Preparation.

Bit of a mixed week for me, this week. I had planned to try out running shorter distances more frequently, with a longer run on Friday in order to start building my base mileage up. Last week was a mileage peak for me as I had two 10K training runs in there, but this Monday, I was feeling the results of running too far and walking too many hills - things were a bit more of an effort.

When Wednesday arrived, I rapidly found a little tightness in my right calf had turned into a nasty knot. This didn't worsen any further, but meant I shortened the run for safety's sake and subsequently cancelled all further running to allow my calf to settle down. I'm more and more grateful for the endless supply of ice from the fridge/freezer we bought last year.

In the meantime, the physio appointment which I got referred to back in January/February finally came through. Actually the letter permitted me to call for an appointment, which is almost an appointment! Being a "mobile worker" and essentially flexible in the way I apply time to my job, it wasn't a problem to take a mid-morning appointment, and I was offered Friday 8th (just gone).

This appointment was for a ligament in my ankle from damage done way back last year, but that didn't stop me from talking about all the aches and pains I'd had since Christmas. With all the history taken, yet again, we settled on the likelihood that I had some residual scarring in the ligament, and so I'm back on a programme of more stretching, frequent ultrasound therapy and a likely short layoff (2 weeks) starting right after the Stourbridge Stumble 10K.

Speaking of which ... I sent off my race entry at the beginning of the week and on Thursday got my bib number and race instructions. This is all getting pretty exiting now! The course map is a bit hand written so I've not really been able to figure out the route on map-my-run. There are certain sections which I can see and one or two roads and features named (like "golf course") but the rest could be on marked roads or unmarked paths. The description does say "There is a short section of pavement/road but most of the course follows well marked country trails." I guess I'll find out next Saturday.

I'll be running for the benefit of my son's cub-scout group, for which I am a committee member this year.

Training for the week:

Mon:3.52 miles, 32:12 minutes 9:09 pace. 13C HRAve:153 HRMax:158
Wed: 4 miles, 38:00 minutes 9:30 pace. 5C HRAve:138 HRMax:150
Fri: rest up calf.

It looks like Wednesday wasn't much of a workout anyway, with my HR ave at 138. I suppose it is a sign of progress though.

For the coming week, I'm planning a 5 miler tomorrow, then 3.5 on Wednesday, two rest days and then the race on Saturday. I really don't want to break anything between now and then.

All the best,

Mr Stumble.