I started this week on a bit of a high after competing in the Northampton Triathlon last Sunday – despite my various niggles (don’t think they’re severe enough to call them injuries) I still performed quite well so went into Monday feeling pretty good.
I had a nice 4 mile warm up with the DLRR ‘early lap’ group and ran with a lovely chap who ran with the Olympic Torch in Legbourne, Lincolnshire onWednesday. He was so excited it was infectious and a totally deserving chap. It couldn’t have happened to a nicer bloke!
M
y legs felt quite tight by the end of the first four miles as this group do run quite fast (for me!) but decided to stay for the main session. We split into two groups and the quicker runners (including me) had to run up the canal for 25 mins – easyyou say….but with a twist, every time you hit a bridge, you run over it and run along the other side of the canal. Some of the bridges are typical humpback canal bridges but some are large road bridges and involve a substantial amount of climbing but to the road, running along it and then back down again – then after 25 mins, you retrace your steps back to base. Hard work – especially after a tri the day before, a quick four miles already in your legs plus an over tight calf and PF in your good heel!
Tuesday was early morning swim in the lake – 5am start for 6am dip, then in the evening a visit to the physio to sort out my heel and calves. Came out of the physio with a load of exercises and another session just before the half.
Wednesday was a quick bike round one of my TT routes that I use to see what state my fitness is in, not too bad judging by my average speed – nearly a mile an hour up on this time last year so pretty pleased with that.
Thursday was DLRR club night. An early lap of 4 miles then a further 5 miles round very pretty canal/river route. I was in trouble towards the end of the second run with my calf – as soon as I try to up the pace it pulls, that couples with the increasing pain in my heel meant for a painful last me following morning I was almost in tears with my heel – despite icing the night before, stretches and a foot brace I couldn’t walk when I got out of bed. I even cracked open the ibuprofen and wore trainers to work – that’s bad!
Saturday was early swim in the lake followed by a bike around the MK tri course. The swim was great – two laps of the lake and I really felt comfortable – it’s true what they say about open water swimming, the more you do, the more you enjoy it. The bike didn’t last two long as we were hit with a torrential downpour only a few miles in and based on that and my cycling partners ki
t malfunction (he forgot his shorts and top so was in casual shorts and short) decided that it was probably best to give it up as a bad job! Shame as I was feeling quite good, but plenty more swim/bike Saturdays to come over the coming weeks.
Sunday was our usual DLRR long club run. Usually 10+ miles and I normally love it but with my niggles was a bit apprehensive about the half next week and whether my calf/heel will stand up. I needn’t have worried – it got a bit tight to wards the end but I managed the ‘Brickhill Hill’ twice with no major concerns. I didn’t run as far as I initially wanted – would rather have done 12 (more for psychological reasons that physical need!) but was happy with the 10 and in no real pain, in comparison with Thursday.
So, looks like the MK Half next Sunday is back on – perhaps not the PB territory I was hoping for but still a good base for the rest of the season and some much needed stamina for the MK Olympic tri in mid August.
runwithchips 