Friday 16th July
2 swimming sessions so far this week with another to do this lunchtime followed by some upper body weights. Swimming doesn't seem to be my idea of fun. I don't remember it being quite so exhausting! I really miss running outdoors and letting the mind roam free whilst the legs do all the work. Physio this evening. We'll see what they have to say. The knee's actually feeling quite good for the extra rest.
Monday 12th July
I've just arrived back from the physio and whilst I'm sure the news could be a lot worse, I've been told no running for 3 weeks. Turns out the problem is the knee and not a related area after all. Patellar tendonitis is the technical term and it means that my planned run in the Newark Half Marathon is off. Exercise-wise, no running, no weights on the legs and no cycling. But I am allowed to swim. Hmmm. Like I said, could be worse......
Friday 9th July
I've finally come to the conclusion that I can't cure the problem I'm having with my knee on my own and have now booked in to see a well regarded sports physio. The issues aren't improving despite diligently stretching and doing various stretching exercises. In fact, the knee pain has got worse. Hmmm. A bit of a mystery. I'm sure the physio has seen it a ton of times so I'll keep you posted.
Monday 5th July
So back to the drawing board on the injury front. What started out as a nice easy paced long run along the shores of Rutland Water on Saturday (3rd), turned in to a painful last mile and a half of half walk, half jog back to my car. I think I've now worked out that I haven't hurt the knee joint specifically but rather I'm having referred issues from elsewhere. I'm now working on stretches and strengthing exercises around hip flexors, glutes and the illiotibila band (ITB). The pain seems to occur upon lifting the left leg and not upon foot striking the ground. All a bit puzzling but I'll keep you posted.
Monday 28th June
So today was the first day in many weeks that I've had no knee pain. None at all. Hooray! Against my better judgement I did a humdinger of a weights workout in the garage which must have been over 30c this evening. Supersets for the upper body and increased weight for squats, followed by leg extensions. Got to keep those quads nice and strong. Then some lighter stuff for hams and some single leg calf raises in the house. Finished up with some core exercises using the swiss ball.
Sunday 27th June
I'm feeling good today after a challenging off-road run on Saturday evening. It's a run I've done before but I ran it in the opposite direction that I usually do it (I don't mean running backwards!), which actually felt harder. The downhills were gradual and the uphills steep. Exactly what I needed having not run since the 20K last week. Although it was early evening it was still 25c and typically I underestimated the hydration requirements! I wanted to be properly recovered and to rest the knees, particularly the left side, which was very sore after the race and for several days after. Last week I just did some weights and cycling. Today is a rest day, so just chores and a long walk with Ted the Labaradoodle.
Just as a by the by... I was starting to struggle with the knee supports so I made my own: Tubigrip folded twice and supported by black insulation tape. Worked a treat! Go figure.... :)
Friday 25th June
Hi and thanks for coming to the running page. For a write up of Sundays 20K you can click here. I hope you enjoy it and thanks for stopping by.
Sunday 20th June
I'll do a post on the main page once my brain's recovered but for now, here's a pic post-race of me with my 20K medal, having completed Mid-Summer Madness today!
Wednesday 2nd June
Cross-training day today. Started with a light weights workout first thing (3x 15 rep circuit) which now includes squats for strengthening thighs and quads. Where possible I'm making time this week for the kids as it's half-term (again!) and we went for a long lunch at the new Italian restaurant in Oakham, L'Oliveto. It was very nice, however a I ate to much and had a couple of glasses of wine too. This evening's training run on my mountain bike is looking doubtful!
Monday 31st May
Capped off a quiet day with 75 minutes on the 'mill. Managed to run without support on the right knee and by the end had slackened off the left support and ran the last few minutes very slowly with the support removed completely. A little sore afterwards but some ibuprofen, ice and heat worked wonders. Well, that and a large vodka a little later in the evening.
Saturday 29th May
Another good run on the treadmill. Has to be said our Nordic Trak T9si is proving to be a very sound investment! 10K in the bag at a reasonable pace and without pain or even discomfort. Still wearing the supports and all is well. Cardio is coming back quickly.
Tuesday 25th May
Good run this evening. 4 miles building up to 11kph in 39 minutes. No pain as long as I kept good form and didn't over-extend my stride. A real step in the right direction and it gives me some confidence ahead of next months 20K off-roader. I think!
Sunday 23rd May
First run using new knee supports. Sturdy Elastoplast sports support on the left and a lightweight Boots own brand neoprene effort on the right. Seemed to do the job as long as I kept the speed down. Reasons to be cheerful.
Saturday 22nd May
A tiny video clip shot on my iphone during a short walk with my boys and Ted Labradoodle. Could be in the middle of nowhere. As it is we're in a field in Rutland. Which some could consider the back of beyond I guess..!
Friday 21st May.
Tried a short easy jog on the treadmill this morning. Knee still needs some work and attention. Stayed on for a couple of miles but whilst there was no pain there was some discomfort. On the plus side, the knee didn't give out so that's progress! So back to ibuprofen and ice packs today and I'll continue with cycling and strengthening exercises to get the quads nice and strong. Onwards!
Friday 21st May.
Howdy. I thought I'd start this page for the more random stuff and nonsense of my everyday life without cluttering up the main pages. Maybe you'll find the stuff here vaguely interesting or entertaining and if so, feel free to share it with someone else :)
