"Drunk Toddler"

[Teresa1632]

After 8 weeks of rest following a meniscus injury, I had seized up completely & was in a lot of pain. I went to a physio and then a surgeon who recommended injections into my knee & a set of exercises to get me mobile again. I found out that "clams" are not just things you eat, and "Bulgarian splits" are not a fancy ice cream. So I got in touch with a personal trainer. (No way was i heading to a gym class 😱) We met at his gym, and he started with a fitness/mobility assessment. Quite what he made of somebody who couldn't even bend her knee due to pain, and had the mobility of a drunk toddler, I don't know. Certainly his face revealed nothing of his incredulity that I was moving at all 😅

Every week, I tested all of his knowledge as he would find new ways to get around my limitations. Nothing fazed him, and I mean nothing. Though I think I'm the first client to face plant on the way in to the gym 🙈. And the first to over balance on the step thing. And then there is the time I managed to steer the sledge thing sideways and almost ended up in the car park 😳

I'm stronger now, and back to running, though have lost pace. It has been depressing at times not being able to run, and I lost confidence too. Being on the IC is part and parcel of running I think, and mentally, its a tough place to be, especially when the weather is good.

Lesson learnt - strength work is essential for running! And for me, investing in a personal trainer is worth it: to learn how to use equipment properly, to have a structured plan, to keep me motivated (and accountable).

The "drunk toddler" is no more!

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon]

Gosh, you have been through it Teresa! That sounds pretty horrible but you were in good hands by the sound of things and you are running again - yeah 🤗

Mind you, I’d love to sit down with a glass or two with you and hear your tales of those mishaps 🍷

Here’s to personal trainers, strength training and a return to running 🥂

[Teresa1632 Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

I'm not sure what the PT made of my mishaps! At least he didn't laugh, but he must have wondered about the effect on his reputation 🤣

[RiceAndPeas Marathon]

Yes, I agree 100%, strength training is so more important for runners. I never wanted to accept the fact but after an injury plagued first full year of running I will now do as you have done and get the help of a personal trainer.

I hope you can get back to full running training again soon and your pace returns. It must feel great to say farewell to the drunken toddler!

[Teresa1632 Marathon in reply to RiceAndPeas]

The drunken toddler still lurks in the background 😂. I have come to loathe parts of training, especially jumping and single leg exercises as I think I might topple over 🙈. And I wonder who invented reverse lunges 😬But have come to view strength training as necessary to address weaknesses. We should all be doing it

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

Crikey youve been having some fun behind the scenes! I love that you can laugh about it and come away with a positive spin. As they say, 'what doesn't kill you makes you stronger'. You'll rediscover your pace as your confidence in your recovery grows. Carry on with the strength training and I bet there's even more to come 💪

[SueAppleRun 10 Miles]

Well done you, your spell on the IC sounds awful, but you persevered and have come back.....something I've learned is pace doesn't matter as long as we get out there and run a bit

[Dexy5 10 Miles]

Well done on taking lots of positive action to get running again. I often wonder what my physio thinks about this 67 year old who wants to keep running, but he’s always there with a plan to get things sorted quickly. Keep up with the strengthening and you’ll be in a better place than before.

[Teresa1632 Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

I'm same as you, just turned 68 The youngsters (physios and PTs) probably think we are mad in the head 🤣 I got through the ballot for London Marathon, and will be on the start line by hook or by crook 😂

[Bluebirdrunner]

Thank you for posting this Teresa, you have reminded me how important keeping all of our leg joints strong is. I have been given lots of those exercises you mention when coming back from injuries myself, but not kept them up.

I do a daily YWA practice, but am adding in some extra strength work after now too. On alternate days. Thanks again for the nudge.

🏃‍♀️💪💚 xxx

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon]

Sounds like you are very much on the way back - and with the support to make you a stronger runner. You are so right about the strength work (I have been a bit lazy recently) - it really is so important. 👍🙂

[Teresa1632 Marathon in reply to Sandraj39]

We learn lessons the hard way sometimes.