Finally, I've got round to blogging again!
How time flies when you're having fun, or rather, you're too busy to sit and waffle on a blog site.
Life HAS been busy, work is manic, still enjoyable, but incredibly busy, and home life is busy too, not leaving much 'free time' to explore my new passion...
And that would by cycling!
My last post in August mentioned that I had gone over to 'the dark side' - swapped running for cycling.....and it's fab. Exercising sitting down? What's not to like?
It's a bit more restrictive weather wise, not so easy to go out when it's icy or pouring with rain...and that would NEVER have stopped me going out on two feet, but it's still fab.
Miles get covered so much quicker, and calories add up quicker, which, in terms of cake, means you have to eat so much more!! Win, win!
But, it hurts more when things go wrong.....
I was persuaded by the chappies in the bike shop, and all my testosterone-fuelled friends/family that the way to go is to have 'cleats' - clip-in shoes rather than just straps on my pedals.
So, apart from the window-screen wiper Chris bought me for Christmas ( I lie not!) I had a set of new pedals and shoes....was fitted up by Banjo's bike shop ( my new BFFs) and off I went......and I fell off.....big time....
Boy, it hurt.
I was on a lovely country road, going a reasonable pace, when my back tyre hit some mud and then I hit the deck....the bike skidded sideways underneath me. I must admit I did think I had broken both legs as I couldn't move from my knees down, but then I remembered that I was clipped in!
I had lovely black bruises to my right hip, thigh, knee, elbow, and an imprint of the handlebars on my chest.....but, when I let Chris know....he wanted to know if the bike was ok....
It's taken me two weeks to get back on my bike.....very stiff....and a little apprehensive...but I managed 20 miles over the weekend - and most importantly, I didn't fall off!
I really, really need to get some more miles under my belt as I have an event in 3 weeks (gulp) - my brother ( the nutter one) coerced me into an event with him...123 km - in one go....to be honest, I don't know if I can be arrished.
Arrished? I hear you ask?! Well....I'm learning Cumbrian as 'the lodger' is back. Not back as in 'back at ours', but back, as in back in Newbury.
And I have NO IDEA what he is saying half the time (most) so he has bought me a dictionary so I can at least try and understand him when he comes for tea every Wednesday!
He brings along his friend Vlad...who sounds very posh, so mealtimes are amusing to say the least.
And, I hear you ask - who is Vlad? Well - it's not his REAL name of course! It's just, well, he is very pale and blonde, and has this HUGE aversion to mornings or any daylight hours to be honest, and well, maybe I HAVE watched too much Dracula on Sky living......but.......it's My blog and I'm going to call him Vlad (The Impaler!).
Well, I've waffled enough, and time is going, and, well, I can't be arrished to do anymore....!!
Wednesday, 29 January 2014
Saturday, 10 August 2013
Insanity.....
My brother Tim is a nutter...I think I have mentioned it once or twice before in my blog, but he really, really, is quite insane.
No- one normal would cycle from London, to Edinburgh, and then back to London would they? I mean, we have cars, and buses, and choo- choos.... And no- one, ( no-one with their full quota of grey matter) would do it non- stop in 108 hours.
Well, the nutter did.
For fun.
I know I did some 'challenging' activities - but I don't think I was quite as insane as Tim - and if you really want to read more of his mental state, log on to his blog at
challengemenace.blogspot and read the section entitled LEL Adventure.
Anyways, hearing about his exploits has prompted me to think a bit more about cycling...so much so that I had to go buy a bike.
I have always felt that cycling was cheating ( well, you're sat down) and being a runner, cyclists were just a pain with their dinging ( not a swear word!) bells!
But..I've had to move across to the dark side...
I'm still havingphysio and acupuncture for my foot - it's a year exactly today that I did the Dodentocht race (100km through the night in Belgium) when all my foot problems started) and, unfortunately, the physio has advised me not to run anymore.
The more I do, the more backwards the healing process goes. To start with my foot felt fine, and I was sooooo glad to be out again, but the ache in my foot is becoming more and more prolonged after each run, and it's time to hang up the running shoes....
The physio I see is fab - James at Newbury Community Hospital - he's free ( as in money) and has a great sense of humour which is perfect for my 8.30am Monday morning slots. I've also had a couple of sessions with Mandy Barter ( who isn't free!) who works at the Natural Health Clinic - she is more holistic, and not only do you get acupuncture but a leg massage and dietary input - I am now off caffeine and wheat ( what that has to do with my foot I have no idea - but she was soo nice!!) and I feel tons better!
Any how's, James has been trying to find me a new sport....
Swimming? Ugh - kid soup, and wet!
Aqua - been there, was shown up by competitive 80 year olds, also wet, plus warm spots -?wee
Rowing?=wet
Kayaking? As above - wet
Canoeing -ugh - there is too much of a water theme going on......
Golf? Hmmm ....tried this. Had 2 lessons, wasn't too bad - nice instructor, went out ONCE with Chris, FIRST hole, nearly pushed club up a certain orifice of his so thought it probably wasn't a sport I should pursue....
And then James suggested cycling......
And then Tim cycled LEL....
And then my cousin Ade said ' I know a geezer who can get you a good deal on a bike....'
And then I heard you burn TONS of calories whilst cycling and you HAVE to keep eating..
It would be absolutely insane not to eh?
No- one normal would cycle from London, to Edinburgh, and then back to London would they? I mean, we have cars, and buses, and choo- choos.... And no- one, ( no-one with their full quota of grey matter) would do it non- stop in 108 hours.
Well, the nutter did.
For fun.
I know I did some 'challenging' activities - but I don't think I was quite as insane as Tim - and if you really want to read more of his mental state, log on to his blog at
challengemenace.blogspot and read the section entitled LEL Adventure.
Anyways, hearing about his exploits has prompted me to think a bit more about cycling...so much so that I had to go buy a bike.
I have always felt that cycling was cheating ( well, you're sat down) and being a runner, cyclists were just a pain with their dinging ( not a swear word!) bells!
But..I've had to move across to the dark side...
I'm still having
The more I do, the more backwards the healing process goes. To start with my foot felt fine, and I was sooooo glad to be out again, but the ache in my foot is becoming more and more prolonged after each run, and it's time to hang up the running shoes....
The physio I see is fab - James at Newbury Community Hospital - he's free ( as in money) and has a great sense of humour which is perfect for my 8.30am Monday morning slots. I've also had a couple of sessions with Mandy Barter ( who isn't free!) who works at the Natural Health Clinic - she is more holistic, and not only do you get acupuncture but a leg massage and dietary input - I am now off caffeine and wheat ( what that has to do with my foot I have no idea - but she was soo nice!!) and I feel tons better!
Any how's, James has been trying to find me a new sport....
Swimming? Ugh - kid soup, and wet!
Aqua - been there, was shown up by competitive 80 year olds, also wet, plus warm spots -?wee
Rowing?=wet
Kayaking? As above - wet
Canoeing -ugh - there is too much of a water theme going on......
Golf? Hmmm ....tried this. Had 2 lessons, wasn't too bad - nice instructor, went out ONCE with Chris, FIRST hole, nearly pushed club up a certain orifice of his so thought it probably wasn't a sport I should pursue....
And then James suggested cycling......
And then Tim cycled LEL....
And then my cousin Ade said ' I know a geezer who can get you a good deal on a bike....'
And then I heard you burn TONS of calories whilst cycling and you HAVE to keep eating..
It would be absolutely insane not to eh?
Sunday, 7 July 2013
Pins n needles........
The last post I published was back in February when I was bemoaning the fact that I was in a plaster cast on my foot for the foreseeable future!
Eight weeks stretched out in front of me, it was snowing, cold, I was in pain, and I was just plain miserable!
Well, some things have improved - the plaster has gone, the snow has melted, it's boiling hot today, and I'm never going to be completely pain free or happy but you can't have it all!!
The plaster cast did nothing! Absolutely zilch, nada, nowt! When I went back to have it removed my foot was still bruised, swollen and painful, and the subsequent MRI showed that nothing had changed from the previous August.......
The consultants answer was to leave it for another year, and by then it should be better, or to get a second opinion.....
Not being one to have much patience ( a year?!?! ) I had two second opinions - well, you have to make sure the second opinion is a good one - and they both came to the same conclusion within a matter of minutes....and, I'm now practically cured!
I apparently broke my foot, so much so that it clipped or trapped a nerve and caused neurogenic pain - and before you clever logs out there ask why it didn't show up on MRI??
There was a lot of bone which didn't show up as it was covered in fluid!
And the treatment? Acupuncture! Or pins and needles as I like to call it...
Being a nurse I see needles all day, every day - 'am I bothered?' - no - until they have to go into me....
Did I think acupuncture would work? No, not really, but I had tried EVERYTHING else and the pain was driving me insane.
I firstly went to see a private therapist, and was somewhat sceptical. She explained the science behind it, took my history, then showed me the needles - boy, are they BIG!! and then I went very dizzy and felt sick......
