BenRunnerPants

Back to #parkrun this morning. Ideal conditions for a fast one. Well for everyone else. Not for me, just a gentle one trying to keep active. Glutes & hamstrings a little tight after training Thursday, felt okay but didn’t push it. Did manage a little sprint finish, so not too bad at all. With the warm up run down there another four miles in the bank. I need to push on to 10km & book a couple of summer races. I think only 5 Sundays left coaching this season before we break until September. Then long run Sundays & cycle Sundays will be back. I’m thinking alternate weeks in the saddle, but a lot depends on the weather. I am genuinely a fair weather cyclist! That said only a week left of the school term, then no school runs for a couple of weeks & I’ll be riding in to work a few days. Swimming this afternoon. Nothing major just messing around with the kids as the show me how much they have learnt in the past month of lessons since we last all went on a Saturday. Great to see @davidrutt1980 at the start for a mini catch up. Plus the other goats I stoped & talked to before & after the run. #runner #run #pooleparkrun #lonelygoatrunningclub #rebel #garmin #strava #rundorset #ukrunchat #myoddballs #betruesapien #instarun #runstagram #instarunner #runningcommunity #beardedrunner #weightlossjourney #itsokaynottobeokay #workoutsnap #lonelygoatrc #lonelygoatrunners #runhappy #poolerfc #fitover40 #askingforhelpisnotaweakness #dorsetquayperformance #running #multisports #donotpigeonholeme (at Poole Park Duck Lake) https://www.instagram.com/p/CqNcyrcILfp/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

That was harder than it should have been. Felt like I hadn’t run for a couple of year rather than the couple of weeks it has been. I think Saturdays game took a bit more out of my legs than I realised. Scroll to read the little game review if you missed it from my stories over the weekend. Don’t scroll too far if you don’t like feet. Seem to have developed a nice bruise on my big toe/foot. Not too painful & I can run in it. Doesn’t look great though! As usual recently I hit a bit of a wall at two miles, there was a nasty head wind on hole bay which slowed me down a bit, but once turned to go back up to work legs just lost all energy. I haven’t managed to get back to pushing myself on post work runs. I think now it is getting lighter i need to push a bit harder & get out in the early mornings! Hopefully it warms up soon, I’m not enjoying the cold, the drugs I’m on is really making me feel it. Back to rugby training Thursday & parkrun Saturday. #runner #running #instarun #lonelygoatrunningclub #run #garmin #workoutsnap #rebel #strava #myoddballs #ukrunchat #instarunner #runstagram #poole #rundorset #runhappy #beardedrunner #itsokaynottobeokay #weightlossjourney #betruesapien #lonelygoatrc #lonelygoatrunners (at Holes Bay Nature Park) https://www.instagram.com/p/CqEMSzKrqyY/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

At least I did it! I suffered a minor thigh strain last week at rugby training & with work last Saturday I sensibly took over a week off running. I cried off training Thursday to give myself the best chance to get round park run today. I did, thigh is okay, but everything else aches! Really wasn’t feeling it, just going through the motions! Everything seems a bit like that at the moment. Therapy is going well, but asking questions & opening doors to things I’m not really ready to address yet. Very draining. Not been sleeping well, not eating great & generally not feeling comfortable in my own skin! I’ll keep at it, plate just feels very full. Talking about it helps, even if just over sharing under these little squares! No parkrun next week as rugby training moves to Saturday morning so everyone gets Sunday off for Mother’s Day. There is a family fun day down the club from noon for anyone local, plus a 2nds games (which I’ll get a run out in again) & six nations on the big screen. #lonelygoatrunningclub #run #running #runner #runstats #itsokaynottobeokay #poole #parkrun #garmin #strava #workoutsnap #myoddballs #betrusapien #instarunner #runstagram #instarun #pooleparkrun #rundorset #beardedrunner #adidas #runhappy #weightlossjourney #lonelygoatrc #lonelygoatrunners (at Poole Park Duck Lake) https://www.instagram.com/p/CppTPWAIIYC/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

