Thursday, January 13, 2011
Move Along People, Nothing To See Here...
... for the time being at least! I honestly expected that January's blog would be filled with reports of successful runs and gym sessions, regained fitness and derring do.
But no...
I have instead been battling the longest ever cold and the only thing running has been my nose! Just as I think it's cleared up, and manage a short run, back it comes again!! I did see my GP Tuesday, who advised that she thinks it is just a series of viral infections, so they can't give me anything for it. I know I'm not as badly off as the poor souls who are battling the flu and other nasties, but- I want to get out there and train!
I have now developed a lovely chesty phlegmy cough (having tea?) so am not impressed...
... maybe next week I'll get out for a run! On a more positive note my entry for the Belvoir Challenge has been confirmed on their website, I am also going to look for a 'county' marathon for February to work towards. I have a feeling the Belvoir Challenge may cover parts of Leicestershire and Lincolnshire, but it's one of my favourites.
But no...
I have instead been battling the longest ever cold and the only thing running has been my nose! Just as I think it's cleared up, and manage a short run, back it comes again!! I did see my GP Tuesday, who advised that she thinks it is just a series of viral infections, so they can't give me anything for it. I know I'm not as badly off as the poor souls who are battling the flu and other nasties, but- I want to get out there and train!
I have now developed a lovely chesty phlegmy cough (having tea?) so am not impressed...
... maybe next week I'll get out for a run! On a more positive note my entry for the Belvoir Challenge has been confirmed on their website, I am also going to look for a 'county' marathon for February to work towards. I have a feeling the Belvoir Challenge may cover parts of Leicestershire and Lincolnshire, but it's one of my favourites.
Labels: Belvoir Challenge, illness
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Another **** Setback!
Well, there certainly haven't been many adventures at all lately, and definately not much endurance...
In an effort to get back into the swing of things after a week long headache, I decided to go for a run last night.
Big mistake.
I set off down the road and my left knee started to twinge in exactly the same place it hurt on the last day of the MdS. Fine, I thought, I'll walk instead. So I did around 5 miles no problems... except for when I was nearly home and decided to run across the road.
It was agony! I staggered up the road, trying my best not to limp too obviously but every few steps I had to stop and try to stretch or massage my leg- I really thought I wasn't going to get home!
Then it just went off- it was really odd- I walked the rest of the way home no problems. I have been for a few short walks since, and have felt a slight twinge so there is obviously something wrong...
...Added to this the fact that I feel considerably below par again today so probably won't do anything today, and the two loops of the BRecons Ultra is looking more and more unlikely. B*gger!
I did have a nice encounter on my short walk the other night though- I was just leaving the houses of Netherfield behind when a badger started to walk across the road in front of me. He saw me and stopped. I stopped too and we just studied each other before he continued his way. I felt quite priveledged!
In an effort to get back into the swing of things after a week long headache, I decided to go for a run last night.
Big mistake.
I set off down the road and my left knee started to twinge in exactly the same place it hurt on the last day of the MdS. Fine, I thought, I'll walk instead. So I did around 5 miles no problems... except for when I was nearly home and decided to run across the road.
It was agony! I staggered up the road, trying my best not to limp too obviously but every few steps I had to stop and try to stretch or massage my leg- I really thought I wasn't going to get home!
Then it just went off- it was really odd- I walked the rest of the way home no problems. I have been for a few short walks since, and have felt a slight twinge so there is obviously something wrong...
...Added to this the fact that I feel considerably below par again today so probably won't do anything today, and the two loops of the BRecons Ultra is looking more and more unlikely. B*gger!
I did have a nice encounter on my short walk the other night though- I was just leaving the houses of Netherfield behind when a badger started to walk across the road in front of me. He saw me and stopped. I stopped too and we just studied each other before he continued his way. I felt quite priveledged!
Friday, May 08, 2009
Laying Low...
This is what I've been doing this week. Just laying low and doing nothing much at all to try to give the body a chance to recover. I really wasn't well over the weekend and haven't been to work this week- I have just felt wiped out, and have had loads of headaches- in fact this is the first morning I haven't woken up feeling as though I took a load of sleeping pills the night before.
Naturally any thoughts of training have taken a nose dive lately, although I have managed to walk to the local co-op once or twice! Unfortunately, my appetite deserted me temporarily at the weekend but soon made a reappearance- still at least the Easter chocolate is now gone, so no more temptation!!
I aim to try to start gently at the weekend-I feel flabby and out of condition, and after all those months of intensive training it's not a good feeling! Still- I guess I need to be patient as the last thing I want is to try to push myself and do a mischief!
