Posted on

Week Commencing 07/09/2020 update!

This week was all about trying to get back into some sort of running routine ready for my 30 week Jeffing Marathon plan start next Monday. 30 Weeks! I know to some of you that might seem like ages but in running / training weeks I know how quick those weeks can start to fly by and how much each and everyone of those weeks count.
It’s not been an easy week and even just running a couple of mile on two occasions down the trail, has felt like I’ve never run before. I really do not remember it being this hard at the very beginning.  In fact I kid you not the second run I did I felt like my lungs was going to explode and I am running the slowest I have ever ran! I think this is partly due to shoving my chest in a now too small sports bra 😂 so I’ve decided comfort is key and until those extra lbs start disappearing I’ve invested in a larger one, being delivered on Monday and i’m investing in a slightly larger pair of bottoms. I want to enjoy my runs. Main thing is, I got out, I started to take those steps and focused on being proud of what I had done this week rather than what I could do this time last year.
Tuesday saw me starting beginners Pilates. Using an UTube class with Adriana as quiet a few people had recommended her. I felt it really helped stretch my joints out and is something I plan to keep rotated in every week along side my other stretches daily.
There still some joint pain and occasional it feels like someone is twanging an elastic band down certain parts of my legs but it’s not stopping me moving forward, I won’t let it.
The Physio helped by reassuring me my running won’t damage my back or legs anymore it may be uncomfortable at times but it will help with my recovery.
My training plan is all done and I’ve started looking at some events that have started back up. Thinking some 5k and 10k ones to get me started, I’m a lot slower than I used to be and have never Jeffed at an official event but I know with time my confidence will come back and I know I’ve got to start getting back out there. At the end of the day if people want to judge my run / walk method then that is there problem not mine. I’ve also looked at some half’s and if I can fit them in with my training plan. I’m particularly looking forward to running with the Grim up North lot, they seem really friendly and welcoming.
I then came across this crazy idea of joining the 100th half Marathon Club! 😳. I knew the Marathon one existed but had never heard of the half challenge. I can’t exactly remember how I came across it, maybe it was fate? Who knows. I’ve always enjoyed the half marathon distance when I was training before so I’ve decided this is the one for me 😁. I know it’s no overnight challenge and to complete it by my 50th I’d need to do 10 Half Marathons a year on average, bit scary when put like that 😳. Something just draws me to this challenge, taking on different half’s feels exciting and like a journey, for me the races are not about PB’s it’s about getting out there, going different places.
If your thinking I like that idea check out there Facebook and Web page. You can’t register till you have 25 official ones but you can join the chats etc.
I have my spreadsheet already in place 2 down 98 to go 😁.
Today (Sunday) should have been the Great North Run 🙁. As sad as I am not to be doing it I know how much I’m going to enjoy it next year and how much stronger I’ll be by then. Unfortunately I never completed the GNR Solo, it just wasn’t meant to be and I am not going to beat myself up over it, but I am working my way through the legend challenge still of Lands End to John O groats, got some catching up but I’ve started moving along again this week that’s the main point.
With my 30 week training plan starting next week I’m going to flip back to blogging in my Jeffing Section feel free to follow. I’d love to hear from other jeffing members following same or similar plans as well so shout out if your plan is starting soon 😁.
Posted on

Returning back to getting out

I’m back off my jollies and feeling so much more motivated. Had plenty of time to think about my steps forward and reading lots of motivational things in my current read your pace or mine has really helped me view my running in a different light.

I did get Jealous of the gent I saw running past our window each morning off for a run along the sea front, last year that would have been have been me and Prestatyn sea front would have made a great place to run with its flat concrete walk way and amazing views. It really did make me want to put on my gear, shame I hadn’t packed it.

Returning home after 4 days of no medication, only slight twinges has given me the confidence I needed to get my butt back out. I do not think it’s the fear of getting out that has been stopping me (after the pain of course) but more like the fear of failing and being set back again. What I have realised is I’ll never know if I don’t try and sometimes its more about the journey to the finish line more than the race it’s self.

Posted on

Bloody Sciatica / damaged nerve endings :(

Meant to post this post pre holiday, last week, I have been keeping my thoughts on my phone with the intention of getting back into my blogging.
After 4 days on strong painkillers I’m feeling so much better, I can walk and bend without any sharp pains, there is still some discomfort but not enough to stop me getting back out and re strengthening my muscles.
So went just for a short and very steady 30:30 Jeff. I felt like someone was booting me in each butt cheek every time my foot struck the floor but I did it and felt so much better for getting out. Only a couple of miles but slow and steady will get me back out longer. Returned home and completed my stretches Sian from my sports massage had given me which also seemed to help. I plan to keep these going and hoping to progress to starting Yoga online, I have even treated myself to a Yoga mat.
Few days later I made the mistake of thinking I could cope without pain relief or the Amitriptalyne, within two days I was back to being in agony, I’ve never felt pain like it and plan to do everything possible to prevent it from returning.
So after a lengthy phone appointment with the physio, an exercise regime, a stern word to myself over taking my tablets including the amitriptalyn as it will aid recovery and relax my nerves. I’m doing as I’m told as frustrating as it is and a week later I can walk about, get out of bed and turn over with very little pain. I still have twinges and some burning sensations and walking up the stairs feels like I’ve ran my first long run 😭 ever, I had forgot how that felt lol.
My muscles really have gone to sleep on me. I know if I stop the medication I’ll be back in pain, I hate taking them but will continue for now. I’m trying to look forward not back. I have a long way to go to be back up and running the lengths I was and I think I’ve now accepted I need to start small again, I have to refocus on what I am doing not what I was doing. I’ve 2 months to get my fitness back till my marathon training plan starts. We’re away for the week next week so I’m going to try to do more walking whilst away and then when I return the plan is to get back out there, continue stretching and start those darn yoga classes I was going to start.
To re start my motivation I bought myself my diary inserts for next year so I could start planning my goals, bought the Great North Run leggings from Lucy Locket 🥰 another race I will get to the start line! I would share pictures but they wont load at moment so will try again later but can guarantee you will see me in them in September :).
I’ve loaded my kindle with motivational running books for my jollies and I’m even going to sit this evening and plan my training plan for my board 😁. I may have been down recently but it’s time to get back up and start putting that one foot in front of the other 💪.