Barcelona 2012: cheering from the sidelines

Who could ever turn down a weekend with your loved one in one of your favourite cities in the world in perfect spring weather? Not me!  I had some minor reservations about going to Barcelona, but life is short and holidays are precious, so off we went.  Barcelona did not disappoint, how could it?  It is a truly magnificent city and what a setting for a marathon. Wow.

We'd picked a lovely hotel within walking distance of the race start and finish.  The day of what should have been my first marathon, dawned bright and sunny.  We woke to the universal sound of the pre race DJ getting everyone psyched up and ready to trot. I could feel my legs wanting to get out there and warm up too!  But my brain went numb, I suddenly was very indecisive - should I go and watch or just pretend it wasn't happening and get on with the day? Luckily,  Ali took control and we headed off to watch.  I'm, so glad I did.

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The start was magnificent. The totally over the top fountains were on full blast, ticker- tape flew everywhere and the place was thronged. The runners, like always, were every shape and size imaginable and came from all over the world. The start was emotional: everyone full of hope, determination and courage for the miles ahead. Some runners looked strong and sure; others looked like they were seriously going to struggle to manage 5K never mind a marathon. An older woman with a grey pony tail; the nut brown man in what looked suspiciously like speedos, the guy running with the racing buggy. I wanted to shout out that I should be with them, that I was one of them, but I didn't.

For the first time, I saw the end of the start of a marathon. I was amazed how many people came late and had to run to catch up. I'd just assumed that everyone arrived on time and if you got there late, tough! It might have been the clock change that did it - the clocks went forward that morning.  I was also surprised to see quite a few obviously injured runners crossing the start line, obviously in pain before they'd even started their marathon. I don't know if any of the hobblers made it. I hope whatever happened they are okay. I was glad I wasn't running. My leg hurt just walking, my hamstring was stuck in a massive nippy knot and my toe throbbed. Any delusions I had about running were gone and I felt at peace as they headed off.

A moment's reflection as I watched the runners disappear into the city; a curative hug from Ali and then off for breakfast. We took the metro and headed to the beach. It was mobbed with spectators heading to cheer on loved ones at the next stop down the line. I have never seen so much lycra, everyone was a runner that day many bedecked in other marathon T shirts, worn with pride, signalling they were bona fide members of the marathoner club. There were even one or two folk with Barcelona Marathon running numbers on the Metro train.  One guy tucked in the corner was carefully hiding his number under his jacket. Surely no one would nip onto the metro rather than run 26.2 miles?????

The beach area of Barcelona is amazing. It was regenerated for the Olympics and is now a fantastic open gym and activity area. Walkers, strollers, cyclists, roller bladders, runners, joggers, dog walkers, uni cyclers, nordic stick walkers, skateboarders, scooter riders - you name it, folk were out doing it.  All day long a mass of people make their way up and down the flat walkway that goes for miles along the beachfront. On the beach itself children and adults played volley ball and football and ran about. I saw my first (and I hope, my last) naked jogger. (Male if you must know and not in the first flush of his youth - no David Beckham I'm afraid).  It makes you realise that if you give people good healthy spaces they will get out and use them - good weather helps! Mind you, there were an awful lot of folk smoking which is a real downside to going to Spain sadly.

About half way along we saw the runners and the 3.45 pacer in the distance and went to watch. They looked strong and were running well despite a number of heavily lycra-d cyclists and tourists getting in the way. But the police did a great job of keeping things manageable and the locals wove across the road quickly and easily with scarcely a ripple. 

The rest of the day we could see the runners over there somewhere.  The later runners moved me most. The ones that find the marathon challenge really hard, that run for hours and hours, but still they keep going. Not to take away from the fast finishers, but I admire the guts and persistence of people who were still keeping on hours after the leaders were home and dry, that's guts and commitment.