So I think I will start with a little walk tomorrow- maybe around Ruddington Country Park as I am off to Loughborough to see a friend and it's on the way. But nothing too strenuous...
Naturally any thoughts of training have taken a nose dive lately, although I have managed to walk to the local co-op once or twice! Unfortunately, my appetite deserted me temporarily at the weekend but soon made a reappearance- still at least the Easter chocolate is now gone, so no more temptation!!
I aim to try to start gently at the weekend-I feel flabby and out of condition, and after all those months of intensive training it's not a good feeling! Still- I guess I need to be patient as the last thing I want is to try to push myself and do a mischief!
So I think I will start with a little walk tomorrow- maybe around Ruddington Country Park as I am off to Loughborough to see a friend and it's on the way. But nothing too strenuous...
Labels: illness, Ruddington Country Park
Saturday, May 02, 2009
Rough Week!
This week really hasn't gone too well. The pulled muscle injury is a little better but is taking an age to heal. The only way I've been able to sleep is propped up on pillows, and it still wakes me during the night. I really sympathise with anybody who's ever broken a rib, that must be far worse!!
I also developed a cough- which made things difficult as coughing was extremely painful! I still struggled into work everyday, and it has been a struggle as since Wednesday I have also felt like crap whole body aching, really tired, absolutely no energy... funnily enough I've been better in the morning than in the evenings, and have had no energy to do anything other than lie on my bed after work.
I went to my GP yesterday and he said almosr exactly what I expected him to say... yes I pulled an underam muscle- it's got to get better on its own- take painkillers and see him again if it's no better in two weeks, the cough and feeling crap he attributed to a virus ('virus' in GP speak I think means 'Well, we haven't really got a clue what it is and certainly aren't going to give you anything for it!)
It was the same GP who signed off my medical certificate, and he did then say that I had put my body under enormous strain during the MdS and it needs a good rest! He advised me to take it easy for the next month, and gently ease back into training, maybe doing stuff that 'mere mortals' (his words!) would do...
I know that makes sense! I saw the practice nurse who does ironmen when I came out his room and I was telling her about the MdS- she did say that the usual advice for resting after a marathon is one day for every mile- which makes for nearly a month (although experienced runners can get away with less) So- let's see... my first ultra... so that would mean no exercise until the first week in August!!
Seriously- I will give my body an easier ride this month, and then start to build up to the Robin Hood marathon from the beginning of June- got to be a bit sensible I guess, even though I do still have easter eggs left...
I also developed a cough- which made things difficult as coughing was extremely painful! I still struggled into work everyday, and it has been a struggle as since Wednesday I have also felt like crap whole body aching, really tired, absolutely no energy... funnily enough I've been better in the morning than in the evenings, and have had no energy to do anything other than lie on my bed after work.
I went to my GP yesterday and he said almosr exactly what I expected him to say... yes I pulled an underam muscle- it's got to get better on its own- take painkillers and see him again if it's no better in two weeks, the cough and feeling crap he attributed to a virus ('virus' in GP speak I think means 'Well, we haven't really got a clue what it is and certainly aren't going to give you anything for it!)
It was the same GP who signed off my medical certificate, and he did then say that I had put my body under enormous strain during the MdS and it needs a good rest! He advised me to take it easy for the next month, and gently ease back into training, maybe doing stuff that 'mere mortals' (his words!) would do...
I know that makes sense! I saw the practice nurse who does ironmen when I came out his room and I was telling her about the MdS- she did say that the usual advice for resting after a marathon is one day for every mile- which makes for nearly a month (although experienced runners can get away with less) So- let's see... my first ultra... so that would mean no exercise until the first week in August!!
Seriously- I will give my body an easier ride this month, and then start to build up to the Robin Hood marathon from the beginning of June- got to be a bit sensible I guess, even though I do still have easter eggs left...
Labels: illness, Injury, Robin Hood Marathon
Monday, January 26, 2009
Eight Weeks To Go...
... Yep, in just two months time, we will be flying out to Ouazazate to start the adventure!!!
So much to do, so much procrastination... not helped by the fact that my cold became the full-blown snotty and makes-you-feel-like-shite variety so I have lost three days training... and now it seems to be turning into a cough... great, like I have got time for this!
I also turned, ahem, 39 on Saturday- b*gger!
I have discovered that I will need jabs! Now I had some when I went to Peru, and although that was five years ago I am hoping that some will still cover me. I am going to have to ring my GP surgery tomorrow! Then there's the small matter of the GP certificate and ECG! No ECG, No MdS!!!
Then I just need to figure what I am sleeping in, wearing and eating!