A bit of a photo dump from yesterday’s game. Only played last 10 minutes in the end, was in water carrying duty’s for the first 70. Great to have a kit on & be involved on match day again. Been over 30 years since my last game of rugby. But have been training well over the past few months so it was almost inevitable! The 2nd’s have another couple or three fixtures before the end of the season, looking forward to being involved for at least one of them. I get to touch the ball next time! Thanks to @allsportmedia.uk for the photos & @lytchett_rugby for hosting the game. #rugby #instarugby #toooldforadebut #backatit #backwithbodyofaforward #mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealthrecovery #itsokaynottobeokay #poolerfc @goodbadrugby @rugbypass (at Lytchett Minster Rugby Club) https://www.instagram.com/p/CpIobKur0ub/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Gentle one for parkrun 101. Much colder than I realised, I stepped out of the house & could see my breath! Swapped cap for beenie & put a jacket on. A good choice was was a little by the end of the run, but defo needed them for jog down, Jeff home & first mile! Had to be gentle as I’ve finally agreed to put my boots on for #poolerfc 2nds this afternoon. What started as I’ll bring boots & maybe 5 mins at the end if needed, too we might not have enough & can you get there early enough for the full warm up before kick off! We’re away at Lytchett if anyone is local & nothing on this afternoon. It’s been over 20 years, but training has been going well. It might not look pretty, but I’m sure I’ll enjoy it! #parkrun #runner #running #instarun #poolepark #pooleparkrun #strava #workoutsnap #run #garmin #beardedrunner #itisokaynottobeokay #rebel #lonelygoatrunningclub #runningcommunity #weightlossjourney #fitover40 #runstats #ukrunchat #myoddballs (at Poole, Dorset) https://www.instagram.com/p/CpFTnbUsThD/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Slow one after work, but at least I got out. Not as cold as I thought it was going to be. Needed a little slow down & walking break a couple for miles in. Lapping everyone on the couch as they say. #runner #running #rundorset #lonelygoatrunningclub #run #rebel #strava #garmin #workoutsnap #myoddballs #adidasboost #ukrunchat #instarun #runstagram #runhappy #lonelygoatrc #poole #holesbay #beardedrunner #lonelygoatrunners #runningcommunity #itsokaynottobeokay #weightlossjourney (at Holes Bay Nature Park) https://www.instagram.com/p/Co73_6QLBjF/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

So that’s parkrun 100. Back up where I grew up & @what_would_whippet_do joined us for his first parkrun in 8 or 9 years! Before a roast this lunch time. A pleasant surprise to see @run_shelley_run at Southam rather than Southampton, perhaps only I find that amusing! A good two laps around the polo grounds, then a little trail path up to the finish. Still surprised that there is a polo ground of this grandeur just a mile where I went to school doesn’t feel like it fits, but I guess a lot as changed in 30 years! I didn’t make a fuss about 100. However I’m think we should celebrate our 111th parkrun as bilbos birthday parkrun. So looking at the numbers 27th May I’m planning my 111th parkrun at Poole. I’m hoping to be dressed as a hobbit. Anyone local who wants to join me either as a hobbit, a wizard, an elf, an dwarf or an orc are all welcome! #parkrun #runer #dallasburstonpoloclubparkrun #running #lonelygoatrunningclub #strava #garmin #workoutsnap #adidasboost #runhappy #instarun #runstagram #runwarwickshire #lonelygoatrc #lonelygoatrunners (at Dallas Burston Polo Club parkrun) https://www.instagram.com/p/CozN9wRNjMh/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

