Back to running? Hopefully back to fitness?

Last year

Last year, my running was starting to really come on. I joined Ilkeston Running Club the year before last.  Although I found it hard I was enjoying the social side of running, and the health benefits.  I mean, I definitely would not be the next Sally Gunnell.  But I had brought my 5k down from 38 mins to 28.  I also completed my first official 10k.  All was looking great and so I entered a half marathon corporate challenge with work.

As a part of my training, I decided to do a summer fell run. I had previously discovered a love of cross country, and any running that was more off road; Mainly because I knew it is kinder on my joints (I have arthritis in my hips). Disaster struck! Somehow I managed to twist or hurt my ankle. A  deep channel had been left in the path, and I somehow misjudged it.  I had to have a couple of weeks rest and I was starting to panic about getting longer runs in.

I planned a run that would be approximately 6 miles that would end at a local park run. In total I would do 9 miles and then get a lift home.  5 miles in to the run and my foot was really painful. I knew I had to get to the park run for my lift so I carried on running; quite often such pains are niggles and I thought I might run it off.  Once at park run, for some unknown reason I decided that I may as well do it.  I did the whole thing.  I was really proud of myself for doing the long run.  Later I regretted it as my ankle bruised and swelled up.

Injuries

My colleagues at work suggested that I should get my foot checked out at the hospital.  The X-Ray came back as ok, no break. The hospital thought it was soft tissue damage. The hospital told me it would need 12 weeks to heal – it meant I had to pull out of the half marathon.  I still went along to support, but I had to go in the work pictures without being in my kit and without taking part (sad times).

Its been several months. I had attempted running a few times, but the foot still swelled and hurt so much I could hardly walk.  I finally decided to have physio and for the last month I have been having ultrasound treatment, and I have been doing strengthening stretches.

Back to Running!

Yesterday, the physio gave me the go ahead to try and run!!  So exciting!!

Chloe and I set off. Chloe was up for a run/walk session, but her sports bra wasn’t good enough; it was hurting her to run.  In the end I did 2 miles of run/walking – so not fast but I am just so happy to be off out and without foot pain.

I am not going to lie, my chest felt like it may explode.  If you have ever ran hard you will know what I mean when I say that I could almost taste blood – you just get this weird taste…..

Today my good foot (the non injured one) is slightly sore and feels a bit like I have shin splints, but that’s ok – I did a few hills so I am not really surprised.  Work are doing the 1/2 marathon corporate race again, I am not sure if I will manage to train up in time, but going to have a good go!

Found a couch to Half marathon running plan on the internet, so going to see how it goes – wish me luck!!!