I have some events lined up... this weekend is the 40 mile Town to Tring- London to the village of Tring. Only (sshhh) I haven't actually entered it. I am kind of gate crashing it...
We are having another weekend in Wales, those of us on the MdS forum, with the intention of doing back to back walks over fairly challenging terrain, should be a good laugh as well.
Just feel frustrated at doing nothing, especially as these are the final stages of the training!!
So much to do, so much procrastination... not helped by the fact that my cold became the full-blown snotty and makes-you-feel-like-shite variety so I have lost three days training... and now it seems to be turning into a cough... great, like I have got time for this!
I also turned, ahem, 39 on Saturday- b*gger!
I have discovered that I will need jabs! Now I had some when I went to Peru, and although that was five years ago I am hoping that some will still cover me. I am going to have to ring my GP surgery tomorrow! Then there's the small matter of the GP certificate and ECG! No ECG, No MdS!!!
Then I just need to figure what I am sleeping in, wearing and eating!
I have some events lined up... this weekend is the 40 mile Town to Tring- London to the village of Tring. Only (sshhh) I haven't actually entered it. I am kind of gate crashing it...
We are having another weekend in Wales, those of us on the MdS forum, with the intention of doing back to back walks over fairly challenging terrain, should be a good laugh as well.
Just feel frustrated at doing nothing, especially as these are the final stages of the training!!
Labels: illness, Jabs, MdS, Ouazazate
Monday, April 21, 2008
Endurance Adventures... The Site...
For some time I've threatened to create a site for all my runs/ treks/ adventures and what not, and it's finally here...
It is very self indulgent and is actually supposed to have a nice coloured background that appears to have gone awol, but hopefully it may inspire somebody and give some useful advice...
Today has been a total write off. I woke upthis morning with a pounding head, and threw up, so work was out of the question. Finally, I couldn't stand it any more, so pulled on some clothes and staggered down to the Post Office (living above shops does sometimes have its uses) for some emergency Nurofen. After a couple of those beauties and a sleep, I felt quite a lot better. I still feel slightly woozy so think an early night will be on the cards instead of the run I'd planned.
I did go out and walk 5 miles last night which makes for a total of 40 miles for last week, but won't get so much done this week as it's Katie's party Saturday, maybe a bit of an easier week will do me good.
Ah well, I am off to bed with my new book! Mark Hines' Marathon des Sables- 7 Days in the Sahara.
It is very self indulgent and is actually supposed to have a nice coloured background that appears to have gone awol, but hopefully it may inspire somebody and give some useful advice...
Today has been a total write off. I woke upthis morning with a pounding head, and threw up, so work was out of the question. Finally, I couldn't stand it any more, so pulled on some clothes and staggered down to the Post Office (living above shops does sometimes have its uses) for some emergency Nurofen. After a couple of those beauties and a sleep, I felt quite a lot better. I still feel slightly woozy so think an early night will be on the cards instead of the run I'd planned.
I did go out and walk 5 miles last night which makes for a total of 40 miles for last week, but won't get so much done this week as it's Katie's party Saturday, maybe a bit of an easier week will do me good.
Ah well, I am off to bed with my new book! Mark Hines' Marathon des Sables- 7 Days in the Sahara.
Labels: illness
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Still Feeling Rough...
Well, I have had a bit of a non week this week... I still felt as though I was coming down with a cold on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, and had taken the sensible precaution of doing no more than a 5 mile gentle walk...
....however, I couldn't just stick to that- oh, no... by Wednesday I was so fed up with not exercising that, despite having a sore throat, I went for an 8 1/2 mile run Wednesday night. In the drizzle.
The result- Thursday I woke up with a raging, full- on cold... snotty nose, head feeling like it's been put in a vice as all my sinuses were obviously blocked, feeling rough etc... so what did Einstein here do? Go to the gym Thursday night...
I knew it wasn't a good idea, but I think there is a tendency, if we're not careful, to become a little obsessed about keeping to our training schedules come what may- I feel really bad when I have to miss a gym session or a run or whatever as I think I will lose my fitness, but ut would make much more sense to rest and let my body recover from what it's obviously fighting...
Anyway, the upshot is that Friday, when I woke up, it took me about an hour to summon the strength to get out of bed and make a coffee. Going to work was not an option... I have taken it easy since (apart from a walk to the nearest town yesterday) I would have normally gone to the gym today but decided it may be a bad idea (that and the fact that my mate threatened to never speak to me again if I did) so I have just slobbed around and eaten far too much.
I am feeling quite a bit better though- just coughing a bit so hoping it's NOT going to my chest! I will hopefully be back on the training plan over the next few days.