Anyways.....several treatments later, and the pain was under control, and then my GP discovered that their is a local physio who does orthopaedic acupuncture at the local hospital on the NHS - and to date I have tried two 6 mile runs and an 8 miler!
I've ached a little after, but it's my knees which have given me trouble not so much my foot, and strangely - I only needed to do those 3 runs to see if I still functioned!
I like going out for a walk with the dogs in the evenings, 2-3 miles seems enough, and I've joined a yoga class on a Monday - I just don't seem to have the 'urge' to go out and do an 85mile ultra marathon where I used to!
I'm still having acupuncture weekly, as I do still get niggly aches in my foot, and I guess part of me is wary of overdoing anything - and after ' enforced rest' from last August to June this year it's going to be hard changing my coffee stops ( but decaf now!!) for runs.
We'll see - the consultant might be right after all all - a year of rest - bah!!
Eight weeks stretched out in front of me, it was snowing, cold, I was in pain, and I was just plain miserable!
Well, some things have improved - the plaster has gone, the snow has melted, it's boiling hot today, and I'm never going to be completely pain free or happy but you can't have it all!!
The plaster cast did nothing! Absolutely zilch, nada, nowt! When I went back to have it removed my foot was still bruised, swollen and painful, and the subsequent MRI showed that nothing had changed from the previous August.......
The consultants answer was to leave it for another year, and by then it should be better, or to get a second opinion.....
Not being one to have much patience ( a year?!?! ) I had two second opinions - well, you have to make sure the second opinion is a good one - and they both came to the same conclusion within a matter of minutes....and, I'm now practically cured!
I apparently broke my foot, so much so that it clipped or trapped a nerve and caused neurogenic pain - and before you clever logs out there ask why it didn't show up on MRI??
There was a lot of bone which didn't show up as it was covered in fluid!
And the treatment? Acupuncture! Or pins and needles as I like to call it...
Being a nurse I see needles all day, every day - 'am I bothered?' - no - until they have to go into me....
Did I think acupuncture would work? No, not really, but I had tried EVERYTHING else and the pain was driving me insane.
I firstly went to see a private therapist, and was somewhat sceptical. She explained the science behind it, took my history, then showed me the needles - boy, are they BIG!! and then I went very dizzy and felt sick......
Anyways.....several treatments later, and the pain was under control, and then my GP discovered that their is a local physio who does orthopaedic acupuncture at the local hospital on the NHS - and to date I have tried two 6 mile runs and an 8 miler!
I've ached a little after, but it's my knees which have given me trouble not so much my foot, and strangely - I only needed to do those 3 runs to see if I still functioned!
I like going out for a walk with the dogs in the evenings, 2-3 miles seems enough, and I've joined a yoga class on a Monday - I just don't seem to have the 'urge' to go out and do an 85mile ultra marathon where I used to!
I'm still having acupuncture weekly, as I do still get niggly aches in my foot, and I guess part of me is wary of overdoing anything - and after ' enforced rest' from last August to June this year it's going to be hard changing my coffee stops ( but decaf now!!) for runs.
We'll see - the consultant might be right after all all - a year of rest - bah!!
Wednesday, 20 February 2013
Tedious.....
Having a cast on your leg makes everything rather tedious.... I'm one of these people, where, if something needs doing, I get up and do it - job done - but now I have to 'think' about doing something, explore the logistics, and....well.... quite frankly... it's tedious!
It's been a lesson in patience (something I will readily admit that I haven't much of!), its also been an eye opener to my perception of disability.
Part of me thinks "thank goodness I've only got X amount of weeks left"....and then another part of me thinks would I be more accepting and patient if I knew this was permanent - makes you think......
I also thought I was a strong person and that this "minor set-back" would have been a bit of a breeze.... but boy I've found it hard...
Every now and then I could have done with someone taking my hand and saying hey girl, it'll be alright... Oh I know it's not life threatening or anything...but to me it's a big deal.
Nobody has it easy, everyone has some issue or another in their life, and you never know what another person is going through. You need to remember to pause a while before you start judging, criticising or mocking someone, as everyone is fighting their own unique battle...and this has been my battle!
I have people tell me this injury is 'self-inflicted'...or 'your own fault'.....and I'm constantly asked "are you going to stop running/jogging/walking?"
I do exercise because I LOVE it and because its my therapy - it's cheaper than a therapist and isn't illegal, immoral or fattening!
However much I love my job...it gets to me day after day after day of listening to people's problems, of counselling, of discussing bad news, poor prognosis, bereavement, abuse, domestic violence, loneliness....... running or walking is an escape from this - a chance to 'zone out' and 'run away' - a bit of 'me time'...
Running releases 'endorphins' - the bodies natural pain killers, the 'happy hormones' - I've not done anything since last August - and I'm almost on empty!!
So, my friends, whilst you may think that me prattling on about not being able to do anything is tedious, it's a big deal to me so there!
It's been a lesson in patience (something I will readily admit that I haven't much of!), its also been an eye opener to my perception of disability.
Part of me thinks "thank goodness I've only got X amount of weeks left"....and then another part of me thinks would I be more accepting and patient if I knew this was permanent - makes you think......
I also thought I was a strong person and that this "minor set-back" would have been a bit of a breeze.... but boy I've found it hard...
Every now and then I could have done with someone taking my hand and saying hey girl, it'll be alright... Oh I know it's not life threatening or anything...but to me it's a big deal.
Nobody has it easy, everyone has some issue or another in their life, and you never know what another person is going through. You need to remember to pause a while before you start judging, criticising or mocking someone, as everyone is fighting their own unique battle...and this has been my battle!
I have people tell me this injury is 'self-inflicted'...or 'your own fault'.....and I'm constantly asked "are you going to stop running/jogging/walking?"
I do exercise because I LOVE it and because its my therapy - it's cheaper than a therapist and isn't illegal, immoral or fattening!
However much I love my job...it gets to me day after day after day of listening to people's problems, of counselling, of discussing bad news, poor prognosis, bereavement, abuse, domestic violence, loneliness....... running or walking is an escape from this - a chance to 'zone out' and 'run away' - a bit of 'me time'...
Running releases 'endorphins' - the bodies natural pain killers, the 'happy hormones' - I've not done anything since last August - and I'm almost on empty!!
So, my friends, whilst you may think that me prattling on about not being able to do anything is tedious, it's a big deal to me so there!
Friday, 18 January 2013
Patient... no patience!
I have had a plaster cast on for 2 days and it is driving me nuts!!!
How anyone can balance on two wobbly sticks when their centre of gravity has been compromised is beyond me....mind you, balancing is beyond me with two flat feet most times!!
I have had another MRI scan.... and despite me doing everything I was told, this fluid that has been accumulating around the joints in my foot and getting into the 'soft tissue' has got no better - at all.
The consultant is unsure why, numerous blood tests haven't revealed anything, and I'm baffled... My trainers have cobwebs on them from lack of use... my gym membership has been cancelled.... the last time I ran a race was in August last year - just when my English Athletics number came through meaning I can carry on competing - typical!!
So..... I'm in plaster for 6-8 weeks restricting ANY load going through my foot to see if THAT works....
Fine for my foot, not for my mentality (or Chris' if you listen to him go on and on....!!)
I have HUGE admiration for people with limited mobility, as this requires a lot of patience, and I was right at the end of the queue when it was dished out!
Chris keeps telling me how well he did when he was in plaster - hmmmmm...the benefit of those rose tinted glasses... I just remember having to sell my car for an automatic so that he could get to work.. and me doing everything at home as normal anyway - doh!!
So... I've checked with DVLA and my insurers and I can use said automatic and will get back to work on Monday - at least if I can do paperwork I will be away from the persuasions of 'Jeremy Kyle' and the 'Loose Women'.. and won't be persuaded to buy a 'House under the Hammer'.......
And on the subject of no patience......
SNOW?? With crutches?? Argh !!!!
How anyone can balance on two wobbly sticks when their centre of gravity has been compromised is beyond me....mind you, balancing is beyond me with two flat feet most times!!
I have had another MRI scan.... and despite me doing everything I was told, this fluid that has been accumulating around the joints in my foot and getting into the 'soft tissue' has got no better - at all.
The consultant is unsure why, numerous blood tests haven't revealed anything, and I'm baffled... My trainers have cobwebs on them from lack of use... my gym membership has been cancelled.... the last time I ran a race was in August last year - just when my English Athletics number came through meaning I can carry on competing - typical!!
So..... I'm in plaster for 6-8 weeks restricting ANY load going through my foot to see if THAT works....
Fine for my foot, not for my mentality (or Chris' if you listen to him go on and on....!!)
I have HUGE admiration for people with limited mobility, as this requires a lot of patience, and I was right at the end of the queue when it was dished out!
Chris keeps telling me how well he did when he was in plaster - hmmmmm...the benefit of those rose tinted glasses... I just remember having to sell my car for an automatic so that he could get to work.. and me doing everything at home as normal anyway - doh!!
So... I've checked with DVLA and my insurers and I can use said automatic and will get back to work on Monday - at least if I can do paperwork I will be away from the persuasions of 'Jeremy Kyle' and the 'Loose Women'.. and won't be persuaded to buy a 'House under the Hammer'.......
