I'm trundling along with training. Visits to the gym have lapsed a bit and I'm only making it there once a week to do some resistance training and once a week for interval sessions on the treadmill. Outside it's been mostly warm and humid and often breezy so road running has been hard work. Still, on Monday I did my longest steady run yet- covering 5.5 miles in 45 minutes! Perhaps I pushed myself a little too much as I've been a bit sore and achy since. It's strange though, that although I'm the same weight as this time last year I feel heavy when I run. Maybe that's down to doing light weights once a week- although I don't bulk up resistance training does make me feel bigger. I'm reluctant to stop all resistance work though since I have to keep my future health in mind: the thought of being a feeble old lady with multiple spinal fractures is a sobering one so I'd better keep my musculature strong so as to place less stress on the bones.
What else? Nothing. Life is a treadmill of work, running/training, kids, housework and neglected knitting projects. O, and trying to keep a bit of yoga going too. I need some fun...
Thursday, 27 June 2013
Monday, 17 June 2013
17 June
It's been a while since my last post- I've just been too busy. Trying to take regaining my fitness seriously means the afternoons are a crazy rush of training, school run, sometimes work, all the usual domestic and kids stuff. Days have been too long: 14 hours of non-stopness is usual at the moment. Yoga, sewing and nearly all knitting have disappeared from my life as I just can't do everything and those are things I need to do when not exhausted.
I did my longest non-stop run today since all the injuries and illness started last September. 4.6 miles in 40 minutes! I'm acutely aware of the lack of muscle tone compared to how I was 9 months ago, but I seem to be a stronger runner even if a little flabby. It's not easy sticking to the letter of my training plan- I always want to push myself that bit further- but I know I really must do things by the book if I'm to stay injury free.
In between all the franticness I had to make a wedding present for a friend. It was a labour of love, sweat and tears but worth it in the end:
Isn't she beautiful? Thanks again to the wonderful Sue Stratford- the pattern is from her Knitted Meerkats book http://www.theknittinghut.co.uk/knitted-meerkats-book-169-c.asp
I did my longest non-stop run today since all the injuries and illness started last September. 4.6 miles in 40 minutes! I'm acutely aware of the lack of muscle tone compared to how I was 9 months ago, but I seem to be a stronger runner even if a little flabby. It's not easy sticking to the letter of my training plan- I always want to push myself that bit further- but I know I really must do things by the book if I'm to stay injury free.
In between all the franticness I had to make a wedding present for a friend. It was a labour of love, sweat and tears but worth it in the end:
Isn't she beautiful? Thanks again to the wonderful Sue Stratford- the pattern is from her Knitted Meerkats book http://www.theknittinghut.co.uk/knitted-meerkats-book-169-c.asp
Friday, 31 May 2013
Spring at last!
There is nowhere as heartachingly beautiful as an English hedgerow in May. A froth of cow parsley, joyful buttercups, a haze of tiny speedwell. The grasses are tall, a few poppies dancing among them and the nettle flowers are quietly elegant. Bluebells late to flower struggle up through it all. The hazy sun has turned the dandelion clocks silvery, and unexpectedly I happen on a patch of knapweed, shocking almost in its blueness.
At home in the garden early this evening a blackbird is in his usual spot atop next door's chimney singing his heart out. None of the great composers of opera wrote anything so vital and beautiful as that song.
I love the sight, sound and smell of it all. I have lived on three continents and nothing can compare to this. The love of it is a physical pain yet also a comfort, like coming home after a long absence.
And I am really running again! For now I have a goal over the next 3 months of getting to a reasonable 10 miles. I saw the consultant today and she says I can run. My hips are ok, spine not so good. I'm living with the fear of a spinal fracture and cannot have that fear confirmed or allayed until I get scanned again in 2-3 years. That's not great to deal with but for now it is spring and I can run.
