They say there is no gain without pain. Rediscovering exercise is a pretty good way to test the theory.
As with most lessons learned the hard way, this one stung.
My nemesis, Achilles, appears to be at war with my purpose.
Just as I am making progress along the road to fitness, my old Achilles tendon injury has flared again, threatening to trip me up.
Now, fundamentally, I'm an optimist, I know how hard I am working, I know how I take care of myself, and those are the two things I can control.
As far as injuries and wear and tear go, it happens, but honestly, these tests have impeccable timing, striking when you are most vulnerable or in full stride absolutely loving what you are doing and reaping the rewards.
And let's face it, nobody really wants to hear about anybody else's injuries.
I mean, what athlete, performer, or life embracing go-getter doesn't sustain one or more on occasion, wearying their resolve and turning the simplest of tasks into a major production.
The strong push on, putting pride to one side and adapting, finding a way to continue.
I have a secret weapon, my physiotherap ist at Let's Go Fitness.
She is a machine, (not literally of course, how very futuristic!).
Anne has been with me from the start, describing the phases of improvement my body is experiencing week to week.
For example, neural pathways from brain to brawn are being strengthened; my body is building extra nerves.
It is similar, I am told, to the laying of high-speed fibre-optic cables.
Lean muscle mass is increasing, aiding my fat-burning potential and Anne has declared that by week nine, I will become superhuman.
''Oh, laugh out loud, Anne,'' I retort.
''I do not joke about these things,'' she replies, straight-faced.
Now I come to think about it, she did sound a bit Terminatorish, and she certainly has hands of steel.
The deep-tissue massage therapy is eyewateringly awful, but effective.
Exercising continues for my health, sanity and the ritual of the Saturday morning caffeine fix with my new like-minded work-out buddies.
We discuss the nagging injuries that bedevil us, and share our horror stories.
In doing so we remind ourselves to appreciate the periods free from the claws of pain.
I feel encouraged when we share experiences and tips: I am not alone.
Sometimes, especially as we mature, we need to modify to suit.
I tell Anne and myself that I will run when I can, walk when I have to, crawl if I must but I will never give up.
I'm a woman of my word and ''I will be back''.
• Week by week, Christine shares her experience of returning to the gym.
