So the last two weeks has seen me trying to maintain my running alongside other commitments a dodgy knee and this week Hector!
Both weeks were 2 run weeks which is not what I want and I need to work harder at fitting them in. After the “bit of a knee niggle” I have been slowing up to keep things nice and safe and make sure I don’t cause myself more problems.
On Tuesday this week I had a nice gentle run going out on an almost familiar route. Outbound was along the canal towpath I have used a few times but on the way back I decided to try a different twist. It was lovely, running through a field, no wheat just horses. As I passed them they hardly took any notice of me. Probably familiar with runners taking such detours through their patch!
Then over a style onto a narrow path beside a B road. The path was greeted either side by brambles and nettles so it was a tricky job to maneuver my way through them until the path widened out.
After about 10 mins I filtered back onto the canal towpath again and headed for home.
Come Thursday morning the alarm woke me at 6 and I was greeted by “you’re not seriously going out in that are you?” - taking a peek outside at Hector blowing its way down the street I decided “No I am not” and snuggled down for another hour of shut eye before hoiking myself into the day for real.
This then left me with a dilemma - I really wanted to do my 3 runs this week but if I ran Friday then that would mean a run on Sunday (aka Father’s day) and I did not know what the family had in store for the day. So the decision was made . A 2 run week!!
Come the Saturday morning run I set out a bit later than anticipated and headed off on a bit of a detour start before getting to the canal. A 2K lead before getting there allowed me to realise that the niggly knee was feeling safe strapped up in knee supports as it was. So off I went in pursuit of happiness with a mental marker of the distance I had reached before joining the canal. My plan was hatched, I wanted, if my knee would let me, to push my distance up a bit to test myself and how my legs responded. If I set out and get to 8k then that would be a turn around with 6k back making 14k in total - I knew my maths would help me one day!!
The main problem with this plan was that if my knee started to misbehave it was a long walk back and I did not have any money or bus pass on me! Hey ho … the best laid plans …!!
Fortunately I am pleased to report that I did not have to trudge slowly back and was able to complete the route with knee performing admirably with its support giving a great performance too.
The route out started well but the rain clouds opened just before my turn around marker and I sought shelter under a tree for a couple of minutes to take a drink and don a waterproof. Suitably quenched and protected slightly more from the elements I set off again this time in the direction of home.
The last time I did this route I tried to kick up my speed and that's when the knee complained, this time no chances! I stopped en route back again as I spotted a swan with its signet in its nest. So took a quick pic and continued on.
Finally hitting 12k I knew that I could keep going - I stopped at 14k as that was my outbound target but for once I felt like I could keep running. My legs were in fact glad that I didn't.
Finally back home after about 2.5hrs out of the house (yes I really am that fast 😉) I could feel my calves moaning so gave them a good talking to and a good going over with a massage thing that I found. Hopefully no cramp wailing in the middle of the night!!
Happy running everyone, I know mine was.
Why does a new route feel more exhausting?
Finally back after six weeks off . . . 
The other way
A new running route
Another run ticked off... Week 2, Run 2, 5k. Done!