Hope everybody else is managing to stay injury/ illness free!
....however, I couldn't just stick to that- oh, no... by Wednesday I was so fed up with not exercising that, despite having a sore throat, I went for an 8 1/2 mile run Wednesday night. In the drizzle.
The result- Thursday I woke up with a raging, full- on cold... snotty nose, head feeling like it's been put in a vice as all my sinuses were obviously blocked, feeling rough etc... so what did Einstein here do? Go to the gym Thursday night...
I knew it wasn't a good idea, but I think there is a tendency, if we're not careful, to become a little obsessed about keeping to our training schedules come what may- I feel really bad when I have to miss a gym session or a run or whatever as I think I will lose my fitness, but ut would make much more sense to rest and let my body recover from what it's obviously fighting...
Anyway, the upshot is that Friday, when I woke up, it took me about an hour to summon the strength to get out of bed and make a coffee. Going to work was not an option... I have taken it easy since (apart from a walk to the nearest town yesterday) I would have normally gone to the gym today but decided it may be a bad idea (that and the fact that my mate threatened to never speak to me again if I did) so I have just slobbed around and eaten far too much.
I am feeling quite a bit better though- just coughing a bit so hoping it's NOT going to my chest! I will hopefully be back on the training plan over the next few days.
Hope everybody else is managing to stay injury/ illness free!
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Feeling A Bit 'Bleurgh!'
Feeling rough today- I woke up with a sore throat, which has now gone off but have felt rough and 'achey' today so reckon I may be coming down with something.
Consequently I didn't go to the gym, and feel bad about doing no exercise today... but realistically, if I am coming down with a cold it's best to rest to try to ward it off... guess this training can be a bit obsessive!
I have mooched round Leicester with big sis and family, who were down for the weekend, but not felt like doing much else. We did go bowling yesterday, but it's not exactly on my training program!
Ah well, think I'll have a soak in the bath and call it a day!
Consequently I didn't go to the gym, and feel bad about doing no exercise today... but realistically, if I am coming down with a cold it's best to rest to try to ward it off... guess this training can be a bit obsessive!
I have mooched round Leicester with big sis and family, who were down for the weekend, but not felt like doing much else. We did go bowling yesterday, but it's not exactly on my training program!
Ah well, think I'll have a soak in the bath and call it a day!
Labels: illness
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Sick...
I'm not at work today, felt off all day yesterday and woke up with a headache and sick/ dizzy feeling. I rang my mum and told her, only to get the "Don't you think you're overdoing it? You are doing a lot of exercise... you are nearly 40 now you know..." Thanks mum, that makes me feel so much better!!
I have had quite an easy week after the long walk though; I went to the gym again Sunday and although I covered the usual 3 miles on the treadmill at 6.1 mph, 6.3 mph and 6.5 mph, plus usual weights and resistance work on the elliptical trainer, I didn't go overboard.
I am stiff still from Saturday though, as I had a riding lesson with my mum, who has recently started as she has always liked horses but never had proper lessons. We were only walking and trotting but she reckons I wore her out as she doesn't usually do that much trotting! It may seem as though the horse is doing most of the work, but doesn't half get the muscles you don't normally use! We are going on a day's hacking (riding out in the countryside) with older sis at the end of the month, probably won't be able to walk for a week afterwards!
I have also walked, plus ran my cross country route of 5 1/2 miles on Saturday. Total weekly mileage, running and walking, was about 16 miles, but the week before, it was around 45! I was going to go for a longer run tonight, but think I may put it off til tomorrow night now. I suppose I should just take it easy today... now I'm old!
I have had quite an easy week after the long walk though; I went to the gym again Sunday and although I covered the usual 3 miles on the treadmill at 6.1 mph, 6.3 mph and 6.5 mph, plus usual weights and resistance work on the elliptical trainer, I didn't go overboard.
I am stiff still from Saturday though, as I had a riding lesson with my mum, who has recently started as she has always liked horses but never had proper lessons. We were only walking and trotting but she reckons I wore her out as she doesn't usually do that much trotting! It may seem as though the horse is doing most of the work, but doesn't half get the muscles you don't normally use! We are going on a day's hacking (riding out in the countryside) with older sis at the end of the month, probably won't be able to walk for a week afterwards!
I have also walked, plus ran my cross country route of 5 1/2 miles on Saturday. Total weekly mileage, running and walking, was about 16 miles, but the week before, it was around 45! I was going to go for a longer run tonight, but think I may put it off til tomorrow night now. I suppose I should just take it easy today... now I'm old!
Labels: gym, horse riding, illness