That night we saw marathoners everywhere, many still in their tops and medals. The next morning, they were even more noticeable - loads of fellow breakfast eaters had developed a hobble since the previous morning and the breakfast buffet was annihilated by carb hungry runners.  Everywhere we went we saw Barcelona Marathon tee shirts and medals.

Watching as an injured runner was a bit weird, but I'm glad we did it. It was good to watch a marathon and think one day I'll do this. I'd never watched a marathon in real life since I've started running. The chance to stand back and watch with a rather more informed eye was useful. It's scary, it goes on for a long time, there's lots of people. Yup watching that run brought home to me what a challenge those 26.2 miles are.  The other thing I really appreciated was how much we rely on our loved ones to bear with us and support us. They give up their holidays, stand and watch folk running instead of going to art galleries (I think that counts as a plus myself). They listen to us prattling on about pacers and carb loading and all the rest of it!

So this is the sight I never saw (even if you imagine about 15K runners in front of me!). I have no regrets at watching instead of running and as I said, my leg was badly crocked so I could't have done it anyway. As it turned out, it wasn't my calf, I'd done my back in somehow travelling and had a trapped nerve. The physio sorted me and all is now working again, though a bit sore. Also I'm not sure an overseas marathon is the ideal first marathon for me, though the thought of carb loading and post marathon feasting in a city with such great food is very tempting!  I think it's going to be Edinburgh next year. Maybe. Not decided yet.

I got home to North Berwick with very happy memories of a lovely holiday in a fabulous city; a bit of a tan, a lot of ironing and a new found respect for the challenge of taking on that marathon and those that try.

We were very sad to see that Barcelona was a very different place later on that week, they are a lovely people and were so helpful and friendly. I hope it all gets resolved soon.

Whatever you're up to, have a great time. Even if things don't go quite to plan, they usually work out in the end!

Take care

Suex

No Regrets: Walking Barcelona

Well, I'm packing for a trip to Spain planned in the cold nights of November last year when I was full of hope and excitement at the thought of running my first marathon. But as you all know, things didn't quite work out that way. The Barcelona Marathon is almost here, but I won't be running it, I'll be watching and cheering others on.

I'm a bit sad.  I have a niggling feeling that I've missed my chance and may never run a marathon. Maybe I should have pushed through the injury and gone for it and worried about the damage afterwards. But, it's only a niggle, like a twinge that comes up a third of the way into a long run and then just pops gently like a bubble and is gone. It's not the deep sadness of regret or the pain of loss of hope or the agony of never being able to run again. No it's more a 'well it wasn't meant to be, this was not my time' sort of feeling - and life is full of those isn't it?

As I did my run round North Berwick this morning, I didn't feel sad. I felt happy - no more than that, I felt joyful. It was one of those runs where you know you're the luckiest person in the entire world.  The weather was sunny and warm, the tide was out, the mist drawing off the Bass Rock. I headed off with Chi running on the i pod, my metronome ticking away at 180bpm and Nick's feedback in mind. Everything was in good working order.

I did one of my favourite runs, up to Yellow Craigs beach and back. It's a nice mix of track and beach with the most fantastic views. I did just under 7 miles in total, with a 15 minute form session in the middle where I ran up and down the beach and worked on my footprints.  Given I'd run a couple of miles, I was really pleased with my form. Even in shoes, my footprints were so much lighter and more even than they were two weeks ago, though I can see clearly (even with my shoes on) that I need to sort my right big toe and I still have a way to go to be light! Here's a snap of my footprints next to another runner's - quite a difference. Mine originally were deeper than theirs with a much clearer heel strike. You can see where their toes grip the sand.

I was out for about an hour and a quarter in total and was pleasantly surprised by my pace and distance. I wanted to run longer but I am mindful of the need not to push my luck. I am very disciplined when it comes to doing something and going beyond the call etc, but I am rubbish at not doing things.  They say that self discipline is like a muscle, the more you use it the stronger it gets, so I gave myself another dose by walking up the hills - even though I was in full view of two local runners and was sorely tempted to look good. The internal dialogue was a bit frenzied as my inner coach gave me quite a talking to, but I did walk; I have to learn to value the discipline of not acting - does that make sense?

