Racing again!
- Penny
- Aug 10, 2025
- 2 min read
Almost 12 months to the day since injury struck, and 10 months since tendon reconstruction surgery...and I'm loving being back in our Leicestershire League races.
It was a tentative start back in April when I tried my first league race. I have never started towards the back of the field but just wanted to 'get round' and enjoy being back in my club vest again.
Fast forward four months and I have now raced in two half marathons, I am enjoying weekly ParkRuns (only 7 away from my 200th ParkRun!) and consistently finishing in the top three of the age graded results; I have competed in five of the Leicestershire League races, and I have almost reached my 1000th mile of running post-surgery!
I'll be honest though... I have to be sensible! (I always used to find that difficult in running terms!). Two rest days a week on some weeks; some cross training and strength work, and no marathon training this year (that is all quite sensible for me!)
I have to be careful too with the speed sessions that I choose. As head coach for our local club, I coordinate all the coaching for our club members and our coaching team do an amazing job of providing a range of coaching sessions at different locations. We try to ensure that in a monthly cycle, there is something for everyone...when I'm not coaching, I will always participate in the sessions, but I know that hill sprints and short reps or maximum velocity work are a 'no no' right now...but I'll get there.
I must be doing something right...the marketing company for the hospital where I underwent surgery have asked if they can use my story in promotional material to give positive feedback on this type of surgery! Having been told pre-op that I might not run again, I am only to happy to help if it means others in my situation can have the confidence to know that the surgery can help massively and can get you back running again...even at my age!
And as a marathon runner, yes of course I've entered another marathon...but I have heeded advice and I won't be racing the marathon distance until Spring 2026...my 30th road marathon...and it will certainly be very special to me!