A very different parkrun experience this morning. My 100th but not! My first volunteering parkrun. I was marshalling by the subway on the lake & to be honest it wasn’t bad. I don’t think I’ll be serial volunteer, however I will try to do it more often. I had to be up & out earlier than when running & that is always an issue for me! However I am up & dressed & can pop to town before it gets busy without having to worry about being in my sweaty running kit! But 99 runs & 1 volunteering isn’t a bad record to have. I’m away next weekend & unlikely to run. So 100th run will be still low key in a couple of weeks. #parkrun #pooleparkrun #lonelygoatrunningclub #volunteering (at Poole Park Duck Lake) https://www.instagram.com/p/CohImX4rjMd/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Got up early & dragged myself to parkrun number 99. Only taken nearly 11 years! Not sure I’ll make a fuss over number 100, I think just Poole either next week or the week after. His run was similar to the last few, I hit two miles & legs turn to jelly & road to treacle. Numbing in the left arm & just a massive deflation! I was feeling comfortable until then, but pushing it. I think it is down to the beta blockers kicking in & just holding me back. Everything is so much harder work on these drugs! On that front I had a chest X-ray yesterday & have an echo booked for Sunday. Hopefully we’ll get to the bottom of it & whether I do actually have a heart issue or just anxiety! Yesterday was i nightmare as I had to take piercings out. Them aren’t removed often I don’t bother for rugby, I just put tape over them for heavy contact sessions. However couldn’t get them back in as cold at hospital! I have to come home & jump in the shower! Off out shortly for lunch with @davidrutt1980 & @st4rbug, only a couple of beer & hopefully a bit of the rugger if I can convince them! #runner #running #parkrun #lonelygoatrunningclub #run #poole #pooleparkrun #rebel #garmin #strava #runstats #betruesapien #myoddballs #itsokaynottobeokay #sixnations #runhappy #rundorset #workoutsnap #adidasboost #beardedrunner #weightlossjourney #instarun #runstagram #runningcommunity #englandrugby #ukrunchat #lappingeveryoneonthecouch #lonelygoatrc #lonelygoatrunners #instarunner (at Poole Park Duck Lake) https://www.instagram.com/p/CoPNBjwLZOK/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Second week running I’ve got out for a Tuesday post work run. Different route from last week & I did think the last time I did it, it was 5km. However it came in under three miles! But at least I was out doing something. I got on the big scales at work & while happy two figures rather than three, not happy about it. I have over indulged this month. I only been able to drink the last couple of weeks, I think I’ve over compensated with puddings, specially over Xmas & new year! I will have to cut back again. It’s been a bare minute since injury now & I think one of the reasons I’m not able to improve my pace is not getting back to pre injury weight. The meds I’m on don’t help or course! I have enough going on, so shouldn’t worry about it too much, but sometimes it can’t be helped. Tonight’s run has pushed the monthly total up to the most miles ran in a month since last July! A big part of that of course was the quarter marathon New Year’s Day. Really does feel a long time ago now! #runner #running #rundorset #poole #lonelygoatrunners #strava #garmin #### (at Poole, Dorset) https://www.instagram.com/p/CoF0rp6L4Uf/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

No running this week, I didn’t get up early enough to get out before work yesterday. Swimming in the afternoon with the kids so couldn’t get out after work, rugby coaching this morning. Weekly shop afterwards. Should really have got out but just not got the motivation! Busy week ahead, I’ll try to get out for a run post work again Tuesday. This week I will go rugby training after crying off last minute this week. I have couple of hospital appointments to hopefully close the whole, possible heart issue, situation & then it is just sorting me head out & trying to get a bit positive. #nonrunningpost #nonrunningweekend #keepingbusy #itsokaynottobeokay #stayingactive (at Poole, Dorset) https://www.instagram.com/p/CoAgEFdL1o3/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

A rare post work, mid week run this evening. Almost enjoyed it! Cold, really cold out. Didn’t have any expectations, didn’t try to push pace, just wanted to complete the three mile route with out stopping & managed it! A little win. Plan is rugby training Thursday & back to parkrun Saturday. #runner #running #garmin #strava #workoutsnap #poole #run #lonelygoatrunningclub #beardedrunner #myoddballs #instarun #runstagram #midweekrun #ukrunchat #runningcommunity #runhappy #runstats #lonelygoatrc #instarunning #rundorset #rebel #weightlossjourney #injuryrecovery #itsokaynottobeokay (at Holes Bay Nature Park) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cnzz6rHrXUH/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Think I’ll chalk that up to better than nothing! Not feeling it this morning. A couple of beer out, my first drinks in nearly two months, I think played a large part. Also wanted to leave it a little later so the frost/ice had gone. At least I got out. Half an hour of hill work. Just need a week in bed I think. More blood tests this week & a cardio echo week after next. Hopefully we’ll be able to rule out any heart issues & I can just concentrate on dealing with my current depression. Shopping this afternoon & hopefully not a too busy week at work ahead! #sundayrunday #runner #run #running #lonelygoatrunners #lonelygoatrunningclub #garmin #strava #myoddballs #workoutsnap #rundorset #poole #runnersofinstagram #runningcommunity #rebel #beardedrunner #adidasboost #gettingoutthere #itsokaynottobeokay #injuryrecovery #runningawayfromdepression #weightlossjourney #runhappy #lappingeveroneonthecouch (at Sea-View Viewpoint) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cnt6QdTtp9t/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