And on the subject of no patience......
SNOW?? With crutches?? Argh !!!!
Saturday, 8 December 2012
Oofa!
My niece and nephew Jack and Josey, have, by marriage, Arabic relatives.... which meant that the odd Arabic word crept into conversation. The best ( and only ) one I can remember is oofa .
Oofa describes a pain. A lump, a bump, a cut, a scrape, a bruise, a break, basically something that hurts.
And the point to why I am telling you this?? Well, it's because I have an Oofa!!
I'm a little tired of telling everyone that my foot STILL hurts.. That it's painful... I've decided to tell people I have an oofa - much better!!
So, my oofa.... even though I have done as I've been told (that is incredible in itself and worthy of a pause and some consideration........ok....resume reading) my oofa isn't improving. I have spent FOUR months resting it, no long distance walking, no running, no gym, I massage it with ice gel, I take my anti-inflammatories and....nothing is happening!!
AND... 'Wind-up Wendy', our receptionist at work had the audacity to suggest I may be becoming grumpy through lack of exercise......bah!
So, the latest is, my GP has referred me back to my consultant, as she too agrees that after FOUR months my oofa should be getting better.....and she wants me well enough to walk her dog Lily next holidays...!!
So... In the meantime.... me and my oofa are to sit on the sofa and eat chocolate .... How can that make me grumpy?!?!?
Oofa describes a pain. A lump, a bump, a cut, a scrape, a bruise, a break, basically something that hurts.
And the point to why I am telling you this?? Well, it's because I have an Oofa!!
I'm a little tired of telling everyone that my foot STILL hurts.. That it's painful... I've decided to tell people I have an oofa - much better!!
So, my oofa.... even though I have done as I've been told (that is incredible in itself and worthy of a pause and some consideration........ok....resume reading) my oofa isn't improving. I have spent FOUR months resting it, no long distance walking, no running, no gym, I massage it with ice gel, I take my anti-inflammatories and....nothing is happening!!
AND... 'Wind-up Wendy', our receptionist at work had the audacity to suggest I may be becoming grumpy through lack of exercise......bah!
So, the latest is, my GP has referred me back to my consultant, as she too agrees that after FOUR months my oofa should be getting better.....and she wants me well enough to walk her dog Lily next holidays...!!
So... In the meantime.... me and my oofa are to sit on the sofa and eat chocolate .... How can that make me grumpy?!?!?
Wednesday, 24 October 2012
Bikes and Butts..
I just don't know how my brother Tim (aka Homer Simpson) does it... I spent 30 minutes and 6.5 miles on a bike at the gym and it was mind- numbingly, butt- numbingly gruesome!!
Tim cycles miles and miles and miles, for hours and hours and hours at a time..... yes, he has to rub cream in to his nether regions ( interestingly called 'nu butt'!!).... but, honestly, I can't quite see the appeal.
( You can read about his adventures/exploits/torture at http://challengemenace.blogspot.com.)
But, according to my consultant, this is just about the only exercise I can do at the moment :-(
After a 3rd opinion I've finally found out what's wrong with the old foot! After 6 weeks of rest it was getting no better, so my GP referred me to an orthopaedic consultant in a specialist foot and ankle clinic..... one MRI scan later and I had my answer....
I have an 'overload syndrome/reaction' which has caused a build up of 'lots' of fluid around the middle and lateral cuneiform bones and the talonavicular and posterior subtalar joints..... basically, too much high impact exercise = too much fluid around the joints= pain and swelling= need to rest big time= arghhhh!!!
The treatment is rest, and hopefully the fluid will disperse and reabsorb....I asked the consultant (who was absolutely gorgeous by the way!!) if they could aspirate, but apparently there is too much, in too many pockets.....
..and anti- inflammatories... and I have to regularly ice my foot.... which is a bit of a bugger really (sorry Mom for the language, no other word adequately expresses the right feeling...)coz I HATE the cold....
But worst (or worse??) of all, is having someone ( even if he was gorgeous) dictate my exercise regime..... Only cycling :-( or swimming :-( :-( or static weights until at least after Christmas "and then we'll see.." Bah!
Swimming is, well, wet..... and, well, there's not a lot else to say about cycling......I gave body pump a go last night and did most of the class, I had to miss lunges as there was a lot of jumping about, but I managed the rest, but didn't feel it was 'cardio' enough....so..... roll on Christmas!! It's only about 60 odd sleeps!!
Tim cycles miles and miles and miles, for hours and hours and hours at a time..... yes, he has to rub cream in to his nether regions ( interestingly called 'nu butt'!!).... but, honestly, I can't quite see the appeal.
( You can read about his adventures/exploits/torture at http://challengemenace.blogspot.com.)
But, according to my consultant, this is just about the only exercise I can do at the moment :-(
After a 3rd opinion I've finally found out what's wrong with the old foot! After 6 weeks of rest it was getting no better, so my GP referred me to an orthopaedic consultant in a specialist foot and ankle clinic..... one MRI scan later and I had my answer....
I have an 'overload syndrome/reaction' which has caused a build up of 'lots' of fluid around the middle and lateral cuneiform bones and the talonavicular and posterior subtalar joints..... basically, too much high impact exercise = too much fluid around the joints= pain and swelling= need to rest big time= arghhhh!!!
The treatment is rest, and hopefully the fluid will disperse and reabsorb....I asked the consultant (who was absolutely gorgeous by the way!!) if they could aspirate, but apparently there is too much, in too many pockets.....
..and anti- inflammatories... and I have to regularly ice my foot.... which is a bit of a bugger really (sorry Mom for the language, no other word adequately expresses the right feeling...)coz I HATE the cold....
But worst (or worse??) of all, is having someone ( even if he was gorgeous) dictate my exercise regime..... Only cycling :-( or swimming :-( :-( or static weights until at least after Christmas "and then we'll see.." Bah!
Swimming is, well, wet..... and, well, there's not a lot else to say about cycling......I gave body pump a go last night and did most of the class, I had to miss lunges as there was a lot of jumping about, but I managed the rest, but didn't feel it was 'cardio' enough....so..... roll on Christmas!! It's only about 60 odd sleeps!!
Wednesday, 26 September 2012
Tears and tissues.........
The title isn't 'tears' as in crying but tears as in 'ripped' - just in case you thought I'd gone all soft....mind you - it could possibly mean tears of frustration as my left foot is still giving me gyp!
After two xrays which didn't show anything, a second GP had a look, and thinks I have some tiny tears in the plantar tissue which runs along the bottom of the foot, literally from heel to the start of the toe, and he feels that this is my problem....as the tissue is the same as ligament/tendon, its going to take a 'long while to heal'...which = REST, which I have done (honestly..cross-my-heart) for the last month, and it's no better...in fact today...there were real tears as I think it's worse :-(
The GP said 1 in 10 athletes (Yay..he thinks I'm an athlete..not a nutter like the last GP!!)will suffer from this as some point, due to 'high impact'...and this plantar tissue is, in effect, my 'shock absorber', taking, when I'm running, all my body weight at full force, typically 90 times a minute - OUCH!!
He has recommended no impact sport - so no running, no body attack, but has said I CAN walk on a treadmill as there is some 'give', no pavement walking, only soft surfaces such as grass or grassy track, no inclines whatsoever - in fact, he recommended changing sport completely for a while to swimming......
I used to love swimming....but in the winter I find it cold..and very wet!! I don't mind the sea, and body boarding or surfing as that is a challenge....but length after length in a pool I find very mind numbing...and there are usually lots of children..it's just kid soup!
So, this morning, I took myself and my gammy foot to the gym to see how we would do on the treadmill...on a fairly low speed (7.6) with no incline....and I managed 5 minutes.......
It felt like I was walking on broken glass...normal day to day walking makes my foot ache, but putting the speed up - 'pounding' somewhat....and I couldn't do it...and I didn't know whether to sit down, fall down or have a melt-down.........
I think I felt that after doing EVERY thing I had been told to do, IE rest, etc etc, and come back slowly, that everything would be OK..and it wasn't......and firstly, it's extremely frustrating...but secondly, it's a bit scary, because that's what I do, and I don't know WHAT else to do!
So, I packed up, came home and had a good think, and tried to put into perspective that it is only an injury, and that it may take a little longer to heal..and then I thought some more.....and thought that my therapy for 'thinking things through' was exercise...so that's when I needed the 'tissues' of the title.......
Feeling sorry for oneself isn't a good thing...so I did start to think how lucky I was in the grand scheme of things...yes, this will take time, but yes, it will get better...yes, I may have to re-think an exercise plan for the next few weeks, but I haven't got to change my life permanently, for example like some of the paralympians had to,following their life changing experiences......but, it is still difficult.
I'm not good with pain, I'm even worse with painkillers.....and it's difficult with a husband who tells you to 'get over it' - but I see the Roses tins of chocolates are back in Tescos for £4...so maybe that could be my new therapy.....it's got to be better than tears and tissues...........
