Silly idea Achilles!

Sometimes I find myself being a bit of a loon, my enthusiasm and slightly addictive personality clouding the "Bleeding obvious"

This past week was a perfect example. I was so excited and happy about having run the GSR and had such a good day I couldn't help but immediately look for another race to enter.....quickly!

In spite of the fact that I have had Achilles discomfort in both legs and came out of last weeks race really struggling to drive home, I thought with a weeks rest and another long run I could get myself a late entry into the Poppy Half on the 7th November.

With total disregard to any warning signs and a childish belief that all would be fine I set off on Sunday for an 11 mile run to prepare.

It only took a relatively steady 4 miles to realise that my plans were not the be realised. Both Achilles were sore and bruised feeling and I had to stop knowing that any more would cause bigger problems.
A pony in a field next to the road gave me a knowing glance, "Why the long face?" I said out loud drawing on my vast wealth of "Dad" humour. 

The point of realisation

I had a look around, took a drink and started to walk.

Was I frustrated? Hell yes, but something was rather fine about walking along in the sunshine in beautiful countryside. I had the usual discussion with myself about how annoying it was and how much I'd wanted to run the Poppy half, but I couldn't help but enjoy my surroundings and just being outside, as Johnny (@dunsrunner) a running bud always says, "The outside is free"

Breakdown point

I wandered along towards Lower Gravenhurst spying the church in the distance, "so I may need to take some rest and do some rehab but hey what a fine day".

Church in Lower Gravenurst

The sun cast long shadows on the road as I walked and thought and planned. "So I have PT, I have a bench, dumbbells, Swiss ball, medicine ball, mini trampoline, wobble cushion and strength bands, everything I need to keep fit and strengthen if indeed I can't run for a while. Failing this I can train for the circus".

Deceptive incline and dodgy car area

I walked to Upper Gravenhurst delighting in the day, it was quiet, peaceful and glorious.

Church from another angle

View towards Shillington

I passed a little road called Recreation Rise. It was at the end of this road that I coached football to 7 and 8 year old boys and girls a number of years ago, remembering once mowing the pitch by hand before an important match when the council had let us down, great memories.

Church in Upper Gravenhurst

Coming out of Gravenhurst Village, the highest point on my route, there were as usual fabulous views towards home.

To the Cow Bridge

In a sudden rush of blood to the head I decided to run again, only a mile before I had to return to walking telling myself "See you were right first time".
I walked the rest of the way home.

From Upper Gravenhurst to Meppershall

My 11 mile run had turned into a 4 mile run, 2 mile walk, 1 mile run, 2 mile walk, but I honestly enjoyed it and everything nature had to share with me (oh and lets face it I still covered 9 miles).

So I am not down about things, I know my Achilles will get better if I'm sensible, I know I can walk if I must and I can focus on other aspects of training until I'm ready to go again.

I have big plans for 2016 and between now and the end of the year I'll be building my base for those.
Happy running
Paul