Update on injury and race preparation

I wish I had more to tell...

My race preparation isn't going to plan - my Achilles injury is taking longer to heal than on previous occasions (I am getting older!) so my running has pretty much stopped over last month. I have done a bit of open water swimming and some mixed cycling (road bike and e-bike) but not enough be anywhere near race fit and to generally keep the weight off.

Saying that, after a few false starts, I think I am finally on the mend and may be ready for a run this week - without pain would be good.

Lucy and I are just back from a lovely 3 days in the Lake District. We managed some lovely walks (bit of mist and rain) plus three open water swims in Derwent Water. My ankle was OK(ish) although I acquired a blister from the long walks to add to my collection.  My left shoulder also had a few twinges - what is happening to me!

I really do not want to pull out of either of my races - SwimRun in mid September or half-marathon in October but it is getting close. I don't mind a bit of 'winging it' but I need to be sensible and not do myself any long-term damage (further injuries).

Anyway let's hope I have better news over the coming days - in an ideal world the Achilles injury would be better, I would be able to get a few dummy runs in (checking out race equipment) and I would be 2 kilos lighter - here's hoping (dreaming)!

Achilles still causing me pain

I really enjoyed a nice cycle with Lucy on Saturday morning - 55km on the road bikes, one of my favourite routes that tooks us through Edburton, Fulking, Bramber, Botolphs, Shoreham and then to Hove, where we stopped for a coffee. Then back over the Downs and via Wickwoods, Langton Lane to home - sweet! Fortunately the wind was behind us along the coast.

On Sunday, I wanted to try out my new Asics Magic Speed 2 Eiken R carbon road shoes but was still a little wary of my Achilles niggles. The shoes were great and provided a lot of bounce (felt less effort) but it was probably still to early to run on the injury, despite all the strengthening exercises I have been doing over the last few weeks. Anyway, I returned home, loving the shoes but feeling I hadn't done myself any favours and likely delayed my recovery further.

So I plan to continue with the strengthening of my ankle and lay off the running for a little longer, although it is getting tighter what with my SwimRun event in September and half-marathon in October. Let's hope I get to the start line injury-free!

Nice sea swim

Yesterday I cycled into work on my wonderful little Brompton, powered by Swytch - always fun. It was also a beautiful morning so I stopped along Brighton seafront for a coffee on the beach before heading into the office - what a way to start the morning.

As the weather was so great (finally) I was determined to get in a sea swim at lunchtime. I went down with Speedos, paddles and pull-buoy and swam around the buoys to complete a 1K swim - the water was a little choppy and the current was certainly dragging me around a bit - much harder one way than the other. I am so lucky to have an opportunity to swim, on my door-step, as such.

Lucy came and met me after work so I didn't have the return commute but I have another opportunity to ride the Brompton when I have to drop the car off for a service on Friday. Otherwise, my Achilles niggles are still stopping my rub training. Really looking forward to trying my new Asics running shoes (with carbon 😀).

My eating / drinking on holiday and post-holiday were not so great so back to 84kg (was as low as 82kg a couple of weeks back). My target of 79kg seems a long way off again - need to get back on it.

Still unsure of my gear choice for the Bewl Water SwimRun - do I go pull-buoy or calf-guards - thinking more pull-buoy at the moment as calf-guards quite warm and uncomfortable to run in - decisions, decisions!

Running injury, cycling holiday and more new shoes!

It is has been a while since my last post...

About two and a half weeks ago after a long(ish) run and previous ankle niggles my Achilles Tendon issues came back to haunt me. So since then (July 20) my training has been scaled back.

I have been on a short holiday to Slovenia where we cycled for 3 days including a long climb (1,250m height), which I managed on a heavy rental bike - slow and steady in the granny gear.

I also got a few swims in at Lake Bled, which was beautiful. Although I have had some minor left shoulder twinges since then - I am falling apart!

Anyway, just back from my first run since the Achilles injury and it wasn't too bad. My legs were fresh and I ran in my short-distance Adidas (fast) trainers that are relatively new. It was only the last 200m I felt more pain, so stopped and walked.

I probably over did it and have put my recovery back further! Decided to order a pair of trusted 'Asics', albeit a carbon version. Let's hope they help.