Little did I know when I stepped out the door and took my first tentative steps at the tender age of 54 that running could become so addictive, nor how frustrating it can be when injury strikes and I'm unable to get my four times weekly fix. To paraphrase a quote on radio today, running in the great outdoors is my drug, my gym and my Church, so it's perfectly understandable why I'm currently experiencing withdrawal symptoms.
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| My drug, my gym and my Church |
Although the pulled hamstring seems to have resolved itself my Rt knee still aches slightly and isn't quite ready to start pounding the trails again just yet. Walking is no problem as proved on the island of Arran where we stravaiged many, many miles and scaled thousands of feet of rock, bog and heathery slopes. It's when I sit in the same position, for example when driving with my foot on the gas pedal, that it aches most. Various straight leg exercises, stepping forward down a small step then back up again, anti-inflammatories and massage with 'Green lipped mussel extract and Glucosamine' gel appear to be having the desired effect. Hopefully by next week I'll be pulling on the old trail shoes again and starting to build up the miles.
In the meantime, to maintain motivation, I'm dipping into a vast collection of running related books and watching the likes of Usain Bolt or Yohan Blake streaking across my television screen at speeds of around 44mph. This afternoon Mo Farah will be scorching around the streets of Newcastle in a two mile race while later in the day local Yorkshire lads Alistair Brownlee (World Champion Triathlete) and Andy Hodge (World Champion and Olympic Gold medallist in the coxless fours rowing team) will be gracing our TV screens. Tomorrow, I'll be glued to the set yet again, trying to spot one or two acquaintances competing in this years Great North Run, a ½ marathon of world-wide renown. This year it's predicted 54,000 runners will take part. If that lot doesn't inspire me to get out the door next week, then nothing will! Who says running isn't addictive?
Hi Old Running Fox! I didn't know that you started running at age 54. Very interesting fact! I started working out at age 39. I also am very addicted to my exercise. It really is the thrill of my life.<<not over-exaggerating at all. I hope you keep recuperating and are out running again soon!
ReplyDelete:-) Marion
Knee ache from driving sounds familiar - but I atribute it to keeping my foot off the gas to economise on fuel!
ReplyDeleteHi there, glad to hear you had a fine trip. The recovery sounds to be going well. I was interested in your description of your knee niggle though - it sounds exactly like a chronic problem that I've struggled to shake off over the summer. There seems to be a link with tightness in the hamstring and I was directed to this stretch by my physio:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wY98htXP0O4&feature=fvwr
Just in case it helps... Looking forward to seeing you racing in the autumn. Best wishes, RB.
Thanks for that Sarah, I'll add it to my list of exercises. I've been doing semi-squats with two 7½ Kg dumbells - which is a slight variation.
ReplyDeleteHamstrings... we've had a couple in the years gone by! I normally do a couple of strengthening exercises.
ReplyDeleteNow after years of jumping down mountains my knees also need warming up, and I've found that always having 'new' shoes on helps. (Running in 5-fingers is also good for knees)
So look after the body and get back on the road.
Hi,
ReplyDeleteHope you recover soon.
I was looking at the Lowther one and thought I might do it.
Thanks for your comment.
I have been finding your blog very inspiring.
Ethan
I know the feeling of longing to run! Hope that you are back to running again soon so that all the pieces are back in place.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you have had some good TV choices!
8:37 is pretty quick for 2 miles.
It's no fun being injured! Sending well wishes your way!
ReplyDelete