It was hot, it wasn’t pretty, there was a bit too much wobble going on and far too much interference from my shorts riding up or falling down and sports bra rubbing in all the wrong places.  However,  I did it.  I managed to run 9 miles and by the end my legs began to feel like my own again and I think I can definitely say that I am finally back!

Big thanks to my young buddy who cycled all the way with me.   It was late afternoon/early evening and parts of the old railway line cycle path were narrow between overgrown weeds and quite deserted so I would have been a bit spooked running it alone.  He was good company we chatted, sang and whistled as we went along at an easy pace stopping every 2 miles or so for a brief water break.  It was strange running in the heat of a late summer evening with all the sights and smells of autumn.

At my last Physio appointment on Friday I was filmed running on the treadmill. The Physio was checking that my exercises were training me to keep my hips stable as I run and gave me some general feedback. I need to take longer strides so my front foot lands at a better angle and she also pointed out that my right foot curves as it comes forward because my toes are not pointing straight ahead.  I spent ages trying to correct my screw kick for breast stroke and now it seems I have to do the same for running!  Damn wayward right foot!

So while running my young buddy cycled behind me watching what my legs were doing and shouting out feedback!  Taking longer strides, engaging core and concentrating on brushing my right foot straight forward was hard work and results in me running at a faster pace.  Unfortunately I’m not fit enough to keep that up for too long yet!

I am now looking forward to the Royal Parks Half Marathon next weekend (beer and pizza afterwards with blogging buddies).  It won’t be a PB but I am certainly going to enjoy it!