I got home feeling good. My quads were fresh, my calves were totally unruffled. My big toe and soleus were the bits I felt most. When I was hobbling, they really took the strain and I need to get them sorted. I suspect they're compensating for something and my money's on a too tight hamstring which I really noticed in yoga last week. I might try a podiatrist, never been to one of those.

So, I'm heading south. My suitcase is lycra free (well almost!); no garmin, running shoes, gels. Just sandals and suncream and guidebooks. I will I think shed a tear when the runners head off on Sunday, but I know that when my time comes, I will do those 26.2 miles as a much stronger and safer runner.

Whether you're running, racing, supporting, watching, be safe and be well.

Take care

Suex

tortoise tales

I've done two runs this week.  The first on Tuesday night was 15 minutes in my invisibility cloak - Vampire Runners of the world unite! I was a bit self conscious running for such a short time and so slowly, so the cover of darkness was much appreciated.

But Friday morning was very different. I headed out in my Ron Hill brightest pink for a nice and comfy 30 minutes along the beach. I did just over 2.5 miles, running into the wind. It felt so good to run. It didn't matter that it was slow, that running into the wind made me breathless or that I had to slow right down every time I got that warning twinge. I just enjoyed being able to run again along North Berwick beach with the sun in my face and the sound of the sea. Bliss.

It was about 7 am so a few folk were out, but this time I didn't worry what they thought about me. I ran with my head up and my sunglasses off, saying good morning to everyone I saw. Nothing mattered but being able to run again. It was joyful.

This is what running is about and just where I need to be if I am ever going to run to my full potential - back in touch with my natural runner and the joy of running and it feels good.

When I started off on that first trot round the block, almost 2 years ago, I just wanted to run. As I ran I began to believe I could do more, I wanted to push myself for a half marathon and then 10ks. Next I set my hat at the dreamed of marathon. As I focussed on the marathon, I tried to do too much too soon and more importantly, I lost touch with my inner runner. I stopped doing what had worked for me in the past, I stopped trusting my own knowledge of how I run and how I need to train and I got wrapped up in a training schedule that didn't fit. And it got me, hard enough to make me pay serious attention but early enough to give me a real chance of starting again.

Funny how things work out. My running goal immediately before "the injury" (said in a 'voice of doom' kind of way) was to stop running fast. I was running way too fast for marathon training where my first goal was to acclimatise to a much longer distance.

I kept saying I needed to slow down, but I just wasn't disciplined enough to do it.  Of course fate intervened and now I am indeed running slow, super slow.  I am now totally focussed on how long I run and then building speed. I am back into using cross training and of course I have my ever faithful friend - Pilates - to get me through.

It was my natural inner runner that helped me when I started, and I had a training approach that really worked for my physically and mentally.  Starting to train for a marathon, I lost faith in my ability and just looked for some expert to tell me what to do. In the process I stopped doing what worked for me. I should have built on what worked rather than knock it down and starting with something new and untested.

That Friday run, me and my inner Sue were reunited.  I think I'm beginning to accept that I'm the expert in my own running and my training, I have to do this my way. I can take tips and hints from the experts and people with experience, be bonkers not to, but nobody knows me like I know myself.  To make this work, I have to be in control and I have to make this work.

When something is awful we often say we've had a learning experience, and there's something else I've learnt by paying attention. I am not a tortoise. Well I am a total tortoise if you compare me to other people and I have the build of a tortoise, but in my running world (and indeed life in general), I am too fast. I charge off at pace and make it up as I go along. I have a problem with speed.  That means my marathon challenge is focussing on distance and a lot of it.

