It's Over...Kinda

Last weekend, I ran 6.5 miles without stopping. It felt amazing. It was comfortable, it was on marathon pace, and I felt AMAZING.

I did a Facebook Live video about it rather than a blog, so apologies to those of you who missed it. If you have a look I think I have set them to public, if you're interested. It was great! Running felt good! Marathons felt possible!

Then, the next day, the insides of my lower legs started to hurt. Okay. Fine. I did a running. Pain is normal. I decided to rest until the pain had gone and try not to stress about once again falling behind with the schedule...

Unfortunately, it's a week later and I'm no better. I have been to see the physio today who says absolutely no running, not even for a bus, for a couple of months because else bits of my shin bones will actually start to chip off. That's a bit of a dire warning - and it puts paid to my marathon in 2017 because there's no way in hell I can take 2 months off and get to marathon strength by April.

I have mixed feelings. I was starting to think that you all were right, that 6 months from zero to marathon was too much, but I still wanted to prove you all wrong and do it. My body, however, is making its feelings on the subject known quite clearly. In a way it's a bit of a relief to know that I'm not just being lazy, that I really CAN'T do it. But I was imagining the actual run, the pain, the tears, and the joy of succeeding and crossing the line. Also, people were cheering me on, sponsoring me, and I feel I'm letting those people down.

I still hope to run the London Marathon in 2018 so this blog is by no means over. I'm also much, much fitter than I was in August and I want to keep that going, so I'll be swimming and maybe cycling instead. The physio suggested I aim for a triathlon instead, so I'm going to look into that, and there's a half marathon I'm signed up for in March which might still be possible.

The plan has changed, but the adventure isn't over. Watch this space.

4.5 miles

I skipped two runs this week, one 3 mile and one 4.5 mile. I've been busy and my ankle isn't quite right and I'm full of excuses not to go out in the dark and the cold. 

Daytime running is going to be the answer to that, and fortunately my boss is happy for me to work flexibly! So today I set off on a quite pleasant 4.5 miler. I switched around my route quite a bit although as usual the old railway track featured prominently, due to being both flat and soft underfoot. 

I tried the audiobook again and seemed to empty my mind a bit more today. I really need to pay for the Zombies Run app and get back into that story as well. 

Nothing started to bleed and the Compeed on my heel held. I put the box in my pocket just in case and my main irritant was the sound of them rattling with every step! I also felt far too hot. I set off with a woolly hat and my running jacket on but was stripped down to my vest by Mile 3. 

Happy to see a man I have chatted to before as well. We walked together for a while and he was telling me about his cancer, and how he used to be a cyclist. Going in different directions today but he cheered me past while his beagle looked on, bemused. It cheered me up to see him :)

The next run is on Sunday - 6.5 miles. A big step up, and I'm not as fit as I should be after my injury. I need to plan properly, make sure I have eaten, and not wear too many clothes. But some clothes. The good people of Saddleworth don't need to see that much jiggling.