A bit wet!

What's with all the rain? So much rain it's almost July-like weather ;)

Actually, I don't mind running in the rain, as long as it's not windy. Don't like the wind! Anyhoo, went out with the Harriers last night for the first time in ages and felt some of the cobwebs being blown out. Foot hurt though, real problems with the arch on my right foot and I have a new clicking/popping of the ligaments in there. Need to get that sorted - possibly a good excuse for a foot rub from Mrs N ;)

Here's the MB from last night.

One big hill

So I missed out yet again on Tuesday with the Harriers as I was in London. So I went for a gentle 4.5 mile XC as it was such a lovely evening. I followed up on Wednesday by running a similar route to Dave, Laura & Ray who ran through Prestbury, up over Cleeve Hill and down through Woodmancote, Cleeve. I ran the opposite direction and ended up with a stride short of 10.5 miles. Cracking evening for running although my enforced layoff (foot injury + extended chest cold) caused some personal consternation climbing Bushcombe Lane. Determined as I was, my lungs were rasping! Anyway, I plodded onwards and upwards over Cleeve Hill, through a herd of dangerous looking cows and down the other side. In that 10 mile run I saw: cows, sheep, horses, rabbits, lamas(!) and hurdled approximately 15 stys, ran through countless gates, over a railway line and three cattle grids.

Here it is:

Never rains but it pours.

So just when I think my foot is well enough to take some miles, I get a cold. I didn't run on Tuesday with the Harriers as planned, am not running tomorrow as planned so it's all gone to rats. Sensibly (which I am not known for), I have decided to withdraw from the CS 10k next week; I simply haven't prepared well enough. I was hoping to crash train this week in the hope of getting some quality miles in my legs but the cold has seen to that. So I'll give up on next week and now aim for the Tewkesbury Half Marathon next month.

Hopefully by the weekend I'll be ok to get out for a nice long, but relaxed plod and then start picking up the pace next week.

On reflection though, the cold-induced layoff may be beneficial giving my poorly right foot time to heal better. Silver lining possibly!

R.

London

So hats off to Paul from our Harriers Tuesday night group who not only clocked a cracking PB of 2.54 in today's London Marathon and thus entered the marathon 'elite' club and automatically booked himself for next year's race too, but he also pleasured us on national BBC with tales of his chaffed groin. I was sat watching the coverage and suddenly I realised a Cheltenham Harrier was being interviewed, then realised it was Paul. In his moment of fame, all he could mention was his chaffed groin and feet; splendid.

Well done though mate!

Rob

ps. Inspired I waddled out for a 7 miler :(

Back to Normal

Ok so the injury has pretty much cleared up. I'm still icing the foot at nights but generally speaking, it's much better. I managed 18 miles this week which included a nice (!) 8 miles over Cleeve Hill between Oakley & home. I should get out for a plod on Sunday and hopefully back with the Harriers on Tuesday. If not, I really need to get some speed sessions sorted next week in prep for the Civil Service 10k championships the week after. Here's the Motion Based from my run over the bump that is Cleeve Hill:

Tentative first steps

I've been very sensible and haven't run a step for 9 days. The foot has been feeling much better this weekend so I went out for a very gentle plod around the block. Not bad, but no 100% better. The inhibiting pain wasn't there although I felt a bit of discomfort now & again. I'll get some ice on the heel tonight and will take it easy for the next week or so. Fingers crossed, I should be ok for the Civil Service 10k Championships in London in a couple of weeks, but I'm not sure how my pace will be by then.

I'm currently reading 'Extreme Running' by Ranulph Fiennes (foreward by him anyway) which selects the best ultra running races from across the continents. From Badwater to Comrades, Marathon de Sable to the North Pole Marathon. Interesting book covering running events the likes of me can only dream about!

Ouch again!

So I'm cycling to work this morning on my Lemond and heading toward the level crossing on my normal route to work. Bit of moisture in the air, nice fresh start to the day though and wham!! I'm suddenly spreadeagled across the railway tracks. My front wheel had slipped on the wooden surface that covers the actual rails on the crossing. As my front wheel skidded it wedged deep between the wooden surface and the actual railway. My front wheel is an awful mess, a lovely Bontrager Race Lite gone in the blink of an eye (about 250 quid). I'm a bit battered and bruised but thankfully I managed to get the bike and drag it out of the crossing before the barriers came down!! I'm also very very glad I didn't take a bang to the head as the consequences of that are a bit too awful to contemplate!

So I'm not doing very well at the moment. I've just spent most of the day searching for a replacement wheel and then getting my Trek (winter bike) back in service ready for tomorrow.

I'll be paying increased attention when I get to the crossing tomorrow!!

R.