After two xrays which didn't show anything, a second GP had a look, and thinks I have some tiny tears in the plantar tissue which runs along the bottom of the foot, literally from heel to the start of the toe, and he feels that this is my problem....as the tissue is the same as ligament/tendon, its going to take a 'long while to heal'...which = REST, which I have done (honestly..cross-my-heart) for the last month, and it's no better...in fact today...there were real tears as I think it's worse :-(
The GP said 1 in 10 athletes (Yay..he thinks I'm an athlete..not a nutter like the last GP!!)will suffer from this as some point, due to 'high impact'...and this plantar tissue is, in effect, my 'shock absorber', taking, when I'm running, all my body weight at full force, typically 90 times a minute - OUCH!!
He has recommended no impact sport - so no running, no body attack, but has said I CAN walk on a treadmill as there is some 'give', no pavement walking, only soft surfaces such as grass or grassy track, no inclines whatsoever - in fact, he recommended changing sport completely for a while to swimming......
I used to love swimming....but in the winter I find it cold..and very wet!! I don't mind the sea, and body boarding or surfing as that is a challenge....but length after length in a pool I find very mind numbing...and there are usually lots of children..it's just kid soup!
So, this morning, I took myself and my gammy foot to the gym to see how we would do on the treadmill...on a fairly low speed (7.6) with no incline....and I managed 5 minutes.......
It felt like I was walking on broken glass...normal day to day walking makes my foot ache, but putting the speed up - 'pounding' somewhat....and I couldn't do it...and I didn't know whether to sit down, fall down or have a melt-down.........
I think I felt that after doing EVERY thing I had been told to do, IE rest, etc etc, and come back slowly, that everything would be OK..and it wasn't......and firstly, it's extremely frustrating...but secondly, it's a bit scary, because that's what I do, and I don't know WHAT else to do!
So, I packed up, came home and had a good think, and tried to put into perspective that it is only an injury, and that it may take a little longer to heal..and then I thought some more.....and thought that my therapy for 'thinking things through' was exercise...so that's when I needed the 'tissues' of the title.......
Feeling sorry for oneself isn't a good thing...so I did start to think how lucky I was in the grand scheme of things...yes, this will take time, but yes, it will get better...yes, I may have to re-think an exercise plan for the next few weeks, but I haven't got to change my life permanently, for example like some of the paralympians had to,following their life changing experiences......but, it is still difficult.
I'm not good with pain, I'm even worse with painkillers.....and it's difficult with a husband who tells you to 'get over it' - but I see the Roses tins of chocolates are back in Tescos for £4...so maybe that could be my new therapy.....it's got to be better than tears and tissues...........
Sunday, 16 September 2012
Disappointed.....
For the first time EVER I have had to pull out of a race due to injury, and I'm soooo disappointed......
Unfortunately the old feet aren't recovering as well, or as quickly, as I would like.... and the next person who tells me that it's my age will be kicked - or would be if I COULD kick!!
My right foot is perfect, I've done the right things as per GP instruction - no exercise, splints, elevation, analgesia, but my left foot just isn't playing ball - literally!
It aches around the ankle joint and across the top part of the foot, and as there is absolutely nothing to see I don't get much sympathy from the members in my family!
I had a phone call from the secretary of Surrey Walking Club on Monday, asking if I would like to represent them in Colchester this Saturday, as I'm now a member, and it was horrible having to say 'no'..... normally I run aches and pains out....and admittedly I did try walking the dogs yesterday to see how it felt....I did half a mile, all I could manage, which was a bit rubbish really!!
And I'm beginning to feel a little ( not a lot!!) bit sorry for Chris as not exercising makes me feel soooooo cranky, tired and bad-tempered.... Poor Chris... he's a little disappointed too!
Unfortunately the old feet aren't recovering as well, or as quickly, as I would like.... and the next person who tells me that it's my age will be kicked - or would be if I COULD kick!!
My right foot is perfect, I've done the right things as per GP instruction - no exercise, splints, elevation, analgesia, but my left foot just isn't playing ball - literally!
It aches around the ankle joint and across the top part of the foot, and as there is absolutely nothing to see I don't get much sympathy from the members in my family!
I had a phone call from the secretary of Surrey Walking Club on Monday, asking if I would like to represent them in Colchester this Saturday, as I'm now a member, and it was horrible having to say 'no'..... normally I run aches and pains out....and admittedly I did try walking the dogs yesterday to see how it felt....I did half a mile, all I could manage, which was a bit rubbish really!!
And I'm beginning to feel a little ( not a lot!!) bit sorry for Chris as not exercising makes me feel soooooo cranky, tired and bad-tempered.... Poor Chris... he's a little disappointed too!
Tuesday, 4 September 2012
R&R
I find sitting still really, really hard..... It's just not in my nature! And lovely as this cottage is.....with peaceful gardens, bubbling stream , tranquil summer house..... I'm a fidget!!
I want to run....and run, and run!
There are so many footpaths around here, tracks, trails, roads, fields..... just begging to be explored.
Unfortunately...my feet still ache, my ankles burn... and whereas I would normally run a few aches and niggles off...I know that this time I need to heed the GPs words of wisdom (even if she did call me a nutter...) but it's hard! I can feel myself becoming very irritable and getting 'twitchy' .....and I haven't even had a week of rest yet!!
What makes it worse.... is that I a had an email off Sandra Brown on Saturday....who? I hear you ask....well, let me explain!!
Sandra Brown is the chairperson of the Centurions...and friend of my 'new best friend Jim'!
She had heard that I couldn't compete in the Colchester Centurions in September due to not having an English athletics (Jim and I had spent 27.1 miles talking about this!!) number.......and, short story, she wanted to propose that I joined Surrey Athletics Club under her proposal, with Jim sponsoring me....giving me a place to do the Centurions on 22nd September!!
Oh darn it!!
Talk about timing.....
Firstly I was annoyed that I couldn't do the race (not that I would have done a 100 miles before anyone gasps - I would have done what I could, gone for the experience etc etc) so I booked a marathon for that day instead...
And secondly I now have 'poorly' feet.......pants!
Oh darn it!!
So my feet are getting some R&R but my head is spinning!
I want to run....and run, and run!
There are so many footpaths around here, tracks, trails, roads, fields..... just begging to be explored.
Unfortunately...my feet still ache, my ankles burn... and whereas I would normally run a few aches and niggles off...I know that this time I need to heed the GPs words of wisdom (even if she did call me a nutter...) but it's hard! I can feel myself becoming very irritable and getting 'twitchy' .....and I haven't even had a week of rest yet!!
What makes it worse.... is that I a had an email off Sandra Brown on Saturday....who? I hear you ask....well, let me explain!!
Sandra Brown is the chairperson of the Centurions...and friend of my 'new best friend Jim'!
She had heard that I couldn't compete in the Colchester Centurions in September due to not having an English athletics (Jim and I had spent 27.1 miles talking about this!!) number.......and, short story, she wanted to propose that I joined Surrey Athletics Club under her proposal, with Jim sponsoring me....giving me a place to do the Centurions on 22nd September!!
Oh darn it!!
Talk about timing.....
Firstly I was annoyed that I couldn't do the race (not that I would have done a 100 miles before anyone gasps - I would have done what I could, gone for the experience etc etc) so I booked a marathon for that day instead...
And secondly I now have 'poorly' feet.......pants!
Oh darn it!!
So my feet are getting some R&R but my head is spinning!
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| Trendy black elastic ankle support -perfect in the 20c sunshine! |
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| Tranquil Waterfall Cottage garden |
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| Waterfall Cottage, Burley, New Forest. |
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| Feet elevated (on rope swing!!!) |
Thursday, 30 August 2012
Doctor's orders......
Well......it finally got to the stage where I just had to suck it up, and admit that I need to rest my feet......
They were brilliant after my marathon yesterday.....no blisters, all toe nails present and correct...even my hip didn't ache....but this morning the ankles were throbbing, and by teatime an appointment was made with the GP as I didn't really like flexing them anymore!
They ached a bit after the Dodentocht...and I was a bit concerned I had a march fracture,so I did the right thing, had an xray, ate a packet of nurofen, used an ice-pack, rested for a day, and felt brilliant so did a marathon!!
The GP called me a nutter - not sure that is a medical diagnosis (she wasn't a psychiatrist!!) - and told me that this time I had REALLY got to rest my feet, for AT LEAST a week without doing anything as I have tendonitis....and then I was allowed gentle exercise......and 'maybe could try' my marathon at the end of September 'if I really had to??'.....I have elastic supports on my ankle.....and 30mg codeine tablets to take four times a day interspersed with paracetamol...mmmm lovely!!
And exercise is good for you!!
Actually, its the sitting still that is going to kill me.....it makes me go stir crazy........but it will make Chris crazier.....but, Doctor's orders.......!
They were brilliant after my marathon yesterday.....no blisters, all toe nails present and correct...even my hip didn't ache....but this morning the ankles were throbbing, and by teatime an appointment was made with the GP as I didn't really like flexing them anymore!
They ached a bit after the Dodentocht...and I was a bit concerned I had a march fracture,so I did the right thing, had an xray, ate a packet of nurofen, used an ice-pack, rested for a day, and felt brilliant so did a marathon!!
