This time the nurse who was also a fitness specialist was there.

During the pre-exercise assessment, where they check on how we are, any changes to medication or symptoms, and take our blood pressure and resting heart rate, I said that I had realised that a half marathon in a little over two months time is out of the question.

The nurse was relieved. I think I’d been worrying her!

The exercise specialist joined me for the main session and we talked.

She got it – the desire to push because I like to be active. Knowing that it was important to her too made me really felt heard.

I guess it was that which convinces me more than worried nurses to calm down and be patient with myself and my recovery.

Her advice was to reduce my long runs back to 5k until they are a little more comfortable. But also to do low intensity intervals in the week between my longer runs. I may be able to do the 10k at the start of May, but I really must be careful!

Message received!

I have an achievable goal.

And even if I cannot do it this year, the point was that there will be many more years of running … if I don’t set myself back.

But the truth is that I didn’t feel proud of myself for being sensible. It was a logical decision that I eventually reached on my own (with a bit of nudging).

I feel disappointed that neither my body nor the universe rearranged themselves to fit in with my plans. 🤣