Running

[NicoleP]

Just wanted to share one way I have dealt with my anxiety - running. I had a rotten day at work yesterday with my nemesis being her normal self. Anyhow, rather than letting her ruin my evening, I went and did what I often to - I went for a run. Put on the headphones and got out onto our local cycling paths along the river and ran. 14km later I felt much better.

Running has become a huge part of my life. I decided at 41 to take up running to help manage my anxiety -decided that I would do a marathon (42km). I am now 48 years old and I am signed up to do marathon number 23 in 2 weeks time. Running is one thing that I use to manage myself and it has the added benefit of helping tire me out and helps me to get a good nights sleep. Often I look at what my anxiety has cost me, but it got me running and I have gained a lot from that - physical fitness, friendships, sense of achievement. It has also enabled me to see some pretty beautiful parts of Victoria that I would not have taken the time to see.

Just wanted to share this because it is something that has helped me so much and I would like to inspire people to get out there and give it a go.

[NicoleP]

Back again. Thought I'd try it in parts.

French valves - the first time I tried to use them I ended up with no. Air in the tyres. I then sat out the back yard with bike and pump and a video on you tube to show me how to do it. Was a bit of a circus but got there in the end.

Punctures - I often do a 23km loop after work in the country side. As I was leaving on this particular day I realised that I'd left my phone in my room and wisely decided that I had never needed it before and wouldn't need it today, so went without it. Of course I got a puncture at the halfway point. I can't change a tyre (and refuse to learn) so had to pump up the tyre every 800m to get back. If it had got too bad, I would have dumped the bike and run back. I didn't have cleats back in those days. Cleats are a new addition to my bike and a whole new story. I have fallen off the bike twice cos of them. I lovingly refer to them as my shoes of doom. Have I put you off riding completely yet?

this time of year it is beautiful on the bike here cos the fields are yellow with canola flowers. 

Kezza

[Neil_1]

Putting me off riding you say?    Absolutely.  It’s walking for me from now on.  Damn these bikes and all the idiosyncrasies that they have.  Much easier just to walk me thinks. 

Of course, I’ve been known to spin a yarn from time to time – so, yes I’m still going to give cycling a go and see what happens.  Don’t think I’ll bother with cleats though.  That sounds way too ‘bikey’ for me.

Sounds like a lovely spot in the world where you live.

[NicoleP]

Hi Pebbles

You have to start from somewhere. I have just had a foot op and am bed ridden for the next 3 weeks. Not allowed to run for 3 months so I will be starting from scratch again. I never thought I could do a marathon which is why it took me to the age of 41 to do one. Aim for a half marathon to begin with when you are ready. If you can do 14 you can do 21.

Kezza

[NicoleP]

That's why I usually ride with a phone. When the bike breaks down, I call the husband.

Have you attempted any more push ups?

[NicoleP]

Dexter 'fest' starting now

[Neil_1]

Hi Kezza

I’d like to try that also (When the bike breaks down, I call the husband.) but I’m afraid I simply don’t know your husband’s phone number!  🙂   giggle.  🙂

Nope, but I’m going to do some this arve again.   And I’m going to try to get back to the gym in a week or so as well.   I’m doing the odd dumb bell curl and some tricep extension work, just easing back into it again and so far so good.

Ahhhh yes, two of my favourite words of the English language  -  “Dexter fest”.  🙂

You wrote that a couple of days ago.  I’m VERY interested in hearing what your early thoughts are?

Neil

[NicoleP]

Hi Neil

I love your sense of humour. My husband is a wonderful man and if I could give out his number I am sure he would come to your aid. Anyhow, I often ride with a small group. Great for if you get a flat and even better when there is a head wind.

Good on you for going back to the gym. I am sure that once you walk in the door, it will feel like you never left. Let me know how it goes.

i have watched the first two episodes only. I was in Melbourne yesterday as surgeon had to change dressings on feet.

Dexter is a very interesting character and one that I can relate to (not that I am a serial killer). I like his sense of what is right and wrong and sense of justice. He is also a bit of a loner with Deb being the one person he cares for. I like (and need) my "me" time as I call it. He also seems to find relationships/people challenging. He indicated that there is a way that you are required to behave in society, a front that you have to maintain. I am not good at that and so get myself into trouble cos I just play it the way I see it. What are your thoughts?

Not good news about the feet though. I apparently have quite a bit of arthritis in the big toes. I won't be back running for at least 6 months if at all. Oh well, bike riding it might be.

Kezza

[Neil_1]

Hi Kezza

The whole Dexter persona is a real mind blast.  So many aspects and points of view – I love the ‘inner self talk’ that happens and also the use of humour throughout – the writers are extremely clever – and lots of little innuendos along the way too.   Gotta love his two good buddy side-kicks as well:   Batista and especially Masuka.     But yes, his front that he maintains, is largely there to keep his “dark side” covered up.  I’ve thought about the Dexter gig thing – but I don’t have a boat!   🙂

That damn old man – Arthur Itis – and for him to be lodged in the big toes – on someone so young;  that’s not fair or right in my book.   What can be done with regard to the fixing, treatment of arthritis??  But being in the big toes – doesn’t sound overly good to me.

I’m still slowly building up with different exercises at home before, I re-load my efforts back in the gym.  Still on the horizon but not quite close enough to be back yet.

This is good though as it’s kind of making me accountable – in that, I’ve put it out there now – so I’ve GOTTA get back.

Six months to be running if at all – but that doesn’t sound right at all.  I sure hope that’s not the very end prognosis for you?

Neil

[white knight]

Hi KezzaA and others on this thread,

Fitness......oh boy.  Last week I accompanied my wife to the local hospital to check out their gym. I wasnt feeling well. When we sat down with the trainer I told her of my feelings and left. No more gym...lasted 10 seconds. I freaked. It was the teacher pupil feeling.

Then today prior to my wife attending that gym for her first session, we were at the supermarket. We were at the check out and I'd forgotten the pastry. My wife said "well hurry up and get it" As usual I hurried and trotted down the aisle for 10 metres- extreme sharp pain in my knee. Limped home, ice pack- fitness...yeh.

Glad you like it KezzaA. am happy for you. 🙂

[NicoleP]

Hi Neil

Sorry I haven't written for a while - I have been a bit slack. I have been busy at home and have actually been enjoying my house bound status. I have finished my quilt and have now started on my 24,000 piece jigsaw. No more Dexter I am afraid - this jigsaw is enormous.

How are things going with the shoulder? and the gym?

As for running, I am facing the prospect that I may have to limit the distances that I do. I am not that upset if I never run another marathon, but will be disappointed if I can't run again. I enjoy the people I run with. I often do runs with someone I went to high school with - we often dress up and it is a real laugh.

Kezza