The GP called me a nutter - not sure that is a medical diagnosis (she wasn't a psychiatrist!!) - and told me that this time I had REALLY got to rest my feet, for AT LEAST a week without doing anything as I have tendonitis....and then I was allowed gentle exercise......and 'maybe could try' my marathon at the end of September 'if I really had to??'.....I have elastic supports on my ankle.....and 30mg codeine tablets to take four times a day interspersed with paracetamol...mmmm lovely!!
And exercise is good for you!!
Actually, its the sitting still that is going to kill me.....it makes me go stir crazy........but it will make Chris crazier.....but, Doctor's orders.......!
Wednesday, 29 August 2012
Mud, mud, glorious mud!
The weather forecast for today was a bit grim..... and being an eternal pessimist ( or optimist with experience!!) I was expecting more than grim......
I wasn't expecting torrential rain, sideways rain, flooding, gale force winds - grim yes, but not grim grim!!
Today was the Shipton Star Marathon on/around/across Salisbury Plain, dodging soldiers, tanks and bullets whilst doing 26 miles. Last year it was a scorcher - this year, my main concern ( other than said soldiers, tanks and bullets) was hypothermia and drowning!!
The weather was APPALLING!! And, unfortunately, as the Plain is chalk and clay, once it rained, it turned into a wet, slippery, boggy mess!
Halfway through the organisers changed the route as it was deemed 'too unsafe' to complete the original route. There was a 20% gradient hill which they didn't firstly want us climbing (read sliding) up or secondly slipping down...... Spoilsports!
By halfway (13 miles) everyone except me and my 'new best friend' Jim had retired!
We came to the conclusion that this had cost us £2 to enter and we were going to darn well finish it!!
Jim's wife was recovering from a broken ankle, so he was a 'lone walker' like myself... looking for a 'wing man' so he gave me that honour.....
He was a 70 year old ex Merchant Navy chap, and was great company for the 26 miles!!
Although we didn't actually do 26 miles - we did more!! My family will tell you that I can't read a map (at all!!) and Cap'n Jim doesn't really know 'L' from 'R' ...some of the Plain looked very familiar, I'm convinced we did it twice, my Garmin watch, unfortunately didn't give us the route, just the mileage, and we clocked up 27.1 miles!!
And they wouldn't give us a bigger badge for doing more...... Mind you..... what can you expect for £2!!!
So......two finishers only for this years Shipton Star......a wet, muddy, cold one, but finished nonetheless!!
I wasn't expecting torrential rain, sideways rain, flooding, gale force winds - grim yes, but not grim grim!!
Today was the Shipton Star Marathon on/around/across Salisbury Plain, dodging soldiers, tanks and bullets whilst doing 26 miles. Last year it was a scorcher - this year, my main concern ( other than said soldiers, tanks and bullets) was hypothermia and drowning!!
The weather was APPALLING!! And, unfortunately, as the Plain is chalk and clay, once it rained, it turned into a wet, slippery, boggy mess!
Halfway through the organisers changed the route as it was deemed 'too unsafe' to complete the original route. There was a 20% gradient hill which they didn't firstly want us climbing (read sliding) up or secondly slipping down...... Spoilsports!
By halfway (13 miles) everyone except me and my 'new best friend' Jim had retired!
We came to the conclusion that this had cost us £2 to enter and we were going to darn well finish it!!
Jim's wife was recovering from a broken ankle, so he was a 'lone walker' like myself... looking for a 'wing man' so he gave me that honour.....
He was a 70 year old ex Merchant Navy chap, and was great company for the 26 miles!!
Although we didn't actually do 26 miles - we did more!! My family will tell you that I can't read a map (at all!!) and Cap'n Jim doesn't really know 'L' from 'R' ...some of the Plain looked very familiar, I'm convinced we did it twice, my Garmin watch, unfortunately didn't give us the route, just the mileage, and we clocked up 27.1 miles!!
And they wouldn't give us a bigger badge for doing more...... Mind you..... what can you expect for £2!!!
So......two finishers only for this years Shipton Star......a wet, muddy, cold one, but finished nonetheless!!
Sunday, 19 August 2012
A little bit more......
After last weekends 'epic' adventure I really thought I should rest up for a bit......slow down...prepare the body for the next onslaught....but as it happens, I always feel the need to do a little bit more!
The feet are good, I still have 10 toenails (admittedly held down with at least 4 layers of nail varnish!!) the osteopath was very impressed with my left hip, she was expecting the hip flexor muscle not to be flexing, so Tuesday it was back to the gym!!
OK, OK, I cried off from doing Body Attack....I had a very dodgy stomach from eating ibuprofen like smarties whilst doing the Dodentocht, and didn't really fancy a ruptured stomach ulcer from doing 100 star jumps, so I had a swim for a change....and that was lovely as the last time I swam I must have been about 12....(well, that's how small my costume felt....!)
But swimming's not quite the same.....for a start it's wet, it's also cold...I mean, they TELL you the water is 27C...yeah right...I don't reckon they ever actually sit in it to see if it really is....it's more like the lottery, lets pull a number out......hmmmm....today its.......24!....no wonder kids pee in it, just adding a little hot water thank you very much.....!
Anyways....Saturday morning was back to 'proper' exercise! A jolly along the canal to Hungerford from Kintbury with the work girls as we are preparing for the Test Valley (26 miles) in October.....I'm also preparing for my marathon on the 29th August!!
I walked with Laura and we had a great pace to Cobbs Farm, where we met up with the others for a toasted teacake and the loo's and then back again - clocking up 9.5miles.
Then it was home to collect the dogs and a quick 'Newbury loop' to add another 3.5 miles so that I could say I had done a 'half marathon'!
We have an extra dog staying with us at the moment - a lovely black and white springer spaniel called Lily. She belongs to my colleague Katie and we have her for the next fortnight!
She already thinks she owns the place - preferring to sleep on the leather couch rather than her basket....and she prefers malt loaf with real butter than dog biscuits (I don't blame her!!).
Poor Golda - our retriever- looks at Mali, and then Lily, and I'm sure she thinks she is seeing double as we used to only have one!!
But it's great exercise...hanging on to 3 dog leads...just think of my arm muscles...I could always do with a little bit more!
The feet are good, I still have 10 toenails (admittedly held down with at least 4 layers of nail varnish!!) the osteopath was very impressed with my left hip, she was expecting the hip flexor muscle not to be flexing, so Tuesday it was back to the gym!!
OK, OK, I cried off from doing Body Attack....I had a very dodgy stomach from eating ibuprofen like smarties whilst doing the Dodentocht, and didn't really fancy a ruptured stomach ulcer from doing 100 star jumps, so I had a swim for a change....and that was lovely as the last time I swam I must have been about 12....(well, that's how small my costume felt....!)
But swimming's not quite the same.....for a start it's wet, it's also cold...I mean, they TELL you the water is 27C...yeah right...I don't reckon they ever actually sit in it to see if it really is....it's more like the lottery, lets pull a number out......hmmmm....today its.......24!....no wonder kids pee in it, just adding a little hot water thank you very much.....!
Anyways....Saturday morning was back to 'proper' exercise! A jolly along the canal to Hungerford from Kintbury with the work girls as we are preparing for the Test Valley (26 miles) in October.....I'm also preparing for my marathon on the 29th August!!
I walked with Laura and we had a great pace to Cobbs Farm, where we met up with the others for a toasted teacake and the loo's and then back again - clocking up 9.5miles.
Then it was home to collect the dogs and a quick 'Newbury loop' to add another 3.5 miles so that I could say I had done a 'half marathon'!
We have an extra dog staying with us at the moment - a lovely black and white springer spaniel called Lily. She belongs to my colleague Katie and we have her for the next fortnight!
She already thinks she owns the place - preferring to sleep on the leather couch rather than her basket....and she prefers malt loaf with real butter than dog biscuits (I don't blame her!!).
Poor Golda - our retriever- looks at Mali, and then Lily, and I'm sure she thinks she is seeing double as we used to only have one!!
But it's great exercise...hanging on to 3 dog leads...just think of my arm muscles...I could always do with a little bit more!
Sunday, 12 August 2012
Wow!
WOW!
What a challenge the Dodentocht was - but I'm pleased to say I am the other side of it...and it was THE BEST challenge I have ever done, despite all the nerves/apprehension etc about doing it on my own!
We arrived in the town of Bornem, near Antwerp at lunchtime and I literally walked straight into the registration tent set up in the church square to collect my timing chip and map, instructions in case of accident or death (??!!) and then it was a wait until 9pm to start.
The whole town comes out to support this yearly event, the pubs and cafes are heaving with well-wishers, as well as the 10,000 people who have turned up to take part - and this is what suprised me...the website instructions and the booklet stress that it is 'a challenging event'..not 'for the faint-hearted'...and that you need ' a good level of fitness' - well! I could not believe the beer some of the participants were putting away!! The event is sponsored by Duvel and Palm breweries....but I didn't think the competition was to see how much you could take on board!