I've been looking at marathons and wondering about Palma in the autumn or should I wait and smash Barcelona next year? My head says Palma - after all I did say I was going to do a marathon this year and it makes the most of the time before winter. But my heart and my head say Barcelona..... Or should I just do LochNess, which doesn't really excite me, but would be cheaper.  I think I'll get a bit further on my recovery before doing anything.

Training stats this week - 45 minutes running; 45 minutes on the gym bike; 2 yoga and 1 Pilates session. I was really pleased with this, and then I did too much walking on Saturday afternoon after a morning at the gym and the day after my 'long run' and I ache. I got close to overdoing it and rushing my recovery.  More slowing down needed, it's not just how fast I run that I need to slow down on and I have no excuses this time.

I hope all your challenges, runs, walks, cycles and swims are great this week!

Take care

Suex

Into the starting blocks

The end is nigh. I am, I sincerely hope, now in the final week of not running. What a relief - for us all I'm sure. You must be as fed up of this as I am!

For all but the first week of the injury I've kept up my exercise routine. At the core have been physio, upper body conditioning and Pilates, gradually built up as my poorly leg could take it. Good for keeping some muscle tone and discipline,  great for staying positive, feeling like an athlete and keeping in touch with the healing process.

This week I got back to the gym - hooray! I got a lovely welcome back from Kevin at Virgin Omni and it was great to be back despite the usual busy-ness of the gym this time of year. I know people complain about gyms, but the joy of being able to exercise again beats all. I'd have made do with a massive hamster wheel if it meant I could run.   There's a machine for everything even for the crocked runner.

My first triathlon - 10 minutes on the bike; 10 minutes on the cross trainer and 10 lengths of the pool. No resistance, very slow, very gradual. Savouring the movement of my limbs and paying close attention to the messages from the muscles - testing, trying. There were as many complaints and grumbles from my non injured leg which rightly feels it deserves a rest after the last 6 weeks of keeping the show on the road.

As my non-running draws to an end, I'm coming to the end of my first reading of Chi Running. A phased running recovery will fit well with the transition to chi running - physically and mentally. I've tried Chi walking and it's helping a lot. Relaxing my lower leg helped me stop limping and start to balance the legs again.

Recovery has forced me to slow down and think about what I'm doing. It also makes me pay close attention to my body and what it's telling me. That damaged muscle lets me know how it's reacting and I am actively listening. A nip slows me down very effectively and that enables me to correct my posture too.

If you'd asked me before I would have said of course I'm listening to my body. I heard nips and niggles, but I wasn't focussed enough on how my body was reacting - not like I am now.  My head knew I was running too fast, but I wasn't getting feedback from the bit of me that does the hard work. I want to keep the focus in future so that as I recover physically I don't just speed up and do it all again.

I plan to treat myself to some new ultra light Brooks. I am going to include barefoot beach walks and runs in my training and I will be running with Danny on the iPod. Cross training is back in, it worked well before and I will continue my core Pilates and yoga.

The external pressures on me to run are removed.  Recovery will dictate my running until I'm back to normal. I will run that marathon when I'm ready, not when I can fit it in with everything else.  I know I can do it, I just don't know when yet.  You know things are bad when they're a learning experience, and this certainly has been an education, but it will soon be history.

Soon I will be off running again. I can't wait to get my legs and buns of steel back - my legs are so soft that the cats have taken to sitting on my lap again.

Friday, I'm back in the race. Today I'm hunkered in the blocks ready to go. No false starts.  Cue the snow!

Happy running!

Take care

suex

Runner Reborn: the end of a dream?

It's been a big week on the recovery front. Physically I am doing great, taking great (baby) strides.  I've braved public transport and climbed from the bowels of Waverley Station to the dizzy heights of Calton Hill.  I've survived the inhumanity of being knocked over by fellow commuters who think trying to hold on is pushing in. (I really would have kicked that man but I'd have fallen over).

