Saturday morning

Saturday morning saw me out of the door at 8.00 am to meet Rhona.

Rather than running round the lake again, we ran along the footpath by the river, crossing over at the weir and then running back along the river on the other side.

It was a lovely morning, still a bit chilly but perfect for running.

Ever competitive, with a mile to go and a female jogger just in front of us, we put in a spurt and overtook her!

It was a good run and for the first time in ages, I actually enjoyed it!

Time: 38:09
Distance: 3+

Friday morning

I must be mad!

I set the alarm clock for 5.45 am and got up so I could get my run in before going to work.

I finish work at 4 o'clock so I could easily go then, it's just my willpower evaporates during the day and I find it extremely hard to get myself out there.

So, although it's hard getting up, at least the run is done and during the day I am entitled to feel very pleased with myself, lol.

This morning I again drove to the gym, parked up and then went for a run.

I chose a different route this morning, turning right out of the gym and cutting in at a pathway and crossing over the weir. Along the path and through the nature reserve back up to the gym. It was a very pretty run, I saw a couple of other joggers out but most of the time it was quite solitary and peaceful.

I didn't have very long to swim so just did a couple of lengths to stretch out and had five minutes in the jacuzzi - bliss.

Time: 30:31
Distance: 3 miles?

Wednesday morning

Set my alarm clock at 5.45 and managed to get myself out of bed. Gosh, the temptation to just reset the alarm and go back to sleep was enormous!

Had some breakfast and pottered about for an hour, waiting for the breakfast to go down I'm just not one of those people that can get up and then be out running within the next ten minutes or so, it takes me a lot longer to get going.

Although it was too early for the sun to be shining, I thought it would be warm so for the first time this year I put my shorts on! What a sight to be seen, wobbly cellulite pounding the roads!!

I was right though, it was warm, very warm.

I started off quite good, but for the last mile I slowed considerably. Still, never mind. That's another run under my belt.

Actually, I just looked back over previous runs, and I ran this a couple of minutes faster than last time, so that's cheered me up a bit!

Distance: 3.5 miles
Time: 34:16

Monday morning

I couldn't decide whether to run before work or swim? Or should I swim before work and run after work? Decisions..... decisions.....

In the end I decided to get up early, drive to the gym, park up and go for a run and then I am already there so I could follow it on with a swim!

It was a beautiful morning and with just that extra bit of time up before going out running, my body seemed much better to cope with it. I didn't go too far, about 3 miles I think. The first couple of miles seemed pretty easy but I must admit to struggling a bit for the last mile.

It was great to swim afterwards. I could feel the stretches and knew it was doing me good, easing my aching muscles. And it worked, because during the day my legs felt fine and no aching at all.

Distance: 3 miles?
Time: 31:17

I managed to get a couple of early morning swims in before work on Thursday and Friday.

Today, I met up with Rhona and we went out on our Saturday morning run. Rhona is recovering from a shoulder operation so she is feeling as dispirited as me. We both struggled round the lake but are filled with hope knowing that we have done it before, so the future is bright.

Time: 37:33
Distance: 3.5

OMG - has it really been 18 days since I last went for a run! No wonder it was so difficult!!!


Nothing at all to do with all the Easter Eggs and Chocolate I've been consuming!!


I've been really busy the last couple of weeks but that's not a good enough excuse really - I guess I've been putting off that first run back. Cos then, it's back to running regularly, isn't it?

So, excuses behind me, I got up this morning with the idea of doing some form of exercise. At first I had thought about swimming but as I was just putting off the inevitable I decided to don my running shoes and get out there!

It was hard, really hard. My hips seemed very stiff and my legs were buckling at the knees. I wasn't going fast enough to get out of breath so no struggling there, lol. I think I need to be out of bed a lot longer than 1/2 hour for my body to wake up, haha.

Distance: 2.5
Time: 24:19

Gosh, the run last night was exhausting! At the very start my hamstrings felt tight and so I knew it was going to be a tough one – I hung back from running with George as I seem to get carried away when I am with him. I thought that by taking it easy and not pushing it that it would be a comfortable run but I never seemed to get into my pace and I found it hard going all the way round.

