Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass…it’s about learning to dance in the rain

Week Four, Day Three: 18 April

After the last run I was feeling much better about this one; but then three things happened to change that. The annoying thing was that two of them could have been avoided!

First of all, yesterday I took both dogs out for a walk wearing some stiff leather boots. I have had these boots for years but for some reason yesterday they gave me a huge blister just below my ankle.

Second of all, I have a good friend who is a Personal Trainer. Being self-employed, like many people, this lockdown has seriously affected his business. But not one to fold when things get tough, he is doing classes over Zoom every day. He has always run a class on a Friday evening that, if I lived nearer, I thought I would like to try out. I am not a fan of classes as I dislike trying to keep up with other people, and I have terrible coordination. I believe is connected to my dyslexia, but it sounded like fun. The class is called Clubbercise and is an exercise class to rave/dance music with glow sticks – right up my street. Anyway, I have been struggling with low energy over the last few weeks, this new way of working and having to think about so many different things has left me exhausted at the end of the day. As I have mentioned before I am a lark not an owl, my energy levels are high in the morning, and then start to dissipate after lunch. Yesterday, when I saw an invite come out, on impulse I said I would join in. So, there I was jumping around in front of my laptop when it struck me, half way through Fat Boy Slim’s Funk Soul Brother (one of my favourite tunes) that my thighs were really starting to hurt and I had a hard run to do in the morning. What on earth was I thinking?! I toned it down for the rest of the class, but was still worried that I might have overdone it.

Then the third thing; and this really was out of my control, no matter how omnipotent, (adjective (of a deity) having unlimited power), I sometimes think I am, was. the. rain!! When I got up this morning it was raining, it had to happen at some point, and I have been incredibly lucky with the weather until now.

So I put a plaster on my blister, found a peaked cap to keep the rain off my face, and searched for some music to banish the rainy blues. Reggae seemed to fit the bill so Dog and I set off listening to Toots and the Maytals’ Funky Kingston (FYI Toots and the Maytals are brilliant to run to if you are trying to keep a gentle pace). During the warm up walk Dog did not seem too happy. Usually, as soon as I let her off the lead she starts running around and having a great time, but today she stuck right by my side with her ears lying flat and back on her head. I went into the first 3-minute run and Dog found her mojo scooting off ahead of me. At this point I decided that I had two choices; I could bemoan the fact that it was raining and let that bring me down, or I could think about how lucky I am for being fit and able enough to be out running in the rain. I chose the latter and, to be honest, it wasn’t that bad. The 3-minute run was completed without difficulty and then, to my great surprise, was the 5-minute run, and there was the bell for half way. The next 3-minute run was completed without too much difficulty, and on to the last 5-minute run. My pace was comfortable and so was I. I even managed to keep running (slowly) over the bridge. My thighs were aching at the end, and of course I was out of breath but do you know what…it was fine, in fact, I would even go as far as more than fine!

If you are thinking of doing something similar take care to stay safe.

To do this I am:

• Keeping social distancing. I aim to get out by 6.30am (I am a lark not an owl), so there are very few people around, and if I do meet them I stay 2 meters away.
• I have my phone with me, and someone knows where I am going and when I am due back.
• And, of course, I have Dog with me.

Top tips to keep you safe and well during this strange time.

• Keep to the self-isolating and social distancing rules.
• Keep in contact with friends, family, and, of course, Restore.
• Find a routine and stick to it (I can’t emphasize enough how important this is)
• Every day do something for your physical and mental well-being. On the days I am not running I go out for a walk. I am also doing a 21-day meditation challenge with 2 friends. This benefits my well-being as well as keeping me connected every day. There are plenty of meditation apps out there, but if that isn’t your thing then find something that nurtures your soul. This can be as simple as listening to the birds sing or gazing up at the stars.
• Set yourself a challenge. This could be big or small, it’s entirely up to you.

These are just a few ideas and there are plenty more out there. The Restore website has a directory of useful and trusted websites with information, tips and ideas, here.

The Reluctant Jogger and Dog