A bit of a #shamelessselefie I was on a vc yesterday at work & all I could see was parkbench tramp. I hadn’t shaved my head since before Xmas & beard had got al it’s out of control! Also everything was grey! I decided against the running this weekend in the end & no parkrun this morning because of the ice. I had convinced my self the other local ones would also be off so didn’t get up, but they where so could have gone! However no rugby tomorrow due to frozen pitches so I’m planning a long run. I say long, hopefully I mange 10km. Off out for a meal to celebrate birthday which was earlier in the week. #birthdayweek #freshheadshave #46isthenew30 (at Sea-View Viewpoint) https://www.instagram.com/p/CnsEjrdrmGO/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

So that wasn’t what I expected! I know running is good for your mental health a pain if attacked is not something you want half way around parkrun! It started well, slight different route down to the park, then albeit wet & cold I started fine. A sensible pace on the first mile & lots of splashing in puddles. However as I closed in on a mile I could feel an anxiety / panic attack coming on. My head was telling me I was having a heart attack, I wasn’t. But I had to slow down eventually to a talk & calm myself. I thought I was okay to keep going. However I lost all feeling & control of my left arm/hand. This isn’t new, I’ve had all the test over the past couple of years, the conclusion is tennis elbow. On my current state though, my brain decided I was of course having a stroke! Cue second panic attack! So a lot of walking & a very slow second mile. I pushed on to the end, but I was exhausted! At least I got out on a windy, cold, wet morning. As many say the any run is better than no run! I am seeing the doctors, I am on tablets, it has taken a while to admit my anxiety has got to a level where I can’t cope. The have been told I’m depressed. We are dealing with it. I will get through this as I have previously. #itsokaynottobeokay #parkrun #lonelygoatrunningclub (at Poole, Dorset) https://www.instagram.com/p/CnZNxGRLgPZ/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Didn’t get my mid week run in, it I did go rugby training. This morning back to #parkrun closing in rapidly on three figures now! Very windy, a bit wet. Not as many people or so it seemed for the first parkrun of the year, usually one of the busiest! Back to @poolerfcjuniors coaching tomorrow, a gentle one as away so no planning needed! I went off a little quick & a bit upset I couldn’t keep the pace going, but being out there doing it is the main thing. Would have been much easier to stay in bed this morning given the gale force windy & rain. I’ll take it as a win! #running #runner #poole #garmin #strava #adidasrun #lonelygoatrunningclub #run #rebel #workoutsnap #runstats #instarunner #runstagram #instarun #rundorset #runhappy #beardedrunner #pooleparkrun #betruesapien #myoddballs #ukrunchat #runningcommunity #gettingoutthereishalfthebattle #dorsetquayperformance #weightlossjourney #injuryrecovery #itsokaynottobeokay #justkeeprunning #fitover40 (at Poole Park Duck Lake) https://www.instagram.com/p/CnHF5AXLNyF/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

No #medalmonday instead #mugmonday @poolerunners always give out some different mementos this year a mug. I think as considering a recovery run this morning as the weather is great. However legs are in pieces after longest run since august ‘21 & it would all look at little too much like RED January & each time I’ve attempted that I’ve broken down injured by the 10th! I need rest days! Foam roller & massage gun is the way forward I think. #lonelygoatrunningclub #runner #instarunner #ukrunchat #bankholidaymonday #restday #doms #ukrunchat #runningcommunity (at Sea-View Viewpoint) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cm6HswrNbm_/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=