Now that the clocks have gone forward by one hour it meant that Tuesday evening's run was in daylight – and what a joy that was! It was a lovely run, through the woods and down by the rowing lake and then back up through the woods – it’s just a shame I wasn’t able to enjoy it.

On reflection, I think that I have gone back to the running club too soon. I am always worried that I am pushing it too much and that I still may do some damage to my stomach. I try not to run hard but don’t seem to be able to stop myself from going off with my old running partners.

With that in mind, I have decided to give the running group a miss for the time being and just take things a bit easier on my own. I am still aiming to run 2-3 times a week, but limit myself to about ½ hour and gradually build up my strength and speed.

That’s the plan!

Time: 55:59
Distance: 5.8

Initially I had thought about doing my old 8 mile run on Saturday morning but after giving it a lot of thought I decided that it was probably a bit too soon to be covering that distance. I was disappointed but knew it wouldn't be too long before I would be able to run that far.

I set out from the Health Club with a route in mind, not exactly sure how far it would be. In fact, it is part of my 8 mile run as on that circuit I run past the Health Club probably just about over half way round the course. It was tempting to add on little loops ie round the rowing lake or up past the railway line to the bridge but I stuck to my planned run and just looked out for extra loops I could add on when I was a bit fitter.

I came in back round the big lake and, boy, was it windy! I was running head into the wind and it was real good when I turned up and had the wind behind me!

On getting back to the Health Club I got changed into my swimming gear and had a 15 min swim to stretch out my leg muscles. It seems to work as my legs don't seem to ache so much after having the swim.

Distance: 4+
Time: 49:05

Big turn out on Thursday at the running club and it was decided to do efforts. I thought it best to opt out as I think it is a bit too soon after my op.

Mandy and I decided to do a steady run and set off, along with everybody else but not joining in the efforts! After about 3 miles the main group turned off to run back a different way but Mandy and myself carried on. Just a bit further on we could see George and a couple of other runners, so speeding up slightly we eventually managed to catch them up. By now, I was warmed up and decided to push it for a bit longer, George came with me and the two of us pulled away from the others.

We stayed in front coming in a minute or so before Mandy, Alan and Sheelagh.

I'm not entirely sure it was sensible to be pushing myself like that, but I felt ok so went along with my body and how it was feeling.

I went home and had a nice warm bath to ease my leg muscles and slept very well that night!

Time: 53.42
Distance: 5+

Tuesday night saw me back up at the running club. The weather had been pretty poor all day and I had been giving it second thoughts but decided that it really didn't matter what the weather was doing.

As it happened it was a great night, the rain stayed away and although it was a bit cold, I soon got warm and discarded the running gloves a couple of miles into the run.

I had two new running companions, Mandy and Sharon. Mandy is training for the London Marathon and had run a half marathon at the weekend, so didn't want to push it too much and Sharon had had three weeks off with illness, so we were evenly paced.

It was a nice route, about 4'ish miles and a steady pace.

Time: 42:10
Distance: 4+

An early morning run - aahh, nothing quite like it!

The stillness, the peace, the sun rising, the birds twittering.... just me and my thoughts to keep me company.

Bliss.

Time: 33:03
Distance: 3.7

I went to the running club on Thursday evening and had a fab time... I had promised myself to take it easy and stick to the back runners but yes, you've guessed, I got a bit carried away and forged ahead!

It felt so good to be back there along with my running chums and there were a couple of new faces as well. We set off at a fair pace and I thought I would go with it for as long as I could and it was only the last 1/2 mile or so that I really began to feel the lack of fitness. I was also getting very hot and finished with quite a red face.

We ran about 5 miles I think which I am really pleased with. It wasn't a great time and I really felt every mile in my legs by the end but, all in all, a good evening's work.

Distance: 5
Time: 50:06

OK, so it's Monday now and I managed to get out for a run again. I went to the Health Club when I finished work at 4.00 pm and did the run that I did on Saturday but going the other way round.

