Notes
There is no course that makes running tough if one is trained for it but CS makes it tough and relentless no matter the course is flat or hilly or other. The course I run today is a very interesting one. It is one of my favourite as it has the Up and Downs, some steep hills, sharp turns and beautiful scenery. It is named 'The Frankie' course as Franc run it for the first time a couple of years ago. It is my 2nd favourite after God's Hills.
The first mile was average and the next 5 to follow were brutal. Tightness and pressure on both legs but in particular the left at the tibia bone. Pressure was also at lower part of the leg. This tends to be the case when CS gets heavy. The lower parts of both legs feel so tight and rigid around soleus that it almost feels as if the tendon will give way. I had this similar but more intense experience at Dentdale 14 mile race a year ago when my tendon was injured. So, I was aware today not to push but just run and go with the flow to do distance.
Up to 7th mile point things were pretty tough and running was not joy as such. Then I felt slightly better and more confident that I would finish the run. It got cold very quickly up on the hills. My right hand felt frozen for a few miles. The weather changed so fast this time of the year. A reminder for me to use my gloves at most times. I started climbing up the steep hill and I felt strong. In a way this gave me confidence once again to go on. When I approached the 11th mile Coach's tip about Strides came into my mind. I thought this to be the best way to finish my last two miles and take my mind away from CS. It worked. I did 10 X 40 sec with recovery in between and finished last 1/2 mile maintaining same speed.
I achieved more in this run than had expected. I also now know that I am not ready to race. Not yet. I was planning to do a 1/2 Marathon in two week's time but there is no purpose in doing so. My time will come. At the present time my priority is to fully recover and build strength in terms of distance and speed will come again with gradual training. Now I know how to deal with CS. Hopefully in a few week's time I will be able to race again.