Last week I had the all clear from the physio to gently start running again, well run/walk that is. It was just as well because I had decided that I was probably OK to do this on Monday and so had done a short one already.
I still took it easy, running for three lamp posts and walking for one. I also unintentionally ran quite fast – hitting sub 8 minute mile pace each time I ran. This was really encouraging to me as it meant that the gym work and swimming had kept my fitness levels up.
I have to say that I didn’t find run/walking easy at all. I lost my rhythm and felt that getting started again was really hard work. Also lamp posts are just not even. Some are really close together and some are a long way apart. Why? Why not put them the same distance from each other?
Despite this I am really happy to say that there is no pain in my foot at all following both of the ‘proper’ runs which means (to me) that I am ready to get back into it. I just don’t know how to progress without going too fast and injuring myself again.
I also have to try to gain trust in my foot again. When I am concentrating on it I am sure that it hurts/twinges etc but when I am not it is fine. I went out with my son today and was focusing on him – not my foot thus it was all absolutely fine. I am sure that it is fine but the brain is a powerful thing!
Finally, I had a really great session in the gym this weekend with my Personal Trainer. A couple of weeks ago he introduced skater squats to me. These are one-legged squats where you try to get your knee as close to the floor as possible.
I surprised myself (and maybe my trainer too?) at how strong I have become. I really hope that I can now get on with the running side without any problems.nj