A glimpse of hope

stats of the week: run 28 km, gym 3 h

This week I managed a 5K in under 29 minutes, which marks a significant improvement on my previously rather modest performance. I also increased my longest run to 12 km, accompanying C and taking it cautiously with including several walking breaks. Nevertheless, it felt easy and comfortable for the first time since the incident.

I have also started another series of ten physiotherapy sessions. I am not entirely convinced they will make a decisive difference, but I am determined not to neglect anything that might help.

The plan now is to complete two slow 15 km runs before tapering for the half marathon in Prague. Two weeks to go.

Counted down to 50 days

stats of the week: run 21 km, hiked 20 km, gym 1.5 h

No news so far. Every time I feel some improvement, the next setback follows. For the first time, I experienced nerve pain while running and had to stop moving. Fortunately, after a short rest, I was able to complete another two kilometres.

While my performance level is slowly improving, doubts remain about whether I will be able to increase my mileage enough to be fit for the half and full marathon. To motivate myself, I designed and ordered a special shirt to wear while running in London.

Our plans for the spring in France are currently uncertain, as C’s best friend has become seriously ill and needs constant support. It may be that we spend April at home for the first time since Covid. I don’t mind, as being at home will probably give me a better chance to maintain a structured training routine.

Hiking instead of running

stats of the week: run 13 km, hiked 48 km, gym 1.5h

While still on La Palma, our main focus remained hiking, and any additional running would simply have been too much for our legs. We thoroughly enjoyed the island’s walks, although we had to refrain from tackling the more demanding routes as C was still taking antibiotics to treat her infection.

We can certainly imagine returning to La Palma one day, hopefully to complete the trails we had to forgo on this occasion. Unfortunately, we also missed the opportunity to admire the island’s famously clear night skies, as the final days of our stay were rather cloudy.

3 weeks now to Prague and urgent time to increase the distance to more than 10 km.

Photo: The new volcano who destroyed 10% of the island in 2021

A misty day on the volcano, but soon it cleared up

The pines were killed by Magma at their roots

Busy Santa Cruz harbour

Efforts on an island

stats of the week: run 18 km, walked 21 km, gym 2 h

We are spending a fortnight on the Canarian island of La Palma, a perfect destination for hiking. It is a volcanic and very hilly island; therefore, it is not easy to find a flat route on which to build up my running mileage. The promenade in Santa Cruz de La Palma is rather short, but running out and back makes up a reasonable distance.

My efforts so far, however, have been disappointing. Every step feels like torture. I am unable to maintain a pace of six minutes per kilometre and have to take walking breaks to recover, hardly the best prospect for completing a half marathon, let alone the full distance.

Photos: The new volcano Tajagoite has changed the islands landscape and destroyed many homes

At the southernmost point of La Palma salt is extracted from the ocean.

Everything normal

stats of the week: run 3 km, zwift cycled 44 km, gym 4.5 h

I consulted the neurologist again, and he examined cranial nerve IV once more. Compared to last time, he said that the healing was evident. Unfortunately, I do not feel any improvement.

“That’s normal,” he explained, adding that it is also not unusual that, although the incident occurred almost six months ago, the nerve is still damaged.

As if that were not enough, I was also faced with problems in my groin and hip. As a result, I had to cancel my running schedule, which brought me close to considering whether I should step away from my London Marathon ambitions.

However, I then took a look at the Ever Present Website and at the performances of the six remaining runners, most of whom are older than I am. They have not given up — so why should I? 

Photo: I spent a significant amount of money to buy these massage boots. I have to admit it wasn't worth it.

47 days to Prague

stats of the week: run 21 km, zwift cycled 18 km, gym 3 h

I attempted my first 10 km run since the incident, 22 weeks now. However, I could only manage it with several walking breaks, and I developed some pain in my right groin. With seven weeks to go until the Prague Half Marathon, there is still time to build up, but my doubts are growing.

I successfully made it through Dry January and have to admit that I felt better without my daily glass of red wine. Mornings, in particular, felt easier, with less dizziness on getting up. I am now determined to limit my alcohol intake to weekends only.

Looking forward to July already

stats of the week: run 28 km, zwift cycled 28 km, gym 3 h

My favourite holiday destination is Scotland. The landscape is fascinating, the light is glorious, and the people are the friendliest I have encountered anywhere. I am excited to plan our two-week journey to the west coast in July. The only drawback is that two weeks are far too short to fully appreciate the beauty of the islands.

This will be the third time I have tried to get to Bass Rock, which is home to the world’s largest gannet colony. I am very pleased that I have managed to book the boat trip this time; however, it will still depend on the weather on the day. I also plan to visit the Isle of May, the Isle of Arran, Mull, Canna and Skye. It is a challenging itinerary for a fortnight of travelling.

I missed my target of running a full 10K by the end of January. At least I managed to reach a distance of 8.5 km this week, and I am quite confident that I will complete a 10K soon. However, I am still very slow and a long way off last year’s performance.

Photo Wikipedia: Gannets allover - the white colour on Bass Rock

Modest Mileage Record

stats of the week: run 26 km, zwift cycled 18 km, walked 11 km, gym 3 h

Thanks to the daily wake-up treadmill jogs I can notice a record weekly mileage since the incident. Also I extended the outdoor distance to 7 km. 

The skin still feels numb at the lower leg but this doesn't interfere to do my routine of easy running, indoor biking and strength training at the gym. So I still hope to get fit for more mileage in spring.

Photo: My regular treadmill wake-up counts 2.5 km with a speed of 8 - 10 km/h starting with a walk of 500 meters.

Walking Paris

stats of the week: run 13 km, zwift cycled 20 km, walked 48 km
stats of the previous week: run 16 km, walked 14 km, gym 3 h

As we still had a free train journey left over from a previous holiday, we finally used it and travelled to Paris for four days. As expected, the trip involved a lot of walking. The days were tiring, but well worth it, with wonderful sightseeing and visits to several museums.

I’ve increased my treadmill run at breakfast time to 2.5 km, while my outdoor distance remains at 5 km. I’m still aiming to reach 10 km by the end of the month.

Photos: To see Notre Dame was amazing

Stunning architecture: The Fondation Luis Vuitton

Classic view: Le Pont Neuf

Very traditional varieté: Moulin Rouge

One up, one down

stats of the week: run 17 km, zwift cycled 45 km, gym 3 h

The situation is still marked by ups and downs. The highlight of the week was my participation in a local New Year’s Eve run. As I wasn’t sure whether I would be able to manage the full 5 km, I started cautiously, but soon found my rhythm and finished in 30 min and 16 sec. I was pleased with this result until the next setback, when my L4 nerve once again caused an increased feeling of tension. However, in the meantime I have been able to return to my routine of running 2 km on the treadmill every morning before breakfast.

As a yearly habit, I am once again taking part in the popular Dry January. This time, my target is to remain alcohol-free until my running distance has increased to 10 km.

By the way, this blog celebrated a jubilee last week: it has now been in existence for 20 years. The very first post dates back to 24 December 2005.

Photo: In the past, I enjoyed running in wintry conditions. Nowadays, I prefer the treadmill because of the risk of falling.