Ready.... I think

Injury Status
My long standing achilles problems continue but with care not to suddenly increase training frequency or impact, post-run stretching, cool packs and strapping, the symptoms remain mildly annoying rather than worrying.
All therefore seemed good, until I slipped on a steep hillside while checking a boundary wall above a steep valley. This was in my alter ego role of Patrolling Ranger at the National Trust Lyme Park.
I went down heavily sideways on my left leg and, though it didn't hurt at the time, I suffered pain and stiffness in the side and back of my knee and hamstring pain in the following days. This knocked me out of training for several days and I'm still feeling it though healing is definitely well under way.

Urgent Training
After the panicked realisation of how imminent the race was, training has gone well over the last 2 weeks.  I have been trying to get out every 36 hours, e.g. Mon p.m., Wed a.m., Thur p.m., Sat a.m. which has worked quite well.

I have also been running the parkrun 5k at Bramhall on Saturday mornings culminating in a very satisfying Personal Best last weekend at 26:33.

5 days ago, I deliberately upped toward a10k duration with a 55 minute run. This turned out 9.8km with an average speed of 10.62kph so all looks well for a reasonable performance next weekend.

Pre-race Break
Today, Tuesday, I completed my last run before the Great Manchester Run 10k next Sunday. I kept today to a fairly flat 15min route trying to stay steady and not taxing but still averaged 10.5kph.

So now to take it easy and not hurt anything for a few days. That said, I'm on duty at Lyme Park again tomorrow!

ST ANN'S HOSPICE

Many people, like me, know someone who the magnificent St. Ann's Hospice have looked after, particularly end of life care. If you would like to support them, please use my JustGiving page (Sponsor me button) or Text as follows:


   Or, Text GEDX69 followed by amount e.g. £2 to 70070 

Running for St. Ann's Hospice in memory of Margaret Donovan (Mum) and my classmate from junior school, Sheila Waddington.