back to the back

In order to build up gradually I recently began a 10k programme of running which has its emphasis on mixing between running and walking.  Unfortunately, as soon as running is added into the mix, my back injury returns. After another visit to the physiotherapist (who re-iterated that my body was not made for running), a new plan is in place. So, Rose Red Runs, becomes Rose Red Walks - for the time being at least.  Power walking apparently is the key to getting out there while my core muscles are being built up, and hopefully losing a little bit of weight in the process.  Initial thoughts are that I could extend the distance of my walk to work pretty easily and take in a bit of the dene/local greenery in the process.  How this fits into the Great North Run hopes and dreams is not clear yet at all.

2011 – and where is the run? part 1 (excuses)

Well, after setting up the blog in April last year (with good intentions) I have struggled to keep running in my life.  In many ways though, I know it hasn’t left as I’m still thinking about it a lot, reading about running, and just because the blogging didn’t stick doesn’t mean I didn’t run between then and now – just not regularly.  Needless to say, I still have not completed the GNR.  The hiatus has it’s base in a few realisations:

1. I am effectively still injured.  I don’t want to admit it but as my injury took a long time to manifest itself, it’s also taking a while to put right.

2. I am lazy.  I have put on a stone in weight since I last ran seriously and know how hard it’s going to be to get back to form. I’ve also gained a habit of eating and drinking badly which is going to be difficult to shake.

3. I need to build up my core to prevent future injury.  Bizarrely, I found it much easier to do the physio when my body was in pain.  Now I can go about my day to day business without the pain, I have dropped the physio habit.

4. The weather has been dismal over the last few months.

5. Frankly, I’m scared.  Of getting injured again, of not being able to get back on track (excuse the pun), of failing.

These are facts but also excuses.  Once again I’ve got a place in the Great North Run this year so all of the above need to be resolved.  Time to get on with it.

Why make a running blog?

I have been running off and on to get fit for the past couple of years but only really managed to make it a habit last year when I was lucky enough to get a ballot place for the Great North Run. After months of training I pulled a muscle in my back with only a few weeks to go and was unable to race.  Since then I have not been able to train regularly, have put on a stone in weight and have been told I am a biomechanical disaster by my physiotherapist.  However, I have deferred my place and intend running in September and I am finally on some sort of road to recovery, 8 months after the injury.  The blog should help me get back into a training pattern and record my progress.  What does that have to do with me being an artist?  I have no idea, but will link the two blogs in case this is of interest to anyone else.  Rose Red is not my real name but one that I have published under.  I hope Rose Red really can run.