Bearing my soul on week nine

Firstly, I should apologise for not blogging on week eight.

It’s not that I didn’t want to, I just wasn’t sure if anyone wanted to hear what I had to say.

I’m aware I’ve been harping on about this injury for weeks now and it’s not the most inspiring thing to read about over and over.

But the reality was I’d reached breaking point and that’s why I decided not to post.

My left leg had completely seized up and the pain down the front of my shin and foot was unbearable.

Frosty park run

I couldn’t point my toes or pull them towards me. It was as if I had a wooden leg.

It was stiff all the time, constantly exasperated by walking to work in the frosty mornings and challenging training sessions in the cold evenings.

On top of that, interval running was killing me. Despite advice from my physio to train this way, I didn’t feel like it was helping my shin splints.

For three evenings in a row I fought back tears mid-run and yelled out in pain.

I began to consider pulling out of the marathon. It was only six weeks away and I just wasn’t sure if I could manage it.

As sad as that made me feel, running is something I hope to continue doing for as long as I physically can. The last thing I want to do is push on and cause permanent injury.

On Saturday morning I went to see my physio and told him my thoughts.

He suggested an acupuncture session instead of the massage therapy he had been giving me, and I agreed.

In all honesty I wasn’t convinced before trying it, but I haven’t been feeling very positive about anything these last few weeks so I thought it was worth a go.

My leg didn’t really feel that different after the session but the next day it felt strange.

Camperdown Park, Dundee

The pain down the front of my shin and foot had disappeared.

The sharp pain in the side of my leg (the original pain) was still there, although it was much less severe.

My leg has felt floppy and weak since the acupuncture. It’s still not strong enough to run on but I am happy with the improvement.

I’m going to cross train with swimming until it feels back to normal.

—

I’m running London Marathon 2016 to raise money for Alzheimer Scotland in aid of my gran who has dementia. Please sponsor me. All donations, no matter the size, extremely welcome via my fundraising page: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/SheanneMulholland

xxx THANK YOU!! xxx

—

A dook in the River Tay

T-shirt, boardshorts and flip-flops – probably not what most people would choose to wear on a frosty Scottish New Year’s Day.

But at 10am on January 1, I stood in temperatures of 3C wearing exactly that, waiting to run into the icy waters of the River Tay, at Broughty Ferry.

Ready to dook

It’s a tradition that started around 130 years ago when swimmer John Barrowman encouraged members of the community to join him for a morning dip.

Now scores of locals take to the waters in his honour every New Year’s Day, organised by Ye Amphibious Ancients Bathing Association, as hundreds watch from the shore.

For me it was more than that. I saw it as a chance to wash away my sins of last year and start this year fresh.

New Year, New Me. I don’t remember when or where I heard this saying for the first time. It’s one I’ve never taken to before.

But for some reason in the weeks leading up to this New Year it was looping round and round in my head.

New Year’s Day would mark the beginning of an intense 16-week marathon training programme for me, which involves running six days a week.

I knew that to be in the best possible shape for it I would have to change a few things in my lifestyle. I’d need to cut out alcohol, eat well and look after myself.

And I couldn’t think of a better way to kick-start my new way of thinking than by taking a cleansing dook.

Onlookers watch

Dook at Broughty Ferry

That was, until I was stood shivering at the water’s edge waiting to take the plunge.

I would’ve liked to jump in but it wasn’t deep enough where we were so instead we had to slowly wade through the shallow water.

It was freezing. Much colder than I had imagined. Most people slowly walked around in it, or ran in then straight out again, but one brave young lady was actually swimming.

A few people behind me were dooking their heads in and laughing hysterically. Although I wanted the full experience, I just couldn’t bring myself to put my head under the water.

I went as far as my neck and then swiftly got out. I couldn’t bear any longer than a few minutes.

As I walked up the slipway I pulled my shorts free from sticking to my numb legs then tenderly put my flip-flips back on, which proved a struggle as both my feet and all my toes were numb too.

And then I raced home for a warm bath and a cuppa.

After the dook

—

I’m running the London Marathon 2016 to raise money for Alzheimer Scotland in aid of my gran who has dementia. Please sponsor me. All donations, no matter the size, extremely welcome via my fundraising page: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/SheanneMulholland

xxx THANK YOU!! xxx

—

Prostitute on the run

My bum cheeks were so cold I had to slap them a couple of times as I ran along Arbroath Road, Dundee, in the dark last night.

Damp, cold and frosty

As I did this, I suddenly saw a woman walking towards me.

She seemed to appear out of nowhere, or maybe I just hadn’t noticed her earlier because I was too busy thinking about my cold bum.

She had a bomber jacket on and the sleeves were hanging limp by her side, as if she had her arms tucked up inside her jacket to keep warm.

Her face was pale and thin, and her straggly hair was scraped back into a ponytail.

She didn’t look at me. She was looking out into the road as she slowly walked in my direction.

A white Mini Countryman passed and she nodded to the driver. “How does she know someone in a car like that?” I thought to myself.

And then it hit me – she’s a prostitute.

I had forgotten this road was a known hot-spot for prostitutes to pick up business.

