Just completed the second of the 25 minute runs in the #Couch25k plan. Ankles, knees and hips hurt! Maybe because I was running on London roads, unlike the last 25 minute run on springy meadow and lanes in Derbyshire. But I completed it and felt v good.

Admittedly, I ran mostly on the flat and I realised how slowly I was running when I was overtaken a few times. Misjudged the temperature too; should have worn a pair of those skimpy lycra shorts and tops. Two ladies who ran past me were sporting lycra. But I don’t feel brave enough at present to reveal my pale legs and ribby midriff.

I signed up for a ‘competitive’ 5K. Charlie’s Run at Chasewater Park on Sunday 27 September. It’s a Fun Run, but I am taking it very seriously. Organised by a family who do a lot of fundraising for PKD. The last fun run I did in 2012 was a shock; felt knackered and nearly had to use another runner’s inhaler.

In addition to the running, I’m doing a lot of weights and ‘core’ exercises at the local gym. Treated myself to a series of sessions with a likeable personal trainer who is a part-time actress and writer. Was in Harry Potter but she told me she spent all her earnings.

Nipped up the RF for a Dexa Scan of hips and spine. Fingers crossed there’s no bone decay. I see a fab renal bone doctor twice a year. She ensures my vitamin D is at the right level and monitors me for mineral & bone disorder. Phosphate was up a bit at last blood test – although I blame that on eating too much yoghurt with bran sticks. Paradoxically, I was eating the bran/yoghurt to correct a GI issue!

I have a touch of osteopenia however and for nearly 15 years, I’ve taken Fosamax. This was prescribed after getting a leg stress fracture following a charity 5k run. I recall the irony and the amusement in A&E.

For the next 3 weeks, I will up my running to be on fine form on the 27th!

Haven’t run all week owing to heat and being in Leeds. Luckily, this morning was cool so I did the next run in the Couch to 5K series. Two runs of 8 minutes, plus 5 minute fast week intervals, in the leafy shade of Regent’s Park. I used to run regularly in the Park, it’s 5K in circumference and has many crisscrossing paths to avoid boredom. The formal gardens were glorious after the early morning rain.

‘Run’ is too strong a word, however, for my efforts these days. I got thru the 8 minutes without stopping but felt I was barely going faster than a walk. Not a very motivating experience. My right knee ligament (the lateral collateral ligament apparently) was aching throughout. I must find some time to go to the gym and ask for specific exercises to strengthen it. Don’t want to risk damage.

A v. good friend had a nasty road accident last week, broke all sorts of bones, is fortunate to be alive but will have to spend weeks recuperating. I worry about damage and illness. Someone asked me recently if I worry about kidney failure. I don’t worry about the failure; it’s the consequences that scare the heck out of me. Weeks not able to work potentially, with no or little income. That’s what ruins my sleep.

Back home, I listen to David Whyte on TED. He’s a poet of my ilk. I like the way he repeats phrases. He quotes another poet who wrote: “Why are you unhappy? Because 98.98% of everything you do and all that you say is all for yourself…and there isn’t one”. Just like this blog!

#Couch25k Session 4.2 completed! Nearly gave up. It’s around 7pm and still warm (22C), but I persevered in honour of the ‘paaytients’. I probably shouldn’t have had that prosecco for lunch but it was a super special occasion 😉  (I’ll write more about that when it’s public). Read more ›