Leamington Spa HM

[andystev]

When I entered this way back whenever it was, the plan was to aim for sub 2 hours. Then the chest happened. Not only has that impacted on my ability to put the hard efforts in a race, the fact that I can't train as hard has a knock on effect and I just keep getting slower. So the plan was revised to a PB (2:07). Then the feet happened. I'm not sure what's going on with the feet yet, seeing a podiatrist, but no diagnosis yet. What I can say is that the balls of my feet (mostly the right, but both of them) get increasingly painful as I run. So the plan was revised, yet again, to "just do what you can".

A steady pace up to mile 8 felt okay, but the feet started getting very bad, shooting pains and toes cramping. I was struggling for breath too, to the point I stopped for a breather (walked) for a couple of minutes. Set off again at a very gentle jog, walking through the remaining two water stations in an effort to keep the oxygen requirement as low as possible.

Finally crossed the line, with my feet practically on fire, at 2:24:01 which feels really disappointing, but not really unexpected. As I type this my feet are still in a lot of discomfort. The coach has suggested rolling a tennis ball around with my foot to massage it, and that's helped a bit, but not much.

Nice run though, despite all that. The course is good, the marshals brilliant and the organisation seems pretty smooth. Assuming I'm clear of the injuries next year I'll more than likely run it again.

Back to the feet professionals and keep puffing on the inhaler then. And keep training, obviously.

[Madge50 Marathon]

Well done, a great time, don’t put that down, you did great, and in all that discomfort? Well done for sticking at it with such determination, take good care of yourself now though.....rest up💪👏😎

Mx

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

Oh that sounds a mighty struggle. Fantastic effort for pushing through all that discomfort. Would a bowl of water with some ice cubes in it help ease the discomfort initially? I hope you get to the bottom of the problem soon and get it sorted fast. Really well done, and good luck getting your feet fixed.

[andystev in reply to linda9389]

Thanks for the tip, I've not tried ice water. I'll bear it in mind.

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to andystev]

The physio mentioned it for my foot and I thought it might be easier than wrapping an ice pack round it. I never got round to trying it tho 🤣

[andystev in reply to linda9389]

Well, that was a good call, thank you. I've been strapping a cold pack to my foot for 20 minutes or so every couple of hours today and it seems to be helping. I'm vaguely encouraged.

[Deals1 Metric Marathon]

Well done.... And in pain. Hope u get sorted soon. Take care

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon]

Shame it felt so tough but well done for pushing on all the same - another HM done!🙂😀🏅 Rest up well now and good luck with getting some help for your feet.😕🤞

[Lavender1962 Half Marathon]

Well done! You’ve overcome a lot of obstacles. Rest up and take care of your feet.

[C3PO Marathon]

I understand it's frustrating, but I think you've done very well considering all your struggles. Congratulations!

[Windoze Half Marathon]

Oh no! Fingers crossed you get these ironed out! Well done getting through leam half!

[Whatsapp Half Marathon]

Sonds like it could be Plantar Fascitis, but I guess you'll know soon enough. Well done on a HM though!

[andystev in reply to Whatsapp]

Yeah, that's my thought too. We shall see. GP appointment this afternoon.

[Decker Ultramarathon]

Well run Andy. I think it’s much harder to keep pushing in pain like that. Hope your feet heal up soon. You may have answered this somewhere else but have you tried different shoes/socks out just to test them?

[andystev in reply to Decker]

Thanks. Yeah, I don't think it's shoes, it's happening whatever I've got on my feet. Just standing for too long sets it off. I've had a cold pack on it intermittently today and that seems to be helping.

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to andystev]

That’s what I thought. Hope it gets sorted with your GP. Good luck 👍🏼

[MrFox001 Half Marathon]

Well Done that's Brilliant and an excellent time especially with all the issues. I think that all in all you should be absolutely delighted with yourself and with such a great positive attitude you are sure to do a sub 2 Hhr's next year. Good Luck with getting the feet right.

[roseabi Ultramarathon]

Hardcore - well done!!! xxx

[Katnap Marathon]

Good job! Have you been able to go for a run since finishing?

[andystev in reply to Katnap]

Thanks. Yes, I have. Training continues. Tough earlier in the week but easing off now. Rest day tomorrow and a 10 miler on Saturday. Feet are still sore, but ice packs and tennis ball massage seems to be helping.

[Katnap Marathon in reply to andystev]

I'll remember that in case I get the same problem. Good luck with your recovery! 💪