RUN 192 - Running out of patience

Saw my osteopath again last week, waited 3/4 days before running, kinda expected to be all cured, but there is still tension, i need more time, its definitely getting better, but its killing me not getting out running.  I need to fix my bike and keep active while this heals, nothing keeps my attention like running does, thats something i need to work on in the future too, i need to compliment my running with other core and cross training, im not a gym person though, i think i'll look for a class the wife and i can do together.  I have so much more i want to achieve.

[low tide, i should lower my expectations too]

Run 191 - High tide & High Confidence

My first run after a week of niggling back pain, i never felt as strong as i did today, partly my desire to get back out there, and partly the new running shows my wife bought me.  These are absolutely the best shoes i've ever had (Brooks Adrenaline GTS10) ... ive been wearing these Brooks since the GTS7, and these are by far the best.  Theres so much support and theyre so light, cushioning through the midsole and the front of the foot too, cant wait to race in these! (oh and i'll be seing a chiropractor in the next couple of weeks, after which ive resolved to give more attention to core training, im unbearable when im not running!)

 

[High tide along the Putney embankment]

RUN 192 - So much to learn; the pursuit of truth

I guess after 190 runs blogged there IS still more to learn, this journey to discover what running is to me and understand it's value may never end, or maybe, as I'm beginning to realise, the truth of any matter only reveals itself when it's over (you never know what you've got till it's gone) in which case I hope I never find out. The best we can do is recognize those people and pastimes which bring us joy, persue them with vigor and know that our lives are richer for it.

[Fulham Football Ground]

RUN 190 - New shoes & nowhere to go

Full of excitement for new shoes, full of pain in my lower back after weeks of building tension (need a new mattress) can't run, not happy.  Will see what tomorrow brings.

[new shoes, nowhere to run]

RUN 189 - The wrong back-pack

Ok, so i guess i might have spoken too soon, runners do suffer from equipment failures too... although the real failure was in mine.  Should have just taken the camel-pak, but i didn't want to carry it in addition to my work bag, so had to run with one strap over my next and the bag under my arm.  Yes it slowed me down, but i had the time, and i choose not to be too obsessive about my training schedule; every run is a good run.  Got changed in the (really quite nice!) toilets at Picadilly tube, from Picadilly across Green Park, past Buckingham Palace and towards Fulham, got directions to the Kings road home a nice lady and plodded on, bag under arm.  Full of confidence and determination i arrived home in the perfect mood to plow through a pile of paperwork and bills that needed attention.  [didnt wait for the Garmin to track the satellite, so no info today!]

[Running from the hustle & bustle home]

RUN 188 - Man-power 1 : Pedal-power 0

Monday is usually a cross train day for me, cycled the 10 miles across London to work this morning, feeling energized and ready to start a busy week. Began the ride home; a little later than I’d hoped… made it about 1.5miles and blew a tire, no pump, no tools, no chance to fix it. I’m sure you can’t take a bike on the bus, and I couldn’t see myself dragging the bike underground into the sweaty tube, so I ran. That’s what I love most about running, and why I’m not interested in cycling; cycling needs too much stuff, there’s too much between my body and the endeavor. Except for social conventions, I could run home naked if I wanted to, it’s the most honest and natural expression of fitness and endurance (swimming’s a close second!) Its true, I wasn’t prepared; I had no pump, no tools etc and a more experienced cyclist would have been back on the saddle in 20 minutes I’m sure. But you know what, running that bike the final 8 miles home, I would estimate I was passed by 50-100 such people, who must wonder why I’m running 07:30/m miles pushing a bike along the pavement; not one offered any assistance. In my experience, runners have a greater sense of camaraderie which today only went to prove. So if you’re a cyclist too, and encounter someone in need, lend a hand, you might need one too one day.  [8.5m - 01:05:10 - 07:38/m]

[The offending bicycle tire, not looking as flat as it is]