HAPPY NEW YEAR!

End-of-year Training Group Dinner - Dec 07

Yesterday afternoon I squeezed into my Speedos (ouch) and accompanied Mr B to the pool. Yes, I actually went for a swim. I can't remember the last time I swam laps. It felt comfortable and refreshing - the ideal occupation when the outside temperature is 34degrees! I managed to swim 1km and felt very proud of myself. Ok, so it took me 30mins but at least it's a start. We then showered quickly and rushed off to the movies to see "Two nights in Paris" - fun!

This morning I ran 12km - yes, slowly but surely I am increasing my distance. There were even some very slight undulations today. I try to run on the grassy verge beside the cycle path when there's grass or gravel available avoiding the concrete surface when possible. My average pace is only 6:28 per km and has been for a while but I'm more concerned about increasing my distance at the moment. The speed can come later when there's no pain, hopefully!

Anyway, we are just going to eat a light meal before rushing off to a friend's party and to see in the New Year. Fortunately our friends live within walking distance so there'll be no problem about who is driving! Happy New Year to you all and have a safe and fun evening if you are celebrating!

Breaking the Silence!

Firstly thank you for all your comments and good wishes. I do hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and that 2008 will be a year full of fit, healthy injury-free training.

After several visits to the physio and three different diagnosis – the first a Grade II strain to the lateral head of the Biceps Femur(?) muscle, the second a torn hamstring and the latest problems with the sciatica; being prodded, manipulated and stretched on a machine (and I still can’t reach the top shelf in the supermarket!) I am now running very slowly and cautiously off-road and mainly on the flat. Today I ran 10km which has been my longest run since the injury in November. The 8-10 days off running turned into several weeks. I have been on a number of 20-30km cycles and was going to the gym regularly until the last few weeks which have been frantically busy at work.

However, now I just have to increase my distances and speed and am running every second day gently. It still hurts if I push too hard or run on hills so it is going to be a slow process. I am determined to run in the Canberra Marathon in April so I will do this!