At home in the garden early this evening a blackbird is in his usual spot atop next door's chimney singing his heart out. None of the great composers of opera wrote anything so vital and beautiful as that song.
I love the sight, sound and smell of it all. I have lived on three continents and nothing can compare to this. The love of it is a physical pain yet also a comfort, like coming home after a long absence.
And I am really running again! For now I have a goal over the next 3 months of getting to a reasonable 10 miles. I saw the consultant today and she says I can run. My hips are ok, spine not so good. I'm living with the fear of a spinal fracture and cannot have that fear confirmed or allayed until I get scanned again in 2-3 years. That's not great to deal with but for now it is spring and I can run.
Friday, 3 May 2013
Quietly Getting On
It's been a little while since I last posted here. The dreadful news from Boston really shook me. Running for me is a fundamental expression of the joy of being human- what better way of rejoicing in having legs than going for a run? Runners do no harm so why hurt them.
I should be running my first marathon this coming Monday except I'm not allowed to. If I were to entertain the thought of just having a go anyway the last 8 months of injury, illness then more injury have had a huge impact on my fitness and I would do so much harm to attempt a long run. But I've now completed 3 weeks of training back at the gym and that feels positive. I've even managed 3 fartleks of an hour each. No sprinting though, just brisk walking and a gentle run when it's felt right. At a gentle pace running seems to be ok although so far I can't manage more than 5 minutes of it.
Knitting and sewing have had to go on hold- it's a struggle to be back at work, keep up my training schedule and look after the children and run the house let alone do any of the 'crafty' things I find so restorative. But I've spent a bit of time in the garden (for health reasons I need to spend time in the sun) and have some vegetable seedlings going- so far broad and purple climbing beans, carrots, beetroot and salad leafs are planted out. Waiting on the Swiss chard to get a bit bigger and we'll see if this year will be better for courgettes...
I should be running my first marathon this coming Monday except I'm not allowed to. If I were to entertain the thought of just having a go anyway the last 8 months of injury, illness then more injury have had a huge impact on my fitness and I would do so much harm to attempt a long run. But I've now completed 3 weeks of training back at the gym and that feels positive. I've even managed 3 fartleks of an hour each. No sprinting though, just brisk walking and a gentle run when it's felt right. At a gentle pace running seems to be ok although so far I can't manage more than 5 minutes of it.
Knitting and sewing have had to go on hold- it's a struggle to be back at work, keep up my training schedule and look after the children and run the house let alone do any of the 'crafty' things I find so restorative. But I've spent a bit of time in the garden (for health reasons I need to spend time in the sun) and have some vegetable seedlings going- so far broad and purple climbing beans, carrots, beetroot and salad leafs are planted out. Waiting on the Swiss chard to get a bit bigger and we'll see if this year will be better for courgettes...
Friday, 12 April 2013
Time to get on
Valentino Cat has been knitted, sewn together and put in the post. He was a delight to make and I really enjoyed the little details in the knitting like the W&T in the tail to get the perfect shape. Here he is:
He's from the fabulous Sue Stratford's latest book 'Knitted Cats and Kittens'.
Today I returned to the gym after about an 8 week absence. It wasn't easy to make myself go but once there it was fine and I enjoyed training. I'm going to get some advice on the best sort of training I can do in order to get back into something resembling shape whilst avoiding impact and not overloading my body with weights. It's going to be hard work but once I'm back in the routine of training on set days it will get easier. Eventually I'll be in better shape too. Really important just in case I have to have a hip replacement.
On the suggestion of a friend I tuned in to the Sewing Bee program on iplayer the other evening. I have always been terrible at sewing (although as enthusiastic as I am terrible!) but now I am inspired to try a bit more than cobbling together costumes for whatever theme day is happening at my children's school. Yesterday I went and bought some lovely cotton fabric and I shall settle down this evening to make a couple of simple skirts. It's not cheaper than buying from the shops, but these days it's getting harder to find things I like or things I think are suitable for the children. I'll keep you posted on my sewing exploits!