The course actually took us through the site of the Duvel factory, and the halfway point was at the Palm brewery......the smell of fermentation was nauseating to say the least!!
So yes, it was THE BEST challenge I have ever done, but it was also the toughest. I have done further mileage before, but a 100km over the terrain we did was hard. The first 5km is around the town of Bornem....you follow a procession of 2 coffins down the high street, remembering the deaths of POW from the death camps during the 2nd World War, hence the name 'Death March',and then you head out of town into the countryside, following a march route that said prisoners would have taken to one of the death camps.
The route takes you through fields and woods and along dykes and riverbanks...and being at night it was pitch black dark....very few walkers had torches. I had a head torch...and it was amazing, when I turned mine on through a particularly dark patch ie the woods, I'd suddenly have 20 other people crammed behind me to see where they were going!! Every so many kilometres you would come across a little village and the locals would be sitting in their gardens (even at 2am!!) waving you on and clapping, shouting at you in Flemish (no idea!!) the village children ran alongside wanting to 'high five' everyone - it was awesome! The village churchbells start ringing as the first participant goes through, and continue until the last one leaves, again as a mark of respect to the dead...utterly amazing.
And then there are the check points where your chip is electronically scanned so they can see exactly where you are at all times, or if you have fallen at the way side!
These check points were incredible! Other races I've done...you get given water, or squash, Mr Kipling cake, dry biscuits and a cup of tea if you're lucky! These were every 5-7 km - Duvel and Palm lager were offered at every one (and boy were they chugging it down!!), tea and coffee, water, coke, at the first point it was sponsored by a sports drink company so you get a bottle of that, with the lid ready taken off for you, and a custard tartlet - in a napkin...a napkin!! The next checkpoints offered hot soup (in bowls!!), salami rolls, I could of had spaghetti bolognese at 50km, danish pastries, lemon cake, the breakfast stop was hard boiled eggs and tomatoes with salt.....and the last checkpoint at 94km had a party atmosphere going on, a disco had been set up, complete with the beer tent, the food tables, and again the locals were clapping and cheering everyone who passed through!
The last 6km were hard, it was along the riverbank, back into Bornem, on concrete, which isn't very forgiving on your feet, and it was scorching hot..no shade at all...but what made it special was that the route was lined with people clapping and cheering you on - I have no idea what they were saying but they were smiling so surely that's a good sign??!!
And then, the sign that said 500km...Chris was waiting for me so I handed him my rucksack (boy was I glad to get rid of that!!) and then it was a walk up the high street with hundreds of people either side behind bollards clapping and cheering (embarassing, I thought I'd trip up or something!!), and then a hug from the organisor in the tent to say 'good ya?', and give me my medal (really cool medal!!), a certificate, and a huge wrapped cake...and she asked if I was going to do it next year.........!
Next year...9th August if anyone is interested?!! It is something I would do again, it's tough, this morning my hip aches, but my feet are absolutely fine, no blisters and toe nails present and correct!
But, it's hard doing it on your own, particularly when you don't speak the local language. All of the signs were in Flemish (French I would have been fine, but Flemish??) and the map was in Flemish.
I found 2 English runners, both blokes, who told me that this was their 4th time...that it was tough but apparently easier than childbirth...I found them curled up on the floor at 75 km and came in before them...and the only other English people were 3 soldiers from the British Army (what is it with soldiers I felt old enough to be their mom?!) They were moaning how tough it was, and were thinking of quitting at the half way point - which an awful lot of the participants did - I blame the beer!!
So, if anyone wants to join me??
On a serious note though (because I can be!) it did make me think of those poor prisoners of war. I was doing this for pleasure (?!) under controlled conditions, with a full belly and a decent pair of asics trail shoes - to be half starved, scared witlesss and at someone elses mercy doesn't bear thinking about - but at least they are remembered here, if only for 24 hours.
What a challenge the Dodentocht was - but I'm pleased to say I am the other side of it...and it was THE BEST challenge I have ever done, despite all the nerves/apprehension etc about doing it on my own!
We arrived in the town of Bornem, near Antwerp at lunchtime and I literally walked straight into the registration tent set up in the church square to collect my timing chip and map, instructions in case of accident or death (??!!) and then it was a wait until 9pm to start.
The whole town comes out to support this yearly event, the pubs and cafes are heaving with well-wishers, as well as the 10,000 people who have turned up to take part - and this is what suprised me...the website instructions and the booklet stress that it is 'a challenging event'..not 'for the faint-hearted'...and that you need ' a good level of fitness' - well! I could not believe the beer some of the participants were putting away!! The event is sponsored by Duvel and Palm breweries....but I didn't think the competition was to see how much you could take on board!
The course actually took us through the site of the Duvel factory, and the halfway point was at the Palm brewery......the smell of fermentation was nauseating to say the least!!
So yes, it was THE BEST challenge I have ever done, but it was also the toughest. I have done further mileage before, but a 100km over the terrain we did was hard. The first 5km is around the town of Bornem....you follow a procession of 2 coffins down the high street, remembering the deaths of POW from the death camps during the 2nd World War, hence the name 'Death March',and then you head out of town into the countryside, following a march route that said prisoners would have taken to one of the death camps.
The route takes you through fields and woods and along dykes and riverbanks...and being at night it was pitch black dark....very few walkers had torches. I had a head torch...and it was amazing, when I turned mine on through a particularly dark patch ie the woods, I'd suddenly have 20 other people crammed behind me to see where they were going!! Every so many kilometres you would come across a little village and the locals would be sitting in their gardens (even at 2am!!) waving you on and clapping, shouting at you in Flemish (no idea!!) the village children ran alongside wanting to 'high five' everyone - it was awesome! The village churchbells start ringing as the first participant goes through, and continue until the last one leaves, again as a mark of respect to the dead...utterly amazing.
And then there are the check points where your chip is electronically scanned so they can see exactly where you are at all times, or if you have fallen at the way side!
These check points were incredible! Other races I've done...you get given water, or squash, Mr Kipling cake, dry biscuits and a cup of tea if you're lucky! These were every 5-7 km - Duvel and Palm lager were offered at every one (and boy were they chugging it down!!), tea and coffee, water, coke, at the first point it was sponsored by a sports drink company so you get a bottle of that, with the lid ready taken off for you, and a custard tartlet - in a napkin...a napkin!! The next checkpoints offered hot soup (in bowls!!), salami rolls, I could of had spaghetti bolognese at 50km, danish pastries, lemon cake, the breakfast stop was hard boiled eggs and tomatoes with salt.....and the last checkpoint at 94km had a party atmosphere going on, a disco had been set up, complete with the beer tent, the food tables, and again the locals were clapping and cheering everyone who passed through!
The last 6km were hard, it was along the riverbank, back into Bornem, on concrete, which isn't very forgiving on your feet, and it was scorching hot..no shade at all...but what made it special was that the route was lined with people clapping and cheering you on - I have no idea what they were saying but they were smiling so surely that's a good sign??!!
And then, the sign that said 500km...Chris was waiting for me so I handed him my rucksack (boy was I glad to get rid of that!!) and then it was a walk up the high street with hundreds of people either side behind bollards clapping and cheering (embarassing, I thought I'd trip up or something!!), and then a hug from the organisor in the tent to say 'good ya?', and give me my medal (really cool medal!!), a certificate, and a huge wrapped cake...and she asked if I was going to do it next year.........!
Next year...9th August if anyone is interested?!! It is something I would do again, it's tough, this morning my hip aches, but my feet are absolutely fine, no blisters and toe nails present and correct!
But, it's hard doing it on your own, particularly when you don't speak the local language. All of the signs were in Flemish (French I would have been fine, but Flemish??) and the map was in Flemish.
I found 2 English runners, both blokes, who told me that this was their 4th time...that it was tough but apparently easier than childbirth...I found them curled up on the floor at 75 km and came in before them...and the only other English people were 3 soldiers from the British Army (what is it with soldiers I felt old enough to be their mom?!) They were moaning how tough it was, and were thinking of quitting at the half way point - which an awful lot of the participants did - I blame the beer!!
So, if anyone wants to join me??
On a serious note though (because I can be!) it did make me think of those poor prisoners of war. I was doing this for pleasure (?!) under controlled conditions, with a full belly and a decent pair of asics trail shoes - to be half starved, scared witlesss and at someone elses mercy doesn't bear thinking about - but at least they are remembered here, if only for 24 hours.
Thursday, 9 August 2012
Butterflies!
I didn't think I would get to blog again before we headed out to Belgium tomorrow morning, but I am sat at the computer - meant to be catching up on some paperwork, and I thought I would have a sneaky look at the Dodentocht website...
Ugh...have I now got butterflies! I often get 'twitchy' before a race, and just want to 'get going', but this has got me twitchy big time.....it doesn't help having Chris tell me 'we don't have to rush...you don't have to be there til so and such.....' OH YES I DO!! I won't be settled until I have my chip attached to my shoe, seen the starting point and found the toilets....in fact I won't be settled until I have the first 10 miles under my belt...and then I just might relax!
