My regular love-hate relationship with running is currently on a serious hate-level.
I still can't run. Wednesday's easy 3-miler brought the knee pain back out in full force. And it made me grumpy.
Seriously grumpy.
Running has been my 'thang' for the past three years and it's become as much a part of my life as eating, sleeping, wine and chocolates.
Moving to Brighton and making a new start, I always knew I'd have running to get me through those lonelier days. I scoped out a bunch of running clubs I was planning on checking out, hoping to make some new friends, and I knew I could always rely on running to make me snap out of a rut.
The fact that I'm currently not running at all has pretty much showed the proverbial middle finger to all the above and turned me (today at least) into a serious grump. Like so grumpy, that I'm even out-grumping G (famously known as grumpy G).
I've come to accept that I'll never be a super-speedy runner, that I'll never break any records, that I'll never win an age group. And that's ok. I like running for how it makes me feel, how it makes me look and for what it adds to my life. When I can actually run.
Without it, I'm feeling at a serious loss at the moment and am slowly but surely having to admit to myself that running Manchester in just over six weeks has become very unlikely.
I'm feeling pretty bleedin' angry too. Like how the heck did I get myself injured? I haven't over-trained, I didn't do anything stupid, I'm fit(-ish), healthy, look after myself. So it really, really, really pisses me off to be sidelined when I was hoping to achieve something so big (for myself at least) by the end of April.
So I'm afraid, I can't feel kindly towards the universe today. And on that note, I'm gonna go and feel sorry for myself a little longer. Then I'll head to the gym to see if I can at least get on a stationary bike pain-free and get my heart rate up for an hour or so...
Anyone fancy running Manchester marathon in guise of an early 30-ish woman called Jen? The bib's all yours.
Oh no. This sucks. I know right now that it feel like you'll never run again but you will, and you'll come back stronger.
ReplyDeleteIn January I had bad knee pain from ITBS. I had done everything right after Venice - I took a month off running after the marathon to recover and was planning a gradual return. But I couldn't even run 1 mile without the pain forcing me to stop.
Gradually though, I did get better and I think I'm stronger than ever. And you will too. It just takes time and patience.
Sending Team Rainbow healing vibes!
Laura.
Thanks Laura!!! I know, I just gotta stay positive and I'm sure I'll be back to running before too long! Go Team Rainbow! ;)
DeleteSad face :( All I can say is I hope the rest & relaxation (as frustrating as it may be) helps you recover fast.
ReplyDeletexx
Thanks, Leah!!! :)
DeleteI totally feel your pain, after six weeks sidelined with a hip injury, but I promise you will come out of the other side. Manchester might have to wait, but you'll come back stronger and a better runner than before- injury has a funny way of making you better when you return.
ReplyDeleteSending you healing wishes!
Sarah
Thanks so much, Sarah! I sure hope you're right. ;)
DeleteSorry to hear you're injured - will this picture of rainbow cake help to tempt your mojo back? http://www.incrediblethings.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/rainbow-cake1.jpg
ReplyDeleteBut seriously, I fall in and out of love with running all the time - it sucks but don't lose faith! Have a break to let your injury heal and hopefully your itchy feet will get restless and you'll be dying to run when you're ready again! xx
Yes. Amazing. Also, now I want cake!!!!
DeleteThank you, I know you're right, of course, but sometimes it can get tough to stay positive. But I know this too will pass. :)
I am so sorry you are still having pain. I wish I was there to push you in a stroller or carry you on my back across the finish line! (that visual has to bring a smile to your face...)
ReplyDeleteMaybe this is prepping you for the future and making you more mentally tough? Think positive. You are still able to be active and that is more than a lot of people! You will get back out there soon!
I'd go for the stroller option, thank you very much. You carrying me would just be cruel and unusual punishment! ;)
DeleteAnd thanks for the encouragement.
Poor you hun! I am so sorry to hear this. We need a catch up - call you tomorrow. Miss you xx
ReplyDeleteThanks!!! Good thing you moved, you'd be out a running buddy either way! ;)
DeleteHugs, Jen. Stupid injuries. (Grump) It sucks that you've come this far to have to not run Manchester ... but an Autumn marathon would be MUCH more fun! Sunshiny days to run on and ice cream to fuel you along Brighton runs! Much more fun :) Manchester would probably be rainy anyway...
ReplyDeleteThank you!!! It does suck and I am gutted about Manchester and I really don't think that it's any longer feasible. However, I might consider that autumn marathon idea. Ice cream, sunshine, summer training, it DOES sound that much better!!!! :D
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