Long time, no blog

Yes, it has been a while. I'd like to say that my busy life has stopped me blogging (it most definitely has been busy) but it's really more that I haven't actually run since the marathon. Shock horror, I know. This isn't really through any other reason than I haven't really had time, or felt the need to run. In fact, it has been quite relaxing to NOT run for a while. I rejoined the gym, so have been swimming quite a lot and done a little bit of cross-training. I'm happy with that. I like to swim/splash about the pool. If only I had proper coordination on the breast stroke, I'd be a swimming master! Certainly I like to put a float between my knees and swim for lengths (I was corrected for referring to them as "laps") of the pool using only my arms. A little muscular arm pain never hurt anyone!

If only I could say the same for my feet...

Since the marathon, the niggling pain in my right heel has actually been fine. That is, until yesterday. I went out a run at the gym last night in the west end, which was lovely on such a nice night. I didn't run too fast, just kept it gentle. This morning though, I could barely walk with the pain in my heel.

I am really annoyed, as I thought 2 weeks of non weight bearing activities would be enough to heal whatever damage I had done. Obviously not. It seems to be getting worse and I am at a loss about what to do for it. Should I take more time off running? I will most likely to the GSR again, and Loch ness too. Those aren't for a while away yet so I'm sure I can afford to take the time off for the next few weeks. However I am cycling the whole WHW in 2 days in July, and also have a trip planned to Bridge of Orchy on Thursday which I was really looking forward to as a chance to run on the WHW. Damn. Will have to see how things go...but it's not looking so great right now.

In other news, the fundraising coordinator from Scottish Veterans' Residencies sent me over some pictures she took of me at the marathon. I can't get over this one!



It is such a nice photo, and not from a posey point of view...but just that I was honestly so happy to see them at 17 or so miles, and that feeling is just etched all over my face! Brilliant.

So other than that, I have finished my exams now and am just working. It's strange not having things to do at night...hence the reason I have been at the gym a lot. It's upsetting though, as a lot of people I know are really getting into running. My friend who joined the running club is racing practially every week and does a long run every weekend. I admire his spirit...doing a 16 miler whilst not training for anything isn't something I would do unless there was a great route involved!

So running plans for the future? I'm thinking of buying a nice heart rate monitor, so that I can go out and push myself properly when I need, and then do relaxing runs properly when I need to. I'll give the heel some time. I'm doing calf strengthening exercises. In the meantime will keep up my fitness with the swimming and cross-training. I do enjoy a good cross-train.

And who knows, maybe if things go well I will be able to run on Friday after all...

Here's the two runs from the past week.

Monday 7/6

Time: 40mins
Distance: 4.75miles
Pace: ~8.25min/mile

plus 10 min row

Saturday 5/6

Time: who knows, wasn't timing!
Distance: 4.3miles
Pace: ?

Oh, and as for the wedding...I'm thinking of going down this route. All I need is the millenium falcon to escort me to the ceremony and I'm sorted ;)