Whatever exercise you do, at some point you'll probably pick up an injury.
I've been running on and off now for over 4 years and I think I've been relatively lucky as far as injuries go. But I've also been guilty of something I'm sure is really common - calling an injury a "niggle" and therefore carrying on, trying to "push through". Take it from me - it's never worked out well!
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I've been feeling tired for a very, very long time. And for a very, very long time when people have asked me how I am, my stock answers we "tired", "ok" or "fine, thanks". I'm not sure what it is about the changes I've made recently, but I feel an awful lot better (sounds like a juxtaposition when I put it like that)! My new reply is "pretty good actually, thanks". What are the changes I've made? 1. Healthier eating (less meat, less dairy, more fruit and veg). 2. Intermittent fasting (I.F.) following the 16:8 strategy. 3. Focussing on quality of training over quantity, and adding more variety (really pushing myself in shorter interval sessions, shorter "long runs", adding in cycling and swimming, yoga 5-7 times per week). This morning I woke up to a text message that we had suspected fraudulent activity on our credit card. I had ordered a "click and collect" delivery from a supermarket for this morning (between 8-9 a.m.), and whilst on the school run, they phoned to say they couldn't take payment and I needed to contact them urgently. Meanwhile the traffic chose today to be horrendous. And normally right now I would also be suffering from horrendous PMT and this whole situation would have sent me into meltdown. Not so today. I just dealt with it, step by step. Without crying or reaching for chocolate! I feel so much better, inside and out. I managed a quick run this afternoon, and wasn't sure whether my body would be impressed with me, but I managed a pretty good pace for me post-marathon and my "cardio fitness score" went back up on my FitBit. I won't lie... Since I injured myself 2 weeks ago, I've felt restless and grouchy. Sure, I've managed to walk the dog (hobbling!) and a few swims and bike rides, even a couple of weights sessions. But I've felt a gnawing anxiety at not being able to run, and the worry of the clock ticking. I'm not sure what made me think of it, but this week, on Wednesday, I decided to try yoga for the first time. YouTube was my friend here and I quickly discovered Yoga with Adriene. Adriene is a quirky and up-beat yoga instructor, from Austin, Texas (where my sister currently lives) and I am starting out with her "30 days of Yoga" programme. After only 5 days, I am feeling stronger, more peaceful and more flexible as well as noticing a rapid improvement in my injured ankle. I am hooked - I can see this as something I will do every day (or almost) from now on - it's gentle but powerful and just feels awesome! My muscles are already more defined and I am far less worried about what will happen when I am able to run again (hopefully in a week, if my improvement continues). THANK YOU ADRIENE!
I know, I know, it seems impossible after my blog only a few short days ago, but yes! I actually did a run that felt "fun"!
Strangely enough, I almost had to drag myself out, but having had my Tuesday run interrupted, I decided to add an impromptu few miles in yesterday. My plan was simple: put on "Zombies, Run!" and have a gentle jog around a just-over-3-mile circuit.
The situation with the zombies (or actually in this case, mind control) is getting critical, and I (Runner 5) was trapped in New Canton where everyone except me was mind controlled. Luckily, I had Sam Yao on comms who led me to safety (for now)...
Perhaps it was because I put no pressure on myself for pace or distance - I had planned my route before I left and I was only doing this for the miles. It was chilly, but I soon warmed up. The storyline distracted me. And my cardio fitness score went up to 41 on my FitBit #proud In the evening, I went for a not-quite-so-successful swim. I usually swim on a Friday (which I can't do this week) and the pool tends to be pretty empty. Not so on a Wednesday, it would seem. One lane being used for a 1-2-1 swimming lesson, the other lane was full and I was swimming in laps with some rather leisurely swimmers! That said, I swam for half an hour and I'm glad I went (got to try out my new cozzie!).
Distance: 3.4 miles
Time: 34m:11s Average pace: 10m:02s Fastest mile: 9m:50s Type of run: Easy (Zombies) Cardio fitness score: 41 |
AuthorSophie Archives
May 2018
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