Guess who's back?

My ankle has been feeling fine for a few days now, and I couldn't face the gym. I decided to risk it, and try a run. Dosed up on ibuprofen just in case, spent a dreadfully long time getting ready, stressed about it quite a lot.

Couldn't find my shoes, which is a worry as I have two (identical) pairs. I blame the dog. Eventually found one pair in the car (where I had put them to keep the dog off them) but still no sign of the second.

Did I mention that I blame the dog?

I was surprised how nervous I was about running. Would I be able to do it? Would everything flare up and keep me out for another three weeks? Would I have lost all my fitness? I set off at my usual very slow pace and just kept going...

There was definitely the odd grumble from my ankle but nothing that I would describe as actual 'pain' and now I'm done it's definitely letting me know it's there but not actually hurting. So hopefully, unless I wake up tomorrow totally crippled, it's going to be ok. I'm seeing the physio tomorrow anyway and will probably be told off for running without permission ;)

I managed about 3 miles in 41 minutes, without stopping. I'm still not sure how I managed the Parkrun in 36 minutes because I remember walking quite a bit of that. I got overtaken, and realised my feet were moving at the same rate as the much faster guy, and spent a mile puzzling over why he was forging ahead and I was crawling along.

My running style is quite flat footed and I don't kick my feet up behind me like a lot of people I've observed. I work on the theory that my style is more energy efficient, but perhaps the whole kicky bouncy thing helps to push you forward. I'll have to think about that more. I probably shouldn't worry so much about my speed either because the whole point of this exercise is to be able to keep going for 7 hours, not to break any records.

It was nice to be out in the mud and snow and soggy leaves, and felt good to know that I can still run, such as it is. I have been quietly worried that my marathon adventure might be over before it had begun, but now I'm feeling quite optimistic that it's back on. Yay! :)