Today’s run

I had been toying with the idea of blogging about my running history but instead thought I’d share a few thoughts on today’s run.  My running history will just have to be delayed a while longer.

My running mojo is coming back!

These prostate issues, or catheter issues to be more accurate, have really dented my running.  Every time I run I get sore through all the jostling and movement you get when you run.  The worst it becomes is losing blood causing the catheter tube to block through clotting blood (have already discovered a blocked catheter is a medical emergency).

But things seem a bit easier now.  I still have this damn catheter but I suppose I should be thankful as I would be far worse off without it and I hope it is only a temporary measure.  I can manage a 30 minute run so that’ll do for now.  I disconnect the leg bag and plug a little stopper into the catheter tube as it comes out of me.  This stops any urine escaping and allows me to run without being hindered by all the velcro straps, tubes and so on.

As I have had a few nice runs and felt good afterwards, I’m going to carry on as much as I can.  I really enjoy the Runner’s High although it is a fairly soft high with these relatively gentle runs.

Mindful of medical advice

Also I am mindful of the kidney consultant spelling out my position with kidney damage and being at stage 3B in terms of kidney failure.  I need to maintain my kidneys as they are and not to allow my kidneys to be damaged anymore.

There isn’t much on the web about living with kidney damage, so for the purposes of researching my position I have to read the equivalent kidney disease material.  If I progress onto stage 4, this will be serious and, I think, a gradual downward spiral.

I’m trying to have a run most days now.  The runs vary in length between 15-30 minutes and generally I feel pretty good.  Having a good healthy lifestyle will help my kidneys and all of the associated risky areas such as blood pressure creeping up, heart disease, mineral imbalances and so on – all of this is an extra incentive.

So today’s run

The conditions were perfect.  Soft hazy sunshine, not too hot and a gentle breeze.  I ran my usual route, for now, finding my way through to Half Moon Lane and onto the Busway.  I run as far as the hospital bus stop and then back home.  It is about 3.5 miles which I do in roughly half an hour as it is all flat.  My speed is around 8:45mins/mile which is okay.

I thought a lot about my health and tried to strike the right balance in my mind, though perhaps I’m feeling a little sorry for myself.  I enjoyed listening to my breathing, my footsteps and making subtle changes to the way my feet landed.  Sometimes I’d land on the ball of my foot, almost as if I was running on tiptoes as softly as I could.  I can feel the difference between my feet landing as nowadays my left foot pronates a little more than the right foot.  Just subtle changes in my running form, nothing else.

Feeling my breathing increasing as I went a little faster was good.  I could feel the blood surging through my veins and my heart pumping at a good rate.  I could feel little bits of sweat on the back of my head, run down my neck a little.  All this is so good and I feel so much alive!

Stretching

Once back home I kicked off my trainers, pulled off my top and did some stretches.  Man I feel stiff!  I can’t touch my toes without bending my knees a little.  “This is not good!” I told myself.  I did some lunges and some other stretches as my muscles were nice and warm.  Each one I counted slowly to 15 seconds and made sure nothing was hurting; a little discomfort seems okay but important not to over stretch.  I definitely need to do more after each run.

I must encourage myself

My trouble is that I compare myself to how I was a few years ago.  Nothing was wrong with me and I could run a lot further and I know I’m out of shape.  I know I’m gradually getting my fitness back but it’ll take me a little while.  My weight has crept up a few pounds and I mustn’t allow this to happen anymore.

Being retired means I should have time to do these things, to stay in good shape.  Retirement from work is really a gift!

When I started running 10+ years ago it took me quite a long time to become  even as fit as I am now.  So that’s not too bad.  I know I can do better and I’m looking forward to training myself again!  In fact, I might even join the local running club.  Some Pilates wouldn’t hurt either.  All that happily involves interacting with other folk, something I like doing!

And so as I’m enjoying running again, I must be a bit more systematic.  Not just running the same 3.5 miles everyday.  Have some longer runs, rest days and then some shorter faster runs.  This has worked well before for me and have always stayed fairly free of injuries and so it should hopefully work again.  Onwards and upwards!