...and then I made this. Found the instructions for this on the great interweb- from a blog entitled Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom. There are some great things out there on blogs by mums in the USA. I don't think I did too badly for a first attempt!
He's from the fabulous Sue Stratford's latest book 'Knitted Cats and Kittens'.
Today I returned to the gym after about an 8 week absence. It wasn't easy to make myself go but once there it was fine and I enjoyed training. I'm going to get some advice on the best sort of training I can do in order to get back into something resembling shape whilst avoiding impact and not overloading my body with weights. It's going to be hard work but once I'm back in the routine of training on set days it will get easier. Eventually I'll be in better shape too. Really important just in case I have to have a hip replacement.
On the suggestion of a friend I tuned in to the Sewing Bee program on iplayer the other evening. I have always been terrible at sewing (although as enthusiastic as I am terrible!) but now I am inspired to try a bit more than cobbling together costumes for whatever theme day is happening at my children's school. Yesterday I went and bought some lovely cotton fabric and I shall settle down this evening to make a couple of simple skirts. It's not cheaper than buying from the shops, but these days it's getting harder to find things I like or things I think are suitable for the children. I'll keep you posted on my sewing exploits!
...and then I made this. Found the instructions for this on the great interweb- from a blog entitled Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom. There are some great things out there on blogs by mums in the USA. I don't think I did too badly for a first attempt!
Wednesday, 10 April 2013
Of Cats and Chickens
It's a busy time for knitting. Unexpected weddings and thank yous require gifts. The chicken tea cosy is completed and so is a wine bottle cosy. A delightfully fluffy cat is in progress.
The bottle cosy is the perfect project for a lone ball of Noro. I just love making the chicken and will do another one just as soon as the cat is finished.
Out walking today suddenly there are violets and shepherd purse in the grass. Perhaps spring has finally arrived!
Saturday, 6 April 2013
Onwards
We're back again after a few days with my parents by the sea. It was good to walk on the cliffs and feel space around me. Although I dislike being in water I need to be around it; I was born on the coast and until adulthood always lived near the sea so it must be in my blood. One of the most difficult things about the visit was seeing all the runners. The coastal walk I go into the habit of doing makes the most wonderful short run and of course I can't run any more. Walking is great but I can easily disengage from it- running is utterly absorbing and the movement becomes a kind of meditation. As runners passed me I felt caged and irrationally angry.
I have discovered how dependent I've become on regular yoga practice. Being unable to practice whilst away even for a few days I've lost so much mobility in my back and hips. Of course I'm trying not to attribute this to a sudden increase in osteoporitic problems- it's almost certainly the result of almost 13 hours of driving in just 5 days and my current episode of insomnia. But I'm doing a little yoga each day again repeating the mantra of start from where you are not where you think you ought to be. Yoga is never about ought or should. Some days will be flowing, others a struggle- just like days are in other respects.
As if seeking comfort I have returned to an old favourite of a knitting pattern. I have been using it for several years now and the current one is turning into the best I've made yet. As they used to say on TV- here's one I made earlier:
I have discovered how dependent I've become on regular yoga practice. Being unable to practice whilst away even for a few days I've lost so much mobility in my back and hips. Of course I'm trying not to attribute this to a sudden increase in osteoporitic problems- it's almost certainly the result of almost 13 hours of driving in just 5 days and my current episode of insomnia. But I'm doing a little yoga each day again repeating the mantra of start from where you are not where you think you ought to be. Yoga is never about ought or should. Some days will be flowing, others a struggle- just like days are in other respects.
As if seeking comfort I have returned to an old favourite of a knitting pattern. I have been using it for several years now and the current one is turning into the best I've made yet. As they used to say on TV- here's one I made earlier:
This was knitted a couple of years ago for a wedding present. Received with bemusement I think! Thanks to Sue of http://shop.theknittinghut.co.uk/index.asp for the pattern.
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