I can walk like a normal person for short distances and as long as I don't go too fast or too far.  I've done a few low impact aerobics workouts and Zumba. (I've been really impressed by Jillian Michael's 30 day shred). And of course keeping up the Pilates to keep my core strong and balanced. Physically, I'm getting there.

But as I've said before, the really big thing about recovery is not physical; it's mental, emotional and spiritual (or whatever you call it).   Getting an injury knocks your confidence; it makes you feel like a rubbish runner; it's pants being patient and waiting. Somehow you feel you should be working through the pain and you're a wimp for giving into it.  Coping with the pressures to get out there and run is tough, but like every other hard thing in life, if it doesn't kill you, it makes you stronger.

Last week I mentioned I asked my Twitter chums how they avoid injury.  @Pyllon suggested Chi Running; @rowenanews reminded me about the marathon goals that matter more than time.  Well, these seeds have taken root and are starting to sprout and they have made me look long and hard at some stuff I'd been trying to avoid.

In this enforced time out, I have an opportunity to be a better runner. As I start running again, I can start from scratch, using the experience I've gained and the wisdom of other runners.  I can ditch all the stuff I've picked up along the way and that's holding me back.  I need to find my inner runner again. I know if I was running any thinking would be trampled under my bouncing Brookes; but because I am so totally and absolutely fed up with not running, I am very open to anything that means I can avoid this happening ever, ever again.

 Desperation has made me accept a few home truths:

Hard Truth number one.  I'm not going to be in good enough form to run the Barcelona Marathon this year. Fact. I have decided. Whether or when I do a Marathon can wait until I'm back on my feet and running normally again. That hurts, but it has to be so.

Hard Truth number two: I was partly responsible for my injury. Very hard to write that one! I am Mrs Sensible. I read, I prepare, I do as I'm told. How can it be my fault? Of course it's not about fault (!), I just have to accept that there's things I can do to make me a better runner and reduce the risk of injury.

Hard Truth number three: I need to rediscover my inner runner, the runner in me that knows how to train, who knows how to improve. Following schedules and training plans is not the answer, I need to work out what suits me, that probably means running less and cross training more.

It's hard putting it all down in black and white. It's hard to kill your dream, it seems like such a defeat and a failure.  But I want to run forever more than I want to run a marathon in a few weeks time.  I started off well just running in my own way and I got 1/2 marathon and 10k times I am dead chuffed with. Marathon training in a reduced timescale stopped me doing what comes naturally. It was like getting into a very tight pair of trainers and the consequences were dire. I need to get back to that Sue and let her guide my running.

So, onwards and upwards. I am going to use Chi Running to help me find a better way to run, not just technically but inside.  I will do that marathon, I know I have it within me, but I will do it when I'm ready.

I'm hoping to run again soon. I can feel it in my quads. I just hope the sports bra and Garmin are in working order!

Take care and if you're running or recovering, be great!

Suex

The Waiting Room of Enlightenment: Reasons to stay cheerful

Recovery might be a journey, but it's more like a waiting room sometimes. You're just sitting about waiting for that train, plane or automobile to transport you away. You can good use of the time reading, meditating or learning Japanese. You can entertain yourself people-watching or plotting your perfect murder mystery. I think you'd be surprised by how many of the folk at the bus stop are plotting murder and mayhem behind closed lids (or maybe you're not!). Or of course you can rant about late trains; messed up timetables and the general decline of civilisation. The thing about waiting is that you can't control when you move physically, but it can be just the right place to be.

I'm still waiting to run and this train is a long time coming.  I am at that critical point where I'm on the cusp of a little jog, but if I go too soon I will undo my hard work and patience. It is so tempting. I know I'm taking longer than most people do to get back into my trainers and I am feeling such a failure! Yes, even at the time in my life when I am almost certainly paying the price of  too much too soon, I am battling with my speed obsession again and putting pressure on myself to heal faster, dammit!