It's so hard, starting again. My legs just don't feel like they have any strength in them, they are pounding away but with no push off. I guess it was like this before and I will get better again, I'm not going to get despondent, that won't get me anywhere, it's just time and patience and lots more runs........

After my run I went for a swim to stretch out, it feels so good. Next run on Thursday at the running club - I hope they babysit me and treat me carefully!

Time: 31:06
Distance 3?

After my run last week I suffered a bit with a sore stomach - I don't think it was due to the run but more to the coughing! I decided to play safe and leave the running until I felt a bit better and my cough had cleared up.

A week later.....

Feeling slightly better, well stomach not aching now but still coughing a little, I thought I had better have another run. I went to the Health Club and got changed there and went for a run from there. It was pretty much my usual run but just starting and ending at a different destination. The pathways were still flooded and there was a bit of wading! I did a loop which took my 30:48 so I'm guessing it is about 3 miles.

I then went into the Health Club and had a 20 minute swim. I love ending the run with a swim as I'm sure it is a really good stretching workout as I never seem to ache nowhere near as much after I have been swimming.

I feel I'm ready now to really get back into running. I'm trying for 3 times this week starting with tomorrow, Monday, again driving to the Health Club on my way home from work, doing the run from there and ending with a swim.

After running two consecutive days, I didn't have time to run again until today.

The weather was glorious, sunny and just a little breeze. However, I had not realised how much rain we had had in the past couple of days and some of the paths were flooded with water up to my ankles!

I waded through and carried on - it could have been worse!

I ran round the big lake and through the nature reserve. It was hard going, it is as if my legs have forgotten how to run! My stride length has completely shortened. I have had a bit of a chest and sore throat for a couple of days and, in ideal circumstances I wouldn't have run today, but I am so desperate to get back out there. I was Ok, just about managing to get round without puffing and wheezing. I've a lot of hard work ahead of me. My stomach muscles seemed to be alright, I could feel I had worked them but they weren't painful so I'm guessing everything is in order.

On looking as past times I am surprised to see that I wasn't that much slower than when I used to run this route. The difference being that I was cruising through in this time whereas today it was hard work!

Distance: 3.7
Time: 36.10

The run went well with no signs and symptoms of overdoing it. I had intended leaving it just 2-3 days and then go out again but I just didn’t seem to have the time! I did manage a couple of swims last week but that was about it.

Yesterday, I went for my longest run yet since the operation. It wasn’t very fast but it was an easy half hour on the treadmill at the gym followed by a short swim.

I really want to get back to running the distances I was running before but fear it is going to be a long slow struggle! It’s going to be difficult getting back and I have quite a few weeks of hard work before me but I am determined…. although not very patient!

I got up early this morning to get a run in before work – I must have chosen the darkest, windiest, rainiest day possible but by 7.00 am the wind had died down a bit and the sun had risen.

My legs were still a bit tired from yesterday's run and I guess I should have left it another day before going out again but, as I said before, I'm, not very patient and I am so keen to get back to my previous fitness.

It was hard work, especially towards the end, but it felt good being out on the roads again in the fresh air and running round the lake. This time it was the small lake, hopefully in a few weeks it will be the big lake...

Time: 22:32
Distance: 2.3

I’m back – yep, recovery time over!

When I went to the hospital for my check-up the consultant said it was still too soon to jog – was I disappointed! He said to wait until at least two months so…..it is now two months!!

I have been doing the odd swim and I was surprised how much I ached afterwards, it really is surprising how quickly you lose the fitness. How depressing (glum).

I also mentioned in my previous post that I had been on the treadmill a couple of times but decided to give it a break after speaking to the Consultant.

So, tonight was my first outing on the road…. I wore my elasticated girdle to give my stomach support and decided not to go too far or too fast. Lol, I needn’t have worried, I managed “a round the loop” where I live which was 15:27, probably just over 1 mile. It was okay, didn’t feel too out of breath and the pace was comfortable but, boy, I did get hot!

So, easy does it. I’ll have a couple of days rest to see if there are any repercussions and then take it from there.

Oh, it feels sooo good to be back!

Time: 15.27

Distance: 1+

Well, it's been so long since I was last here, lol.

