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.

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.

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.

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!