Wednesday 10 February 2016

Foot care

Last Sunday I ran out of legs. They still haven't recovered. Good job I'm tapering this week.

To cheer my feet up, I took them for half an hour of vigorous reflexology at Step In on Rupert Court. As ever, it was a triumph. My lower limbs are now much revived and ready to go.

Having a massage at lunchtime still feels indulgent. For the first seven years of my working life, I was based in a mansion in the middle of nowhere. Wonderful location but the opportunities for lunchtime massages were remote/non-existent. Then I moved to London and suddenly you have virtually everything in the world at the end of the road - all the time. What a novelty! And it still hasn't worn off. Might have another massage tomorrow.

Sunday 7 February 2016

Listen to the whispers

I went to a 'Meet the experts' day at UCL yesterday. It was for those of us who are doing the London marathon for charity. The speakers were a mix of fundraisers, sports people and the marathon organisers.

As you can imagine, it was stirring stuff. However, when a lady came on to talk about 'listening to your body whisper before it screams' to stay injury free, my legs began to hurt. I think it's called the 'nocebo' effect - psychologically bringing pain upon yourself. The only course of action was to head home for a cream tea.

Today was supposed to be the 'long run' so I pootled off feeling optimistic about circling the heath, Primrose Hill and Regent's Park. However, at mile 5 my body whispered that I would be much better off on the tube and I could only agree.

I'm just not feeling it today and see no point in beating myself up. This time next week I have the Exeter half marathon. I shall save myself for then.

Stats: 5.3 miles; 54.38; 10.09 minute/mile.

Pic: Carriage for the last two miles.



Tuesday 2 February 2016

A healthy chiding

I was all ready to sack off tonight's run when a colleague chivvied me into action. I'm glad he did. It was a little slow but good nonetheless. Now I just need to do parkrun and a long run at the weekend and I'll have achieved my minimum training for the week. Hoorah! Good to aim high.

Stats: 4.4 miles; 47.17 minutes; 10.44 minute/mile.

Monday 1 February 2016

Wild night run - the results are in

Ten muddy miles in 2:05:20.3

Three minutes slower than last year - which means my pacing is working. A win!



Sunday 31 January 2016

Meanwhile, somewhere on Dartmoor...

I need never visit a hammam again because my orifices are full of mud.

Last night's Wild Night Run was brilliant. The weather was kind and temperature, perfect. Though weeks of rain had left the moor resembling slush puppy. As another runner said, it was a lot like bog snorkelling.

I didn't mind. It was a good excuse to walk (or wade) these bits. Mindful of avoiding incident, I walked when the terrain turned tricky - on the steep downhills, steep uphills and uneven flat bits. I basically went for a walk on Dartmoor.

Which is probably why I enjoyed it so much. There were a couple of times I felt rough (around mile 3 - nausea; around mile 8 - legs like lead). I think the sickness might have been a result of the large fried breakfast I'd had that morning. Possibly not the best option. And lead legs a sign I need to get stronger. Back to the gym.

Not sure of time yet. I was surprised and delighted to cross the finish line and hear: 1 30. A full thirty minutes quicker than last year! But to be fair, I did run the last mile last year with a broken ankle. The surprise and delight lasted until my nephew highlighted I was actually about ten minutes slower than last year (when I had a broken ankle). I then realised my race number was 130. Ah...

So, great race, lovely atmosphere, highly recommended. Time tbc...







Tuesday 26 January 2016

Fighting fit feet

Delighted to report that my feet are now back to normal. Lesson learned: don't wear off-road trainers on roads!

All ready for - and very excited about - Saturday's Wild Night Run

Just need to buy a new headtorch, replacement batteries and a space blanket in case I come a cropper on Dartmoor. One doesn't like to be paranoid but history would suggest I best err on the side of caution.


Sunday 24 January 2016

Test driving my new off-roaders

Yesterday I took delivery of a fabulous new pair of Innov8s. They're multi-terrain trainers and, with a 10-mile fell run next week, I wanted to see how grippy they are.

So, I took them for a canter to Regent's Park and Primrose Hill this morning. They fared very well in the mud and I feel confident they will glue me to Dartmoor for next Saturday's wild night run.

However, I fear they were less well suited to Finchley Road and the four or five miles I did on London's pavements.

It was fine while running but I've just got out of the shower and now my right foot is throbbing and I can hardly move.

Reminds me of the time I decided to walk home from Soho in my bare feet (just before the Brighton marathon). They actually felt okay while walking. It was when I got home and sat down that they started to glow like hot coals. They were sore for days!

Anyway, I've been foam rollering my newly tender foot and am hoping it'll ease up in a minute. Plan to drag it to the pub for a roast dinner and see if that helps. It'll help my tum, if nothing else.

On the plus side, I managed just under two hours of running and felt okay (foot aside). This bodes well.

Stats (according to Strava): 10.5 miles; 1.48.42; 10.21 minute/mile

Pic: New shoes that are not new anymore.

Saturday 23 January 2016

Suddenly and unexpectedly...

...I'm running the London marathon. Completely forgot I'd signed onto a waiting list for a charity entry. Got an email on Thursday saying someone had dropped out, did I want the place? Had small panic then said yes. Gift horses and mouths and all that...

I'm feeling reasonably fit at the moment. Haven't fallen over for at least six months. And already have a couple of races in the diary so hopefully training shouldn't be a problem. I'm also lucky enough to have a good few friends and a big mouth so hopefully fundraising should go okay too. I went for Age UK because, among other things, they run an excellent initiative called Men in Sheds that I think is really lovely. If I can raise a few pounds for them and get to run the marathon then why not?

So, today's parkrun was officially the start of my training. As was the quick dip in Hampstead ladies' pond - one a physical challenge, the other mental. The pond was three degrees. I only managed to get up to my waist on the ladder. I'm planning to go all the way tomorrow. Exciting times!

Stats: 3.1 miles; 28.50; 9.18 minute/mile.

Pics: The beautiful heath; advertising coldness; the ladder of success