Saturday, 20 September 2014

We're all on a journey

This has been an incredible week in Scotland. The biggest decision in over 300 years and the ramifications of the outcome are incredible. But I'd no idea how the pressure of the outcome weighed on my shoulders. I lacked energy. My HRV scores were the worst ever and while some would be down to the 10k swim on Sunday, the nervous tension was telling. But I'm not about to start talking politics in my blog. It's the impact it had on me physically and mentally that shocked me.
On Friday once the news that Scotland was going to remain in the UK, I felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders.  Eventually friends started to talk about training and bridges started to mend. This morning my HRV reading were back to where they should be so I decided to go my first run in 2 months.  The injured hamstring feels different but I just have to test it and see how I get on. I warmed up with a short yoga session and then headed out for 5.5 km run. It felt amazing to be out running again. I took it slowly and concentrated on my chi running form. I had taken an extra layer as it wasn't warm when I left but of course the sun came out and I over heated. My heart rate was too high but this is the first day of a new chapter in my journey.
I know what I want to do next year by way of a challenge and it's going to be tough - something I said I'd never do. But I'll "keep my powder dry" at the moment until I see the consultant in 3 weeks. But I will carefully plan my recovery. Build the strength in my hamstring while improving the flexibility. It's going to be small steps at first (I.e. 5.5km) and I'll be slow but I'm determined to come back and complete an iconic race next year.  Hopefully you will follow my progress and if it inspires you to get out there, then even better.  We're all on a journey but remember this is no dress rehearsal. Enjoy every day and live in the present. Thanks for following me.