I have just booked to see a physio that I saw when I was trying to get to 10k for the first time, almost exactly 6 years ago to the day. She is a keen runner, a similar age to me I think (though masses fitter😍) and is still at the practice. I called the clinic while walking, then came home and booked online (nabbing an appt a week earlier than that offered on the phone!). It seems they still have my records too. She is now Team Lead at the practice, so only does physio a few days a week but I will keep checking in case an earlier one comes up.
Just having a catch up read. Congratulations on your 7 running years. Thank you for all your encouragement and support too. You seem like some on with more experience. I wonder if you have read lots and watched videos too. There is so much available on line. I go through phases of watching things while preparing meals or clearing up. Some on catchup tv some u tube. Been searching older runner first half marathon recently. It makes clearing up fun!
Very pleased you have a physio appointment with a running lady and look forward to hearing all about it. Osteo too. I have no experience of that at all. I do hope you have a good way forward soon.
I am still trying to reach the start line for my first ever half marathon. Planning to put my knee through as little stress and impact as possible and yet still make it. After my hilly 15km with a few niggles even though I had set an alert on my watch at 129bpm I had discomfort afterwards and have since to abort a run. I missed some runs and now running again. No speed runs, all runs at 118-128bpm which means they are run/walks. Very odd for me, but it seemed a good idea. I am planning to do one run without walking before the HM, but we'll see. Also planning to drive to a canal and complete at flat run/walk on Saturday, Currently the car won't start. Might even catch a train. Clearly feeling very keen! Knee physio/strength on non running days, not a lot, but I hope it is helping. I'll just nip over and add my HM to the May list!
Thanks so much. I do read a bit and watch a few things, but I think I've learned more here to be honest. You're doing really well to be at 15k. So long as you can keep the niggles calm enough, I'd say it's looking good. The lower speed and low heart rate approach seems to be working. No wonder you are keen 🥰
It would take me a while to remember when I first set my sights on the half marathon distance. My only 10 miles was Nov 21, so over 2 years then! I would appreciate both enjoying the journey and getting it out of my system. Definitely learnt loads on the running forums for which I am very grateful. 😊🏃🏻♀️
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It's chat time! Grab your coffee and croissants...🥐☕ 15th - 21st April 