I have resumed running. I downloaded the NHS Couch to 5k programme in January and managed 6 or 7 runs. Really like the programme but then the weather turned cold and I lost my mojo.
Decided to challenge myself and take part in a 5k fun run in September, so dusted off my running shoes and have now completed Week 3 and the first session of Week 4. It’s tough! But today I ran for 5 minutes several times during half an hour. The programme uses interval training techniques: fast walking, then running etc. (Well not exactly running, it’s more like jogging really.)
Outside it was grey and vaguely damp, slightly cool so quite good for running. Knees feeling a bit better. Nothing to do with PKD. I discovered when I was 17 that I had a small bone under my left patella. It made my knee cap lock up and I recall having to swathe in green gunge (like swarfega) to stop swelling. Nothing worked and I lived with the locking knees for years. Skiing scared me stiff so I wore warlike articulated knee protection. Result: I favoured my right leg and ripped a calf muscle. I’ve hardly skied since.
In the late 80s, I tried Pilates after a period of physiotherapy. At that time, there was only one Pilates studio in London, in Homer Row. Loved it but eventually had to concede defeat and had an arthroscopy. I have the bit of bone in a bottle, it’s about the size of my small finger tip. I’m left with a dead area around the knee and it aches when it’s damp. I’m sure it will give me gyp when I’m older but in the meantime, I’m going to run and get those muscles above it stronger.
The right knee is also problematic, with an odd ligament that pops out. I guess the dodgy knees are a result of flat feet causing knees to bow inwards. Bit late now!
Took my BP when I got back. Nice and low! 94/66 but with pulse of 93. That was after a 5 minutes walk after the run. I noticed at the kidney conference last week that my pulse was high, but I’ll leave that for another post.
During the run, I was able to think about the format for my upcoming presentation. I suppose that’s a benefit of running.
Now for some tea and fruit.
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