Stiff

Last Wednesday (18th May), Cheryl, Chris and me tried to vary our Wed Work Running Club route, so decided to run to the bridge, over it and back - 4 miles. It was really REALLY windy but normally its a cross-wind on the bridge, so I thought it would be ok. Wrong. Basically the wind blew us over the bridge and we were running straight into gale force winds on the way back. I actually felt really strong on the way back and even though the bridge run is boring and harsh (even on a nice day) and it was not enjoyable, I felt strong enough to put in a sprint for the last 50 metres. Pop - my calf went again. It actually did feel like a 'pop'. Totally furious with myself. Should have just finished the run without messing about.

I was down in the dumps Wed, Thur and had to miss the Fri run as calf still sore.This led to me drowning my sorrows in some glasses of wine (lower calories than beer) and strangley getting more motivated the more tipsy I got watching the ridiculously fit cyclists on the Tour of Calafornia.

I am getting seriously worried this recurring injury will seriously dent my training plans. It seems to be: run, 4 days to get better, then run again.

Anyway, calf felt ok Sat morning, so planned to do the Dundee Half Marathon route with Jeff. Basically its a cycle route that goes all the way around Dundee. We were doing the Camperdown to Broughty Castle 13.2 mile route. Not to bore you with the details but the route is fairly easy after the first mile and a half which is pretty steep. I honestly never knew this route existed and I would say I hadn't been to 90% of the places on the route.

I managed to reach 12 miles, just reached the esplanade from the Monifieth end and my body seemed to seize up all over. My neck, shoulders, hips, thighs, knees, calves, ankles and especially the soles of my feet were either burning, throbbing or stiff as a board. I stopped and lied down at the side of the road and waited for Jeff to finish the route and pick up the car and come and get me.

I had actually felt pretty good up until about 10 and a half miles and this was the longest run I had done at 2hr 30mins, so all in all, not too bad. I ran out of fluids at 10 miles, so I'm sure there is a link there.

Slept most of the afternoon and woke up in so much pain and soooooo stiff (I mean my legs, back and shoulders/neck area btw) it wouldn't be an exaggaration to say it took me just over 5 minutes to get up and get to my bathroom.

Fluids. Definitely fluids.