Hey peeps.
I hope everyone has been having a lovely week. I was back to work this week, and boy am I feeling it! I didn’t think it would be this hard. The occupational health team recommended that I start back at 50%, and gradually increase over four weeks. Well I was feeling a bit optimistic when I agreed to Monday Inset day, then Tues-Fri mornings (as mornings are longer and busier than the afternoons)- quite a bit more than 50%! By the time I’ve arrived home each day I have been totally shattered (and I have had to save some brain powder for marking!). It is no surprise I suppose because the nature of being a teacher is that you can’t have a break when you feel you need it, so the mornings are non-stop (especially with all the rain= wet play so not even a morning breather for a few minutes). But because last week I was feeling more normal I really thought I would cope better with going back to work than I have.
Anyway, I have tried to keep up with a bit of walking as I think it is important to keep trying to get my strength back. Typically I have come home, zonked out for a bit, had some lunch and then had a walk a bit later on when I begin to feel more human.
Yesterday I put my running gear on (oh how I have missed you comfy Thoosa clothes), and decided that if I was feeling OK I would have a few jogging sections in my normal walk. My route is about 2 miles, and I know that I can walk it so I knew that if I could not manage the jogging then I would just walk it as normal. Anyway, I walked for 3 mins to warm up, and then did a tentative minute of slow jogging. It felt OK, so I did a few sections of approx. 3 minute jogging, 2 minute walking, and finished with a bit more walking. I was really conscious of my stomach area as I was jogging because the area around the cuts still feels stiff and sort of strange. But it felt OK, and I was pleased that I managed the full three minutes at a time. Coming from running a marathon last summer, and even running 10 miles non-stop in November it seems like a big set back, but seeing as I have not run, or done any exercise since the start of December (so nearly five months) then I am going to be pleased with it.
My back has been sore too (I think it is all the driving, and probably all the bending down at work too) so I spent some time doing some yoga stretches when I got home.
Anyway, I am going to ease back in very gently- perhaps do two runs per week at the moment, and walks on other days, until I feel that I can go our more frequently.
I also had a good suggestion to make a plan (thanks Lara) for how to get back to normal (with chores, walks etc on there too) so I am going to do that once I know my hours for next week.
Also, I have been asked to do a sponsored post about getting started with running (which fits perfectly with my rambles) so I hope you guys don’t mind- I will probably post that tomorrow.
Bye for now 🙂
Yay – I’m so happy you’ve found running again okay. When I had my op, the area around the stitches was tight for a while but eventually that subsided. I tended to avoid ab exercises for a long time afterwards but eventually took a lot of pilates classes to get my old core strength back – this was at a different gym and I wish the classes offered at my current one were more like those.
The sponsored post must be very timely on that basis!
xxx
Yes I think avoiding the ab things will be for a while- I can’t lay on my stomach yet so there is still some soreness there. Yes the sponsored post thing was weird- they only emailed me the other day so it was perfect timing!
I am so happy that you have managed to get out there and have a go at running again- a sure sign that you are better! 😀 Getting back into work must be a strain after so long and I am not surprised that you are finding it hard. Have a great weekend!
Looking forward to your sponsored post! I can imagine how wiped you must feel, its not like you have an office job or something so it must be so tiring. Glad you got a little bit of running in too I think your doing the right thing easing in slowly 🙂
Yes I think that is why I have such a long phased return- as I can’t just take a break if I need one! But I am getting more used to it already so all good.
Glad that you are getting back to normal now! Definitely take it slow with the running, and build back a little more each week.
Yes don’t worry I will be taking it very slow indeed!
It’s nice to get going again after a break Maria.
Physically you’ll have lost most of your running fitness but you wont have lost the mental toughness that comes from running. You never lose that, so its never like starting over. Just take it steady!
That is a good way of putting it- thanks Rob. I now know that the running is possible, whereas when I first started I didn’t, so I know if I tough it out then I will get there again.
Oh how I can relate…I’m so glad that you’re finally back, I’m sure that you’ll get back in long-distance shape in no time 🙂
Yes I think it is only once you have time off that you realise how hard it is. But hoping to pick up pretty soon 🙂
Glad you survived your first week at work ok (ish!).Take it easy though, don’t push yourself to do too much too quickly. You’re health comes first ok? Lecture over! 😉
It must’ve been nice to go running again, I’m sure it has felt like ages since the last time. I know my sister gets antsy if she just goes a few days without a run!!!
I hope you’re having a nice relaxing weekend and getting lots of rest in 🙂
Thank you! I appreciate the lecture – I have been trying to take it slowly, and I have taken Lara’s advice and made a plan for next week so I know when I will do housework at home etc.
Yup I would be antsy if I didn’t get some fresh air each day and also if I had not run in a few days, but I suppose it will take a while for that feeling to come back as I have been used to slowing down a bit.