My recovery period is coming to an end and it's back to work next week. I have an appointment at the hospital on Wednesday 31st Jan for a check-up - I'm pretty sure everything is as it should be - the scar line has healed up very nicely although there is still a certain amount of swelling in the abdomen still, which I guess is to be expected.

Haven't done any exercise since the operation and am very worried about getting back to fitness!

I went along to a new gym yesterday and signed up. My plan is to swim on a regular basis and to do some weight work - so hopefully getting more of a rounded form of exercise rather than just the running. I am definitely returning to the running club on Tuesdays and Thursdays and plan to run my long runs on Saturday mornings.

Whilst at the gym I had a little go on the Treadmill. I had planned to walk but wanted to see how it felt to be running so upped the speed for a slow jog - 12 min pace - and jogged a mile. My stomach felt fine but I was disappointed to note that my knees still felt a bit sore ! I had hoped with six weeks rest from running that they would be sufficiently recovered.

I then went along to the pool but only slowly swam one length as I could feel it pulling on my stomach. I think I shall wait until I have been to the hospital to see the Consultant next week before I begin my return to fitness in earnest.

Watch this space!

It feels sooo long since I have run.

The operation went well, I think. I still have a lot of swelling but I guess that is to be expected. The scar itself seems to be healing well, but the doctor had to perform a mini abdominoplasty to get the full effect so it turned into a bigger operation than I expected. It means running is out for the next few weeks!

In a way, it is a bit of a mixed blessing. My knees had really been hurting for the past few weeks and getting worse. My right knee in particular had looked kinda puffy and on googling my symptoms it seems I have "housemaid's knee" - something that can affect runners! The good news is that rest seems to be a good cure - something I'm getting plenty of.

So, I'm hoping to get back to running by the end of January.....

I have been so tired and exhausted over the last few days since my run on Sunday that I really wasn't up for running on Thursday. I felt a bit of a cheat as the weather was so bad, very windy and rainy that I wondered if I was just kidding myself or was I really worn out?

On reflection, I probably should have given Tuesday night a miss and gone along on Thursday but hindsight is a wonderful thing!!!

Anyway, with a few days of rest in my legs I went along to our Frostbite league run today. It was at March which is a little village about 45 minutes away. I took Rhona and George with me and met all the other club runners there. We just got there in time to see the Juniors come in - I must admit it brought a tear to my eye - they were so little (ages ranging from 9 - 15) and giving it all they had got. It made me feel very humble and, later on, when I came into the finishing straight I had those little ones in mind and pushed as hard as I could in honour of them.

The run itself was more like cross country - across fields and tracks churned up and making it very hard going. I had intended to "take it easy" today and was wanting to finish in about 45 mins. George and I had had a pre-race decision not to push it too hard but enjoy it.

We were right at the back of the mob when the hooter went and I went off in what I thought was a moderate pace - everyone else went off much faster! After a few hundred yards I decided that I needed to catch them up so put on a spurt and eventually caught them about 1 mile out. They asked where I had been and I said that I thought we were taking it easy!

I tucked in behind George and tried to stick with him. A few of our comrades dropped behind and about mile 3 I just couldn't keep with George - we were going across a very open track with the wind blowing across, it was very, very muddy and really quite hard going.

I always had him in my sights but the mud was just too much for me to cope with (along with the wind). I managed to pick off a few runners in front of me and, all in all, I really enjoyed the run. It was a real change from a road run and perhaps the child in me actually enjoyed stomping through the mud!

Although I did manage to finish in just under 45 minutes it was not as easy as I had anticipated - 45 minutes on a nice flat road run would have been great but this course meant that we had to work extra hard. Just before starting it had also been mentioned to me that my time might be needed for the team event - ohhhh, just a bit of pressure to run harder than I had anticipated....

As I have said, it was a team event and the first 10 from the running club counted - 2 of which had to be lady runners. On this occasion I am proud to say that I was the 2nd lady runner of our club - hooray for the more mature lady runner!

On that note, I bid you a good evening!

Time: 44:53
Distance: a very muddy 5 miles!