Windy 6m

Route: 6m, undulating, road
Weather: Very windy, 5C

First proper run in a while now and it felt great. Ran up Leeds road to the top and down to Pool and back to Otley. Wind was so strong that I could hardly run against it on the way back.

I'm loving the SOLE footbeds. Feet seem to be very comfortable at the moment - I even stuck them in my work shoes as I spend quite a bit of time on my feet there too. Would definitiely recommend them. Visit SOLES for more info.

Sole Footbeds

Well my plans have been scuppered again as the bike has its first puncture. I know, I know it's only a puncture, but I just have not got the time to fix it. So I decided to go for a very short run.

I was also trying out a new purchase. I bought myself some new footbeds (kind of supportive insoles). They are made by Soles and are a unique and very clever design. The idea is that you bake them in your oven for a couple of minutes and then pop them into your trainers and hop in! It was all very easy to do and I have to say they felt comfy right from the outset. Ran 2m in them tonight to test them out and they felt good. I'll keep the blog updated as to how they perform on longer runs (hopefully soon!!)

My right foot is still sore on top. Not really sure what it is, but guessing tendonitis of some sort. Will keep taking things easy until it's completely better.

Some photos from the Thames

I finally received my phone/camera back from repair today so I could look at some of the photos I took on the Thames Path race. I think these two sum it up quite well. As you can see, there is the distinct lack of any 'path'!

Cycle - 24m

Route: 24m (or really 2 X 12m), road, flat and hilly
Weather: windy again

Cycled through to Harrogate and stopped for a cup of peppermint tea with my cousin and her partner. Felt good and strong most of the way apart from about 3m from arrival on the first legn when I felt a definite energy low. Fueld up with a Kit Kat before returning home. Once that kicked in, felt good again.

Am trying to alter my diet a bit at the moment as I have been using running as a bit of an excuse for eating whatever and whenever I like. It shouldn't be like that. I am trying to eat hi energy low fat foods wherever possible and also to minimise chocolate which I love (a bit too much!). Overall I think I have a pretty good diet. I don't drink tea or coffee, don't drink alcohol and apart from chocolate have no real vices. I just want to cut out the energy spikes and troughs and try to reach a more consistent energy level. We'll see how it goes.

Foot feels much better today, but am still going to avoid running until next Tuesday (although I was sorely tempted today!)

cycle - 20m

Route: 20m, road, undulating there, hilly back.
weather: 9C, windy.

Had a really fun, exciting cycle into Leeds tonight, I think setting a speed camera off in Headingly! (tut tut). Not so exciting on the way home as was cycling straight into a head wind. Took 35 mins there and 1 hour on the way home (also took a hillier route home).

Nice to get the legs moving and the heart and lungs working.

Edited to say: How inconsiderate are drivers with cyclists?! Most wouldn't even take the time to turn off high beam when coming towards me.

A new start

Have had a complete week off after the Thames Path disaster. My foot has been sore all week, but I have ruled out a fracture after having an x-ray. Doctor seemed to think it is ligament damage.

Went to town today to have my gait reanalysed as I have been worried that I was over-pronating as a result of the knee injury, but I wasn't. Bought a pair of Saucony shoes, which feel like slippers on. Good cushioning and more space than the Asics.

Am going to have anpther week off running and instead have a week of cycling to give the ligaments and the joints a rest from impact.

Here is my proposed cycling plan for the week ahead:
Tonight: 20m
Sun: 20m
Tue: 15m
Wed: 15m
Thu: 15m
Sat: 30m
Sun: 50m
Mon: Rest
Tue: Back into running

First DNF :(

Decided to drop out of the Thames 50 today. Was not due to injuries or fitness, but due to the completely dreadful course.

Path was under 2-3 feet of water the whole way. Many people swapped the route for a main road alternative, but I didn't fancy running on the M4 or continuing with the aqua jogging.


Really gutted not to finsish, but I'm a runner not a swimmer!!

Will write more about the course soon.

Phil