Back running again

Last Wednesday night I did the Irvine 10k. I had been hoping for a sub 38 minute performance, and still had an outside chance of achieving it as I passed the 8k marker and overtook the first lady. Then my hamstring went. Not just a little, but it went completely, bringing me to a complete stop. I could only shuffle in, finishing in a new personal worst time of 41 minutes and 40 seconds. As you might guess I was pretty hacked off about it - so hacked off, to be honest, that I just couldn't face recording the details here on my blog. Hence the lengthy gap since my last post. (Incidentally, on the Sunday before Irvine I did a local 11 mile race, the Sheriffmuir Challenge, which I haven't written about it either. I finished just over 1 hour 15 minutes, which was fine, especially as I had been out for a 14 mile run the day before).

Anyway, back to my hamstring. It was really sore on Thursday and I hobbled about for most of the day, being particularly grumpy. On Friday I went to see my physio, Trevor, who was reasonably optimistic about it. That cheered me up a bit. He did a lot of work on it and told me to stretch it every day, which I have done. At the weekend I did a couple of long walks and it felt not too bad. It has continued to improve each day since.

When I arrived home from work tonight, on a bit of a high from the success of the British women in the 400m at the World Championships, I decided to try a run. I headed down to Braco, parked the car, and set off at a gentle pace along the main road. To my great delight it felt fine! I ended up running for 6 miles (as measured on my new GPS) at a steady pace throughout, and I'm pleased to say I had no problems. Although it was a bit stiff again after my shower, it loosened off when I took the dogs out a walk across the moor. I'll try another gentle run tomorrow and see how it is, then hopefully go back and see Trevor again on Friday.

All going well, I might even be able to do the Glasgow half marathon this Sunday. I don't think I'll be able to run flat out, but I would be quite happy if I was able to trot round at a steady pace. I always enjoy the Glasgow race - this will be my 17th Great Scottish Run - and if I'm fit enough to cover 13 miles, I'll definitely go along.