Back running today after my latest injury setback. I originally thought it was worse but, thankfully, it seems to have settled down after a week of rest. Well, I say rest, but what I actually mean is a week of not running. You never really get to rest at chez Black as we lurch from one drama to the next. That’s all part of the fun, I guess, but Monday morning seems to come round earlier and earlier every week. Oh well.
I’ll be effectively starting from scratch again today but, all being well, I’ll build up in distance as the week progresses. Weather permitting, as there is thunder, lightning and heavy rain forecast for later today. I can’t remember a wetter June and I’m certainly getting plenty of use out of the Ulster Rugby anorak I recently purchased with some of my birthday money. Us Irish have webbed feet.
I like to have a running target and had previously agreed to run a half marathon for our Office charity for 2019, the Northern Ireland Hospice who provide palliative care for terminally ill people. It’s looking like it will be the Belfast Half Marathon in September which leaves me the whole summer to prepare. I’m not setting myself a time target, I’ll be happy to get round in one piece and raise a few pounds for the cause.
After that, it will be my tenth marathon. I’ve decided I want to run it for the Mae Murray Foundation, a charity which allows disabled young people to access activities they would otherwise never get a chance to enjoy. Thanks to them our daredevil daughter, Hannah, has been cycling, snow tubing, surfing and skiiing with them in the last year alone. They had a disco last Friday night and she was the last person off the dance floor.
I’m not sure when I’ll run it. It will most likely be Belfast 2020 which seems an awfully long way off, especially given the injuries and illness I’ve had, to date, in 2019. I worry so much could go wrong between now and then. Part of me is tempted to commit to something earlier but this clashes with Adam’s rugby schedule and I’m loathe to miss any of his matches when he has such a big season ahead.
I need to learn to walk before I run. Any distance. Small steps, build it up gradually. Learn to enjoy running again instead of waking up enveloped in a blanket of gloom at the thought of having to run. I don’t have to run, the world will keep turning if i don’t. But I want to and probably need to, more so for my mental than physical health. The thought of running causes me anxiety but the actual act itself is a complete stress buster. Figure that one out.
Today I run.
Black Thoughts 
Hats off to your courage and strength! Wish you all the very best for your future run!
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Thank you 😊
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Think I read a stat that injury affects 70% of runners each year, certainly I’ve had my share of injury and hope to be in the magical 30% for at least the remainder of 2019! I’ve just started training for my first half marathon in September and have booked on to so many races that I can’t afford to be injured again. Good luck in getting back running and in staying injury free x
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Thank you Karen. Good luck with the training and hope you remain injury free 😊
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I need to get back to it. I’ve got a run the first of November. I like a target/goal, too! No better time than today, I guess.
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Yes, enter a race. Challenge yourself. Good for you 🙂
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I don’t mind running in the rain. It feels good when your’re all sweaty and gross. And when your shoes get all heavy with water, you just get to rejoice at how light they feel the next time you have a dry run. Rain is okay, but I’m way too chicken to run when there is thunder in the area! Best of luck to you on recovering and building back up.
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Thank you Priscilla. Squelchy running shoes though. Euuugh 😂
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I get it. Building up to an event, (certain ones not all), I’m a wreck! Then as soon as I’m actually behind the espresso bar, I’m on cloud night enjoying making every drink and my hands are so quick and efficient!
Good luck getting back into the routine of running. You are an inspiration.
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Thank you. As are you to me 🙂
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I have just starting running again after a long break, good luck on your goal!
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Thank you. You too 😊
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I remember my running days and oh the injury setbacks! So emotionally painful. Your attitude of baby steps is perfect. You’ll be back at it in no time!
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Thank you 😊
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I used to run a few marathons too. Your piece brings back many good memories.
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Thank you. I’m glad it has 😊
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Kudos to you for taking on this challenge. My hubby just finished his first half marathon of this year, after deciding to participate late in the season. He was sore afterward for 4 days, but he’s doing better and thinking about more challenges. Not bad for a 64-year old 🙂 I, however, am content to sip coffee from the sidelines and cheer him on, and visit my local gym…now and then.
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64 is a great age to still be running half marathons. Well done to him 🙂
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So that’s where my webbing came from…
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