I’ve run it for over a year now and never came across anything like that, but suddenly I felt uneasy about being there alone in the dark.

However, the feeling soon passed as I remembered I was wearing a fluorescent top, a flashing light clipped to one trainer and reflective snap bands on my ankles (my favourite running item!).

Arbroath Road, Dundee

Although my gear probably wasn’t enough to warn off any trouble should it come my way, it was a clear sign that I wasn’t out looking for any.

My attention started to drift back to my cold bum again. I gave it another couple of slaps.

The air was bitterly sharp and as I turned onto the path along Kingsway my foot slipped on ice.

The next few steps were the same so I walked half a dozen yards, noting that most of the path was slippery.

It was too dangerous to run on, so instead I ran on the grass verge alongside the path.

The grass had frosted over and gave a satisfying crunch beneath my feet. In fact it was a very pleasant break from pounding the pavements.

I ran along as much of the grass as I could before turning off the Kingsway to go home.

—

I’m running the London Marathon 2016 to raise money for Alzheimer Scotland in aid of my gran who has dementia. Please sponsor me. All donations, no matter the size, extremely welcome via my fundraising page: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/SheanneMulholland

xxx THANK YOU!! xxx

—

Challenges of living in Scotland: Snow

The snow was falling heavily and what was lying on the ground was nearly 10cm deep.

My friends were in a panic about driving home from the log cabin we’d rented in Piperdam, just outside Dundee, to celebrate one of the girls’ 30th birthday.

Snowed in at Piperdam

But all I could think about was it meant I’d have to miss my Sunday run.

Although it was a cold 4C the previous day, it didn’t occur to me that snow was due (or to check the forecast).

I’d packed my training gear in eager anticipation of a cross-country run – something I rarely have a chance to do.

It was a picture perfect winter retreat, and although I could appreciate its beauty, I was disappointed at the arrival of snow.

We waited a few hours for the sun and for tracks in the roads before driving home around lunch time – when my car’s temperature gauge read 0C.

There was far less snow in Dundee, but the pavements around my way were dusted with enough to cause concern.

Few of the footpaths were clear or gritted and I knew it was game over – I wasn’t getting out.

Snowy running conditions on Clepington Road, Dundee

Yesterday was slightly warmer so I decided to brave it and run along main roads where the pavements were clear.

Arklay Street was still snowy and, as I ran down, I criss-crossed the road to ovoid the worst patches.

After that it was pretty much plain sailing through Dundee city centre and Hawkhill, where I needed to take care on the frosty roads sparkling in the street lights.

I knew there was little chance of me getting speed up in the conditions, so I decided to do a distance run instead – 7.5 miles.

It was tough at times and my stomach hurt at points, but for the most of it I felt good (probably due to the speed I was running).

Wrapped up

The hardest thing I find about running is fighting the urge to stop and walk, although most often when I do that I feel like my legs actually want to go faster.

So as long as I can convince my head to keep going, my legs will do the rest.

I’ve woken today with a sore hip, which I think was something I did as I stretched after the run rather than during it.

But it should be fine after a day’s rest, I hope.

—

I’m running the London Marathon 2016 to raise money for Alzheimer Scotland in aid of my gran who has dementia. Please sponsor me. All donations, no matter the size, extremely welcome via my fundraising page: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/SheanneMulholland

xxx THANK YOU!! xxx

—

Near to tears after puddle soaking

I was already soaked right through when a motorist decided to drench me in puddle water.

Even before the incident my dripping wet clothes were stuck to my skin as I ran along Arbroath Road, Dundee, in the heavy rain.

A large amount of sodden leaves lined the inside of the pavement, so I was forced to run at the side nearest to the road.

Prepared for rain

I made the decision cautiously as I could see big puddles all the way along the side of the road but I thought they were easily avoidable for drivers as the road is wide enough for three lanes.

And I didn’t want to risk slipping and falling on the wet leaves.

It was dark but I had bright and reflective running gear on, and there’s ample light where I was.

On an evening like that it’s such an effort to fight the urge to stay inside, tucked up in my dressing gown with a cup of cocoa, watching the telly.

But I forced myself to go out – wearing a lightweight jacket, cap and running gloves.

It was cold. I was wet. The whole thing was miserable.

All I could think was the faster I run, the quicker I get home into the warmth and can open that chocolate orange I have waiting for me.

Wet conditions on Arbroath Road

I didn’t pass a single person for more than five miles. Not even a dog walker.

Then all of a sudden, without any warning, a motorist ploughed through a puddle next to me creating a big wave which drenched me in dirty rain water.

He sped off, no doubt laughing to himself, as I looked down at my clothes which were now covered in road-side crap as well as already being extremely wet.

I was so deflated I felt like crying and I still had over a mile to continue running before I got home.

All I could do was sadly plod on.

To all the drivers out there: running is hard enough as it is – have some respect.

—

I’m running the London Marathon 2016 to raise money for Alzheimer Scotland in aid of my gran who has dementia. Please sponsor me. All donations, no matter the size, extremely welcome via my fundraising page: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/SheanneMulholland

xxx THANK YOU!! xxx

—