Hopefully the osteopath may help a bit at lunchtime today as I'm booked in for a massage with her - as typically, after Body Attack on Tuesday evening my hip seized up again. It was a different programme, very quick with hundreds of star jumps and both Lisa and I felt really sick after the first 3 tracks...mind you, she had just had a roast pork dinner, and I'd scoffed a packet of skittles in the car!! but it was tough..and I can still feel it.....so a deep massage is in order ;-)
I've also been contemplating my next move this morning.... I need the next race to look forward to....as you know I always need a challenge lined up otherwise I'll very easily stop!
I was going to do the Colchester Centurions with SS at the end of September...but as she has pointed out to me I can't participate in that as I don't have a UK athletics number whereas she does. Apparently, under new rules, you can only enter one Centurions as an 'unattached' ie not belonging to an athletics club, any further entries made and you have to have an athletics number......and as I don't belong to a club, other than the LDWA which they don't recognise, and I entered last year,I've had to withdraw...funnily though, when I spoke to the organiser and asked them to cancel my application and send my cheque back...they hadn't noticed ,
and said I would have got away with it this year....bah! far too honest!
So....I've trawled the Internet...and have not one...but three marathons lined up!!
Wed 29th August is around Salisbury Plain, September 22nd is the Cotswold Challenge and in October I'm going to do the Test Valley with work Colleagues.......I'm worn out just thinking about it - talk about butterflies!!
Ugh...have I now got butterflies! I often get 'twitchy' before a race, and just want to 'get going', but this has got me twitchy big time.....it doesn't help having Chris tell me 'we don't have to rush...you don't have to be there til so and such.....' OH YES I DO!! I won't be settled until I have my chip attached to my shoe, seen the starting point and found the toilets....in fact I won't be settled until I have the first 10 miles under my belt...and then I just might relax!
Hopefully the osteopath may help a bit at lunchtime today as I'm booked in for a massage with her - as typically, after Body Attack on Tuesday evening my hip seized up again. It was a different programme, very quick with hundreds of star jumps and both Lisa and I felt really sick after the first 3 tracks...mind you, she had just had a roast pork dinner, and I'd scoffed a packet of skittles in the car!! but it was tough..and I can still feel it.....so a deep massage is in order ;-)
I've also been contemplating my next move this morning.... I need the next race to look forward to....as you know I always need a challenge lined up otherwise I'll very easily stop!
I was going to do the Colchester Centurions with SS at the end of September...but as she has pointed out to me I can't participate in that as I don't have a UK athletics number whereas she does. Apparently, under new rules, you can only enter one Centurions as an 'unattached' ie not belonging to an athletics club, any further entries made and you have to have an athletics number......and as I don't belong to a club, other than the LDWA which they don't recognise, and I entered last year,I've had to withdraw...funnily though, when I spoke to the organiser and asked them to cancel my application and send my cheque back...they hadn't noticed ,
and said I would have got away with it this year....bah! far too honest!
So....I've trawled the Internet...and have not one...but three marathons lined up!!
Wed 29th August is around Salisbury Plain, September 22nd is the Cotswold Challenge and in October I'm going to do the Test Valley with work Colleagues.......I'm worn out just thinking about it - talk about butterflies!!
Tuesday, 7 August 2012
Final countdown.......
Three days and 4 hours.........tick tock!
That's all the time I have left to stuff myself silly with carbs!!
This is the part of the training that I like best, where I get to eat all the foods which I'm normally telling my family or patients NOT to eat......scrummy!
Actually, that's a bit of a lie (not the telling the family/patient bit but the liking bit)...as I do actually like my training...I love being out walking, (or running as I tend to do more of now I have a dodgy hip)or in the gym...its very therapeutic zoning out and great therapy (cheaper than a shrink!) and because I'm not paying cash in hand as such (ok,ok I did just buy some new trainers..) it's a relatively cheap therapy...
To be perfectly honest...and before you think I'm a nut job....I don't really NEED therapy...I think I'm one of the few people that I know who actually LIKES their job....but everyone needs time out in some form or other....and that for me is walking/running/gyming.......it could be chocolate/gin/TV but I'm sure someone would point out that for a Cardiovascular nurse it wasn't very therapuetic......but I'm willing to try... ;-) !!
Anyways....back to the point...three days until the Dodentocht! When I first considered doing this...as an accompaniment to SS who wanted to do it....it didn't sound too scary...she has talked me into loads of things before...and to be honest...this was of a shorter mileage than some of the things she has suggested...but now....DEATH march does have a bit of a shadow hanging over it's name!
I am doing it on my own, and I don't mind admitting I am very apprehensive, and a little disappointed at the prospect..but hey ho...there are 10,000 other nutters who have applied, hopefully one of them will speak English....I can't speak Flemish...plenty of pleghm perhaps??!!
My last training was on Sunday when the dogs and I ran a respectable 6 miles (Mali is back on form so I had an unfair disadvantage ie 2 legs not 4!!) and I had a good stretching session at pilates yesterday.......I may meet Lisa for a quick Body Attack session tonight (only because I had a huge meal with work last night which is still sitting on my muffin tops!) and then that's it....final countdown!
I may...or may not blog again before we leave for Belgium - depends if I have a free hand what with all the food I have got to stuff....
I may...or may not blog when I get back...depends whether I survive...the......DEATH MARCH!!
That's all the time I have left to stuff myself silly with carbs!!
This is the part of the training that I like best, where I get to eat all the foods which I'm normally telling my family or patients NOT to eat......scrummy!
Actually, that's a bit of a lie (not the telling the family/patient bit but the liking bit)...as I do actually like my training...I love being out walking, (or running as I tend to do more of now I have a dodgy hip)or in the gym...its very therapeutic zoning out and great therapy (cheaper than a shrink!) and because I'm not paying cash in hand as such (ok,ok I did just buy some new trainers..) it's a relatively cheap therapy...
To be perfectly honest...and before you think I'm a nut job....I don't really NEED therapy...I think I'm one of the few people that I know who actually LIKES their job....but everyone needs time out in some form or other....and that for me is walking/running/gyming.......it could be chocolate/gin/TV but I'm sure someone would point out that for a Cardiovascular nurse it wasn't very therapuetic......but I'm willing to try... ;-) !!
Anyways....back to the point...three days until the Dodentocht! When I first considered doing this...as an accompaniment to SS who wanted to do it....it didn't sound too scary...she has talked me into loads of things before...and to be honest...this was of a shorter mileage than some of the things she has suggested...but now....DEATH march does have a bit of a shadow hanging over it's name!
I am doing it on my own, and I don't mind admitting I am very apprehensive, and a little disappointed at the prospect..but hey ho...there are 10,000 other nutters who have applied, hopefully one of them will speak English....I can't speak Flemish...plenty of pleghm perhaps??!!
My last training was on Sunday when the dogs and I ran a respectable 6 miles (Mali is back on form so I had an unfair disadvantage ie 2 legs not 4!!) and I had a good stretching session at pilates yesterday.......I may meet Lisa for a quick Body Attack session tonight (only because I had a huge meal with work last night which is still sitting on my muffin tops!) and then that's it....final countdown!
I may...or may not blog again before we leave for Belgium - depends if I have a free hand what with all the food I have got to stuff....
I may...or may not blog when I get back...depends whether I survive...the......DEATH MARCH!!
Saturday, 4 August 2012
Oh heck.......!
5 days...23 hours...56 minuntes and 49 seconds...
-that's what the website said when I looked about 10 seconds ago - that's all the time I have left until I start the Dodentocht - oh heck (to put it mildly!!)...and contrary to my last post, I might be trawling around the Flemish countryside, at night, in the pitch black, on my own after all, as SS is unwell at the mo...
Oh heck......
-that's what the website said when I looked about 10 seconds ago - that's all the time I have left until I start the Dodentocht - oh heck (to put it mildly!!)...and contrary to my last post, I might be trawling around the Flemish countryside, at night, in the pitch black, on my own after all, as SS is unwell at the mo...
Oh heck......
Monday, 30 July 2012
Dog tired!
I never thought I'd do it...but I have....I have finally out-walked Mali!
Chris and I were holidaying in the Cotswold's last week...we had a little cottage in the town of Dursley (where they all speak like this - 'ello my luvver'), and we were situated bang in the middle of the 104 miles of the Cotswold Way!
So, Mali and me walked, and walked, and walked (and walked some more....) and by Friday when Chris took her to the back fields for a 'last run' prior to the journey home...she was having none of it, she dragged her feet, tail between her legs, and dived into her basket as soon as possible!!
(Funny, it doesn't have this effect on SS!!)
I did wonder how all this walking would effect moi, as at the moment I am having treatment from a local osteopath (or torturer!!).
I have had a painful left hip for as long as I can remember...and being a true nurse.....have done everything to avoid going to the doctors!!
It got to the point where I'd finally realised that not being able to sleep on my left side, or sit properly meant that something WAS wrong.......and as most GPs would tell me to stop exercising...I decided to see an osteopath instead.....
