Do NOT do this at home

[Maddee_6333]

Seriously. I cannot stress this enough.

If you are working your way through your first C25K plan right now, DO NOT DO what I just did. I’ve been running for a few years now and I took a gamble and everything thing was fine (but see farther down the post)

I had a hairdresser’s appointment this afternoon, so took my running gear with me so that I could get changed at my daughter’s then do a run in some shady woodland - that only involved a short detour - on my way home.

Which was great, until I parked up at the woods, went to change my footwear, and realised that though I had my trail shoes?

🤦‍♀️They did not have any insoles in 🤦‍♀️

Because the insoles are sitting on the shoe rack at my house drying, after 3 days of me running in the early morning and getting soaking wet feet in the long grass!

Anyway, sitting there, feeling miffed, and thinking that I really wanted to run, I decided to put my foot in the shoe, to see how bad it felt. It actually felt okay, in that the top of the sole - you know, the cardboardy bit - was smooth with no lumps or bumps - luckily, they’re quite new. I’ve been running in them with some older, thinner insoles in, to give me a bit of extra toe room, so I rooted in my running bag and got out the thickest pair of running socks I had in there (I always have at least 2 pairs somewhere in the car, see the soaking wet feet comment above) and thought I’d see how I got on, on the basis that if things started hurting I could just walk back to the car.

Nothing started hurting. Well not until I was past the 30 minute mark of a 49 minute run, and even then it was my calves and not my feet.

I actually had a lovely run, exploring side paths that I’d not run down before and generally enjoying the shade - along with the very definite cooler temperature - and checking out the wildlife: a few rabbits, several squirrels, and at one point even a fox 🦊 enjoying the afternoon sunshine. I took a quick break to photograph the horses in the field (some of whom belong to a friend) and a short walk break when one of my choices of uphill path on the way back towards the car became rather more than a bit ‘technical’ with tree roots vying for space with rabbit holes, but that was it - which was when I discovered my calves felt really tight! I came across the access road soon after, and realised I did actually know where I was (I’d been beginning to wonder) and enjoyed the lovely wide, level, top path back to the car park.

I made sure I really stretched my calves (and everything else) before getting in the car for the drive home, then sprayed my legs with the cold hose in the garden when I got home, and now I’m in calf sleeves while I write this.

If I’m not sore tomorrow, I think I might have to put some new - thinner - insoles on my list of things to buy, as I do prefer to be able to feel the ground under my feet, and I really could do that today.

Considering this is the fourth day in a row that I have run, I felt surprisingly fresh when I set off, but was still surprised that I seem to have run at pretty much my usual pace.

Tomorrow is definitely only going to be a dog walking day though.

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

Good run for you today Maddee 6333, they say that it is not advisable to run on consecutive days for the first 6 months after taking up running, anyway glad you enjoyed your run, that is the main thing.

[Maddee_6333 Graduate in reply to AlMorr]

That sounds about right. Those first few months after graduation are often when people get injured as they try to do a bit too much, too soon.

[Realfoodieclub Graduate]

You are a seasoned runner and know what you are doing, still a brave move to run without insoles, I think trial shoes allow a bit more wiggle room than road shoes. Hehe that urge to run, look at what it makes us do sometimes. 😀. I hope you feel fine tomorrow and enjoy your rest days.

[Maddee_6333 Graduate in reply to Realfoodieclub]

Possibly... They really didn’t feel that much different, with my trusty Balegas on, to the way they normally feel with a pair of skinny socks. Just closer to the ground. 👍

I think I’ll be okay, I’m moving around quite easily now.

[Realfoodieclub Graduate in reply to Maddee_6333]

That’s good news. I was looking at Balegas, are they worth the price? They have a very good write up.

[Maddee_6333 Graduate in reply to Realfoodieclub]

They are to me, I’m one of those people who can feel seams on things, so I rely on Balega and Hilly for thick socks (but do try to buy them when they’re on sale) and Decathlon for thin socks. Decathlon also do a supportive short sock, that is twin skin from the instep backwards and single skin at the toe, that I find very comfy.

[Realfoodieclub Graduate in reply to Maddee_6333]

Most of my running socks are Decathlon but I got tempted by the balegas. I will keep an eye out for sales 😀. Thanks.

[Couchpotato2 Graduate]

When I started reading, I thought you were going to go barefoot and was scared.

Seems like a lovely run and congratulations on your drawing of.. a worm 🐛?

[Maddee_6333 Graduate in reply to Couchpotato2]

Not in the woods 🤣🤣🤣 come to that, not on the beach either!

It doesn’t look nearly as zigzagging as it felt.

[Couchpotato2 Graduate in reply to Maddee_6333]

Not on a pebbled beech for sure, can hardly walk on those... last time my mum and I reverted to all fours

[Maddee_6333 Graduate in reply to Couchpotato2]

I wouldn’t want to run bare foot on sand for more than a few steps either, not barefoot. It’s murder on my knees.

[Couchpotato2 Graduate in reply to Maddee_6333]

I’ve not really tried... I’m already becoming quite selective with my running terrain and I’m just starting... oh dear... i do like woods though, so cool and springy underfoot