Lord Seb's top running tip

This is one item that comes firmly under the category of things I wish I'd known earlier...

Listening to Lord Seb Coe, on Radio 4's Desert Island Discs, the other day, I was intrigued to hear him talking about the way his father trained him, to enhance his medal-winning running prowess. Seb related how he was set super-challenging tasks running up hills but emphasised how his dad would always collect him in the car, rather than ever allow him to run down hill. Lord Coe explained how downhill running is when the majority of damage occurs to joints, through jolting/jarring.

It completely brought home, to me, how I had hurt my back - cue violins - through downhill running in Richmond Park, a couple of years ago - something I'm still 'paying' the consequences of, today. How I miss my regular long runs and super-fitness. My schedule is now mostly at the gym (not such great scenery)... Hope Seb (and I) can prevent some of you from incurring avoidable damage...

PS Pic shows Richmond Park (just beyond Ham Gate) in all her winter glory

back to fitness...

You'll probably know by now how I love a riverside wander but I have a confession, there's been something missing from my life recently... One of my greatest passions!  I'm a very keen runner and used to be super-fit - notice the use of the past tense here:-(  - all was going smoothly until, last November, I had my first bout of real back pain.  Grrr!  Cue violins and stray tears...

I saw a couple of osteopaths, rested as I knew I must (moving about was no mean feat) and in January saw the doctor, too.  The general consensus of opinion was that I had injured (jarred) my back doing my lovely hill runs in Richmond Park and all  I could do now was to walk on flatter surfaces.  So,  as I always believe in nurturing good health, I've been restricting myself to long, reasonably brisk walks but it just isn't the same!  I want to start running again and get back into the super-fit shape I was in but I admit I'm a little wary.

I'm determined to make a start in May though and I'll let you know how things go... Anyone with a similar experience who wants to post any comments or advice - I'd love to hear from you!