Kim, who I see is brilliant....she has explained that I haven't a 'mechanical injury' ie it hasn't been caused by walking or running and that I can carry on exercising to my hearts content.....in fact, she can't really describe what I HAVE done to my hip Felix muscle - she describes it as someone pulling it out, twisting it around, and putting it back (my money is on SS......)...and thinks just deep massage and stretching the muscle will 'undo the damage'.....I hope so, as SS and I have our next race in 11 days...gulp!!
Yes! 11 days until the Dodentocht in Belgium. At one point a couple of weeks ago, SS wasn't going to do the race...and that got me worried..100km in a Flemish speaking country, during the night on my own...that was asking for trouble......mind you, us two...100km in a Flemish speaking country, during the night.......we shall see!!
Anyways....that's 11 days away...so time for a little more training......Mali - walkies!!
Chris and I were holidaying in the Cotswold's last week...we had a little cottage in the town of Dursley (where they all speak like this - 'ello my luvver'), and we were situated bang in the middle of the 104 miles of the Cotswold Way!
So, Mali and me walked, and walked, and walked (and walked some more....) and by Friday when Chris took her to the back fields for a 'last run' prior to the journey home...she was having none of it, she dragged her feet, tail between her legs, and dived into her basket as soon as possible!!
(Funny, it doesn't have this effect on SS!!)
I did wonder how all this walking would effect moi, as at the moment I am having treatment from a local osteopath (or torturer!!).
I have had a painful left hip for as long as I can remember...and being a true nurse.....have done everything to avoid going to the doctors!!
It got to the point where I'd finally realised that not being able to sleep on my left side, or sit properly meant that something WAS wrong.......and as most GPs would tell me to stop exercising...I decided to see an osteopath instead.....
Kim, who I see is brilliant....she has explained that I haven't a 'mechanical injury' ie it hasn't been caused by walking or running and that I can carry on exercising to my hearts content.....in fact, she can't really describe what I HAVE done to my hip Felix muscle - she describes it as someone pulling it out, twisting it around, and putting it back (my money is on SS......)...and thinks just deep massage and stretching the muscle will 'undo the damage'.....I hope so, as SS and I have our next race in 11 days...gulp!!
Yes! 11 days until the Dodentocht in Belgium. At one point a couple of weeks ago, SS wasn't going to do the race...and that got me worried..100km in a Flemish speaking country, during the night on my own...that was asking for trouble......mind you, us two...100km in a Flemish speaking country, during the night.......we shall see!!
Anyways....that's 11 days away...so time for a little more training......Mali - walkies!!
Friday, 29 June 2012
Unbelieveable!
Firstly, I can't believe I haven't blogged on here since the begining of May...I normally have loads to say.....
and secondly...and unbelieveably.....I've managed to get myself listed as an athlete!!
YES....I know...me!!!!
SS very kindly ponted this out to me, as, quite honestly, I didn't have a clue. I think I have mentioned in a previous blog that she has joined a racewalking club...and is getting pretty darn quick (sparks flying off her knickers - get the picture??) well...she was entered for a couple of races, and told me that it had improved her position in the UK Women's rankings - she is now 6th...and my position at 53 wasn't bad - my position???? I had made it onto an athletic ranking list??
WOO HOO!!!
Out of 1468 women racewalkers in the UK, SS is an amazing 6th, and I'm in spitting distance (okay, I'm a good spitter!) at 53....and after the Dodentocht in August...and the Colchester centurion in September, perhaps our rankings may be bumped up a little more.......
Talking of the Dodentocht......6 weeks to go.....and training hard! We were out yesterday and it felt like the translation of 'Dodentocht' - 'death march'! It was a very hot and humid 26c - we felt like we were walking through treacle..
We left home at 7.30am, and after a mile we were soaked through with sweat! 10 hours and 40 miles later we were drenched, stinky and absolutely shattered, but ever closer to our next race.....
Bring it on...I'm an athlete!
and secondly...and unbelieveably.....I've managed to get myself listed as an athlete!!
YES....I know...me!!!!
SS very kindly ponted this out to me, as, quite honestly, I didn't have a clue. I think I have mentioned in a previous blog that she has joined a racewalking club...and is getting pretty darn quick (sparks flying off her knickers - get the picture??) well...she was entered for a couple of races, and told me that it had improved her position in the UK Women's rankings - she is now 6th...and my position at 53 wasn't bad - my position???? I had made it onto an athletic ranking list??
WOO HOO!!!
Out of 1468 women racewalkers in the UK, SS is an amazing 6th, and I'm in spitting distance (okay, I'm a good spitter!) at 53....and after the Dodentocht in August...and the Colchester centurion in September, perhaps our rankings may be bumped up a little more.......
Talking of the Dodentocht......6 weeks to go.....and training hard! We were out yesterday and it felt like the translation of 'Dodentocht' - 'death march'! It was a very hot and humid 26c - we felt like we were walking through treacle..
We left home at 7.30am, and after a mile we were soaked through with sweat! 10 hours and 40 miles later we were drenched, stinky and absolutely shattered, but ever closer to our next race.....
Bring it on...I'm an athlete!
Monday, 14 May 2012
DID IT!
The 18:15 from Newbury to Reading on Saturday was a little noisier and pinker than usual, as was the following link to Paddington - yes, it was the start of the journey to London ready for the Moonwalk.....and we were a little bit excitable!
Arriving in Hyde Park just after 8pm was also a LOT noisier and pinker - in fact the huge marquee to house all 17,000 participants and 2000 volunteers was the pinkest pink I have ever seen.....ok if you like pink (SS would have absolutely hated it!!)
We were blessed with the weather, the fact that it had finally stopped raining was incredible....probably the only time I had walked with the girls in the dry...but boy was it cold! We had to wait for the start time of 11pm, and the temperature just plummeted...by the time we started walking I had on a thermal long sleeved vest, my T-shirt, sweatshirt, coat, hat, gloves, knee-length compression socks, wind resistant trousers, and I was still cold!! Forget walking around in just a bra...that didn't see the light of day (or even the moon!)
Normally I would warm up nicely, but this wasn't a race as such, and as I was walking as part of a team of 9 I had to match my pace to the others....this I found incredibly hard!! It goes against SS and my normal races where you get ahead so that you haven't got the obstacle of people in front of you....also, being in the centre of a heaving city ( yes, even at 3am!!) you are still dodging traffic, and even though the police were fantastic, it does slow you enough to get cold.
BUT, apart from that, it was awesome! The atmosphere was great, real camaraderie, wolf-whistles, fantastic scenery, an excuse to eat four mars bars straight off, and all for a good cause....and we did it!!
Crossing the finishing line, in Hyde Park, in the sunshine on Sunday morning was amazing. We, as a team, all linked arms as we passed the Serpentine, and walked up the last .2 miles together, in a straight line, amidst cheers from the crowds! What a feeling, a tad overwhelming for a few of us.....actually, I think my eyes where running coz of my hay fever........
So....as a team, there are a few blisters in there, and achy legs a plenty, and lots of "never agains".....and I think to myself...yeah right...that's what I said to SS after my first race.....and here I am thinking to myself, my feet are fine, my legs are fine, I've got all my toe nails...what's next?......I'll give them a week......and then I'll invite them to Bornem...........
Arriving in Hyde Park just after 8pm was also a LOT noisier and pinker - in fact the huge marquee to house all 17,000 participants and 2000 volunteers was the pinkest pink I have ever seen.....ok if you like pink (SS would have absolutely hated it!!)
We were blessed with the weather, the fact that it had finally stopped raining was incredible....probably the only time I had walked with the girls in the dry...but boy was it cold! We had to wait for the start time of 11pm, and the temperature just plummeted...by the time we started walking I had on a thermal long sleeved vest, my T-shirt, sweatshirt, coat, hat, gloves, knee-length compression socks, wind resistant trousers, and I was still cold!! Forget walking around in just a bra...that didn't see the light of day (or even the moon!)
Normally I would warm up nicely, but this wasn't a race as such, and as I was walking as part of a team of 9 I had to match my pace to the others....this I found incredibly hard!! It goes against SS and my normal races where you get ahead so that you haven't got the obstacle of people in front of you....also, being in the centre of a heaving city ( yes, even at 3am!!) you are still dodging traffic, and even though the police were fantastic, it does slow you enough to get cold.
BUT, apart from that, it was awesome! The atmosphere was great, real camaraderie, wolf-whistles, fantastic scenery, an excuse to eat four mars bars straight off, and all for a good cause....and we did it!!
Crossing the finishing line, in Hyde Park, in the sunshine on Sunday morning was amazing. We, as a team, all linked arms as we passed the Serpentine, and walked up the last .2 miles together, in a straight line, amidst cheers from the crowds! What a feeling, a tad overwhelming for a few of us.....actually, I think my eyes where running coz of my hay fever........
So....as a team, there are a few blisters in there, and achy legs a plenty, and lots of "never agains".....and I think to myself...yeah right...that's what I said to SS after my first race.....and here I am thinking to myself, my feet are fine, my legs are fine, I've got all my toe nails...what's next?......I'll give them a week......and then I'll invite them to Bornem...........
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