It’s been three long weeks now since I’ve tried any running. Worse, it’s three weeks since I’ve done any exercise at all.
Frustration is creeping in that having only just managed to get into something of a routine I find myself on the sidelines with the fitness clock ticking down.
While I’m always prepared to play a long game, friends and colleagues may attest that patience is not my default position.
And I’m starting to get ratty.
Tonight I all but pulled on by trainers and hi-vis jacket and took to the streets having watched so many people out running on my way home.
But without diagnosing what the ongoing knee problem is, those people who know better are resolute that resting now will save me grief later.
Ironically for someone with no interest in running a year ago, I really am missing it.
I’m suffering from it too.
I can feel my muscles starting to seize up, am pretty sure I’ll have put on a couple of pounds through inertia.
I’m also more tired than I have been in months – though this week I’ll put it down to an all-nighter watching the Superbowl as to blame.
So what to do?
Joining a gym seems the most obvious thing.
Having had the benefit of sponsored membership of LivingWell all last year I am sold on the huge benefits to be derived.
But now working in Glasgow mostly while ctually living closer to Edinburgh, finding one that suits my needs isn’t as easy as you might think.
I think of a gym as being part of your routine – and as a member of a chain would expect to be able to use multi centres.
But it seems not every fitness group operates this way though, and it can prove a costly affair.
Which means I am taking my time to make sure wherever I go next, I will be able to make maximum benefit of the time I have, as well as enjoyment.
The majority of my training will, I hope, still take place outside. There’s just something more satisfying about it, at least for me.
But having no idea how long it will take to get back on track I want to be somewhere which will at least allow me to push myself in other ways meantime.
And having managed that first all important length of a pool in December, I want to build on my swimming too before I forget.
I’d also like to be able to seek advice from friendly experts on how to improve, because I constantly want to be getting better.
So a gym makes sense.
Despite what I’ve said I know full well that on my next day off I’m still going to go for a run, armed with the knee support I bought last week at Run and Become.
I admit to being a little bit nervous, anxious of what might happen because I don’t want to let anyone down.
Before I can even begin to think about asking for people to pledge any money towards my fundraising for St Columba’s by attempting the Amsterdam marathon, I need to know that I’ll at least be able to give it my very best effort.
I’m trying to be sensible. But patience, I’m afraid, is wearing thin.
So too the short time now left ahead of my planned first half marathon – in April ….
