Notes
It took me a good hour of emotional and physical preparation to get out there and run. Today there was a lot of rain and strong winds. After having tried all possible options to accommodate foot I decided that the best one was to pierce a hole on my old New Balance running shoe as this gave me the most comfort walking around the house. The Saucony as much as I love it felt too tight at this stage on the front of the foot. So, I made a neat hole and somehow I felt this is the best I could get.
In terms of CS I felt I had a new pair of legs for first 5 miles then lower legs felt a bit weak and I could feel some pressure too but nothing significant. My foot coped considerably well. It did niggle me at times and nipped me but once again I tried to watch my footing and get going. I did not have much painkillers before but just one of low strength so this was a brave attempt. The problem is still there on the foot but 20% comparing to my other runs. Opening the hole in the shoe was the best thing I have ever done. Now I shall do the same with the Saucony and try my next run in them as my New Balance has already a high mileage on it.
As for the run it was an amazing experience running out there and getting wet. I felt like a caged animal released into the wilds. First 2 miles were very comfortable when hit up hill I felt my breathing heavy and felt physically weak (not in my usual fit state up hills). At 3rd point mile I felt a little bit my soleus on left leg pulling. So, I decided to return and not carry on with hills. So, I extended the run on more slightly flatter grounds and aimed for an 8 to 9 miler. After 5th mile I felt strong again whilst at the same time I was feeling sort of funny pains and aches all over my legs. It was to be expected. I could not complain. I said to myself that if I coudl do a 1/3 of the marathon then this would be o.k.
At 2nd mile Stevie's song 'Ribbon in the sky' came on and put a smile on my face. Then was Golden Lady and then my Greek music and Loreena too. It was beautiful and I was feeling happy.
For approximately 6th to 7th miles Coach came to me. I could almost see a smile on his face. It is so strange I could almost feel as if he was running next to me and prompting me to keep going. It was a nice feeling and I felt confident and strong inside.