I want to run. I want to run now. I want to run my first marathon in 8 weeks. Today was glorious day, a fantastic day for running, a good long run. I should have done 18 miles today, totally manageable if I'd not got injured. I am so cross, frustrated, stupid. I'd kick myself if I wasn't scared of another injury!

But I can't run. I can do almost anything but run. The muscle I've ripped is exactly the one that springs me up into the air. All the others - that keep me on the ground, that let me do side planks and toe taps and one legged bridging and squats -  work absolutely fine. It's just that one little muscle. I am sending it lots of love and attention; taking it on little walks to whet its appetite; willing it to get better soon and re join the party - please!

As ever in this amazing world we live in, as I start to despair, the universe sends me gifts. For running these usually come via Twitter. First, Chi Running. Yes, almost a month since I hit the 'send' to Amazon, Danny Dreyer's book on ChiRunning arrived on my doormat and it sits in front of me now. I've looked on the website and flicked through the book and I am really excited and inspired.  On a quick read it's got links with Pilates. I like to have theories behind my training and improving and I'm a big Pilates fan. Pilates got me through some emotionally tough years and helped me manage the chronic back pain I got from being massively fat and massively stressed. Pilates was critical to my body (and spirit) recovering then and has been a constant friend ever since. I have used it a lot over the last month. I look forward to Chi Running helping me through my current recovery and taking me into my new running future. I have high hopes. I am going to read Danny as I travel on the train every day to and from work and I've already started practicing Chi Walking - weird but strangely liberating.

The second Twitter angel was Rowena, one of my running sheroes, who does amazing runs in amazing places and has been massively supportive of me and lots of other hobblers and limpers. Rowena says:

My goals have been pretty simple: finish the same day I start, with a smile on my face, and injury free. 


These are great goals and Rowena reminded me that when I started thinking about a marathon I had no time goals, no pace, no strategy. I just wanted to finish a marathon.  I still do just want to run a marathon and more than ever I want to smile and I don't want to get an injury - that would be failure.  Maybe I could do Barcelona in 8 weeks time, but I won't do it at any cost,  it's not just me that pays the price. Still too soon to be definite, but I have set my parameters.

My third Twitter angel is Johnny, who is also battling an injury. Johnny makes me smile and laugh out loud on Twitter so much that the folk on the train think I'm a mad woman. We both have knackered right legs so can't even do a three-legged race between us.  We will both run again and I hope together, maybe the Edinburgh BUPA 10K again....

So I remain in the waiting room that is recovery, waiting for the train that will take me back to running fitness and onto my marathon.  I would never have taken time out to reflect on my running if I'd not been forced to.  Everything happens for a purpose; every nightmare brings opportunities. I know this is nature's way of telling me to slow down. Not just to run slower (though by gum I've had the choice ripped out of my hands) but also to slow down in setting my running goals when I have so much else to do  A marathon is a heck of a long distance for someone like me and I am not invincible. This injury will probably stop me running Barcelona this year. But it will not stop me from running my marathon and it won't stop my lovely North Berwick runs; Race for Life; the Edinburgh Half and every other bit of running me and Danny are going do do. And it won't stop me smiling!

So, thanks to my running chums on Twitter yet again for making my waiting room a place of enlightenment and discovery. Watch this space for what comes next!

Take care,

Sue


ps if I ever, ever complain about not wanting to run or moan about losing my running mojo - shoot me!

In Recovery - Ready to run .....

A word that's been very much part of my life over the last few weeks is recovery, specifically recovering to run.  For some folk, they get injured, they get better and that's it. But for many of us it's a more complex and less certain process. And it's hard.

Here's what the dictionary says:

Recovery:  a return to a normal state of health, mind, or strength.  The action or process of regaining possession or control of something stolen or lost. Also  recovery shot - golf stroke bringing the ball from the rough or from a hazard back onto the fairway or the green. Football an act of taking possession of a fumbled ball. In rowing, cycling, or swimming, the action of returning the paddle, leg, or arm to its initial position ready to make a new stroke.


