writing | Run Repair Repeat
Why I started running and the grim reality of the toll it took on my body.
My right ankle creaks and my metatarsal has developed a dull pain. Both knees ache, and my thighs burn with lactic acid. The right hip has a soreness that comes and goes. My lower back stiffens up, making it hard to get comfortable.
The repair routine is to generally slow down to a walk before I finish. Run a cold bath for the legs. A lukewarm shower to help cool me down and clean off. Then a combination of yoga and stretches with a resistance band.
It all subsides eventually.
You know how to run, there’s no need to mess about too much with your technique. Tune into your stride and breathe steady as you accelerate. Stay up straight and don’t lean too far forward, as you get into a rhythm. Be efficient in your movement and don’t burn too much energy from the off.
Run within your comfort zone but every now and again don’t be afraid to push yourself. Add some sprints, try more difficult terrain, and go out in bad weather. Level up your fitness.
Running was an obsession that saved me but also ruined me.
I’d found myself overweight, unfit and feeling useless. A photo of me looking chubby and puffed out gave me a kick up the arse to do something about it.
A few years of working full-time and studying three nights a week to get a degree had taken its toll on my body. No exercise, a really poor diet and regular nights out had exacted its revenge.
I knew I couldn’t push myself quickly. I wanted results but had to work for them. I went out for 20 minutes twice a week, and gradually increased it so, after 6 months I was running 10k distances in around 40 minutes.
The weight was dropping off and I was getting fitter, running longer and feeling a lot more confident. I also really enjoyed my time out.
I’d run in all weather but preferred cool cloudy days to running in heat and humidity. I was so obsessed that I even ran through a winter season. Powering my way in ankle-deep snow and skirting around ice patches.
A lot of people train for organised marathons but I wasn’t interested. I liked being out on my own. I could organise the muddled thoughts in my head and not have to worry about crowds. Running was my therapy.
I did however want to test my fitness levels, so planned a marathon distance. A mixed route taking in country paths, through woods, along footpaths and roads. On the day I sucked down as much water as I could, and packed away some energy gels to keep me going.
I don’t recall too much about the run. The weather was perfect, and I got a reasonable time of around 4 hours, but the next day I woke up with a problem in my knee. It was swollen and painful.
Runner's knee. Turns out it’s common. The patella in your knee shifts when you run and the cartilage underneath can become swollen and irritated.
I’d had aches and pains before, stretching out, using ice packs and swallowing painkillers helped. Over time I learnt to live with these niggles, but this runner’s knee was something else.
The doctor advised rest. I hated it, and after a few weeks, I started weight training and swimming. I’d dropped a lot of weight, but after looking at myself in the mirror, I realised I’d gone too far with my running obsession.
After 6 months of strength work and rehab on my knee, I’d put on muscle density and felt stronger for it. I started running again, but it was more for general fitness and to keep the thoughts in my head from spilling over.
When I run I like to run alone with earphones in. Normally something with pace so my movement keeps tempo with the beat. When I’m out in the cold and the wet, the rain beating down on my face and droplets bouncing off my jacket, I feel alive and my mind is not so muddled.
I can switch off from the world and get lost in thoughts. Tune in to my surroundings and repair.