My Forum

Hi Jindalee! 

One of the reasons for choosing this was the cut off time!  I just want to make it round in one piece, I'm not exactly speedy, so will see what the hills are like and won't be disappointed if I have to walk a bit!  Sounds like a lovely route

Just entered this one as my first marathon!  Hoping the hills won't be as bad as Devon hills...

I was made redundant 5 months ago after 23 years.  Unfortunately due to all my unexpected free time I overtrained and became injured!  Good luck with finding a new job, there is work out there, and it can be a blessing in disguise.  I hadn't realised how much I disliked my job until I left!  I'm now working part time in completely different field, with time for sensible amounts of exercise, and feeling happier than I've been in a long time.  Good to get out of a rut sometimes!

There is light at the end of the tunnel.  A similar thing happened to me last year when I was training for my first marathon having done several halfs previously - I pulled a muscle in my back, think it was just too much too soon.  Initially went to the chiropractor who did no good at all, but doc prescribed Diazepam & Codeine which got me moving, although slowly at first.  I know it's frustrating not to do anything, but the main thing is to let things heal properly.  I went for gentle walks when I could walk, and after about 4 weeks I went swimming twice a week.  Started running again after 6 weeks and took it really slowly at first.  It's really difficult to rest when you've set yourself up with a goal, but the main thing is to make sure it doesn't happen again.  This time I'm combining running with Pilates and the gym, which may not get me round my first marathon in the time I want, but will at least get me to the start line in one piece!  Good luck, and don't overdo it!

Has the Doc told you to take iron tablets?  I found out I was anaemic after being turned down for blood donation, and took iron tablets on advice of Doc to sort it out.  Running became so much easier afterwards, I hadn't realised how much I was struggling!  Don't give yourself a hard time about being unfit until your iron levels are back to normal!