There's lots of good stuff in here that inspires me and captures the recovery process for me. Of course it's all about getting back to normal, but I like the idea of taking back control, regaining strength. I like also that it's physical and mental, that recovery is an end and a beginning.  


The definition sounds so positive and active and I need to be more positive about recovery; about my eventual return to running. I need to focus on getting ready to run.


A huge part of my recovery is about regaining confidence. When I first get an injury I am very cautious and self protective. I'm a catastrophic thinker - something happens and I immediately extrapolate the graph to the end of the world. It's a well know psychological problem you'll be glad to know.  So I worry terribly that the injury is going to get worse. I worry that some small movement, slip, accident, knock, will send me hurtling down that ladder; straight to jail, no passing go and it will be really serious this time. I was listening to Desert Island disks where an ex ballet dancer spoke about her ballet injury and how she needed someone she trusted to hold her hand and encourage her to dare to tackle the move that injured her. The confidence to take that risk was a critical part of her recovery. 


So this week, having found the positive things about not running, i.e. enjoying the here and now; I've been focussing on the future; on taking back control and getting a positive running-focussed mindset.  


My strategy is to start off with some easy risk free actions and move up from there SLOWLY - no frightening the horses. Here's what I've done since I last blogged:

• Deleted my old training schedule from my iPhone and calendars
• Done one hour of some kind of exercise every day - including physio, balance; upper body exercises and Pilates. 
• Practiced walking properly - very, very slowly
• Tried to drive - and stopped - ouch! even the thought of an emergency stop hurts
• Changed my thinking as I go down our stairs from re-living the ping to imaging I'm fixed and heading out for a nice long run
• Bought a mini bicycle machine to get those quads working until I can drive to the gym/pool and some new Pilates and workout DVDs 
• Got (and used!) a foam roller and compression tights
• Begun to think whether I want to risk running the Barcelona Marathon even if I am fit or wait until the autumn

Acting positive, even when I didn't really feel like it, really helped. I've gradually upped my risk taking, pushed the calf a bit, but not too much. I'm more in control and recovery is becoming an active thing, not just sitting on my bum (although I am doing a lot of that!).  


I'm surprised how tired I feel. Sometimes I focus on the loss of my Barcelona dream, of my fitness and those good running days stolen from me. Sometimes I'm sad; lost in the rough or abandoned in the sandpit as my running chums do a hole in one and are back in the Twitter clubhouse comparing notes. But that's neither use nor ornament as we say in Yorkshire and of course fine words butter no parsnips!


Recovery, just like running and any other challenge we set ourselves, is about mental strength, discipline and persistence. When I was dieting, I dealt with setbacks (eating the entire tub of ice cream; a nice bottle of Rioja) by just getting back onto the diet and not looking back. Usually I recovered my confidence, focus and drive to lose weight pretty quickly and easily. I need to do the same now for my running, but I don't have quite the control of the biological side of things!


The challenges of recovery are different for every one of us.  I'm a wimp. I need courage to take risks that might well make my injury a bit worse.  Other folk need the discipline not to run with an injury. I need to stop analysing how it all happened and focus on the future. Others need to spend longer learning from what went wrong before they look ahead. What is clear is that recovery is not easy for any of us, it tests us mentally and spiritually and so, like our damaged muscles, can make us stronger.


As I type, I have done my first set of very light calf raises and survived. That was really scary. I still can't walk very well or very far, but it will come.  Will I be able to make up over 2 months lost training and get fit to run a marathon in about 8 weeks when I can't even walk to the train station? Not sure yet, but whatever happens, all will sooner or later be fine.


This post is dedicated to everyone in recovery, whatever your challenge is. May you find the strength, courage, determination and wisdom to get through. And more than anything else, the hope and belief that you will get there.


Take care
Suex