The Week Of 'Summer' Running

It is mid June; and yet I have spent most of this week running in squelching trainers, attempting to avoid the streams and lakes forming on pavements, and finishing my runs looking like I have literally just stepped out the shower – it has been very wet. On the positive, my hamstring injury is vastly improving and I am pleased my sensible approach to running is paying dividends.

MONDAY: a double strength session of Strength and Conditioning for Runners followed by Body Pump. I had to adapt a couple of exercises to account for my leg, but generally it felt much better.

TUESDAY: I woke today and I could instantly hear it was absolutely chucking it down. I tentatively got into my running gear and then proceeded to sit and stare out the window debating if I was really going to run in the downpour. I did; but I reasoned to do a brief 4 mile loop, as my vague logic was I might not get as wet..! Unsurprisingly, I was instantly drenched upon stepping outside, however my leg felt improved again when running. I kept the pace steady but did throw a couple of hills in at the end just for a tester!

WEDNESDAY: today’s planned run had to be dramatically re-routed as the path I was running along was flooded to the point where I think I would have had to swim through it in order to keep following it. Summer running madness. I managed an off the cuff 5 mile route though and picked up the pace slightly for the first time in a while.

THURSDAY: I logged a total of 8 miles today, split across two runs, both completed in yet more rain. The first was my own run in the morning and an easy 4 miles, then later 4 further miles as Run Leader at Run Club. I ran the majority of these evening miles with a fellow Run Club member, encouraging her to reach a new distance milestone. It is really fulfilling being able to support others achieve in running, but moreover, making them realise their own potential.

FRIDAY: Rest Day

SATURDAY: with my leg feeling virtually back to normal, I decided to try and run Lincoln parkrun hard today. It was dry – hallelujah! – and it would be a good test. I ran the full 3.1 miles completely pain free, which was the best result of the morning, as timewise it was nothing to write home about for me. However, this was the first time I had tried any form of ‘speedy’ miles in a couple of weeks so I had to be realistic and not expect miracles.

SUNDAY: in a change to my normal routine, Sunday’s long run was logged early evening after arriving back in Lincoln following a Saturday night spent realising a lifelong dream and seeing the Spice Girls perform live at Wembley Stadium (they were incredible and worth the 23 year wait!) I was tired; we had not got back to the hotel until roughly 2am and I had been on my feet for probably in excess of 12 hours throughout Saturday afternoon and evening – all completely worth it, but not conducive to running! I had earmarked June as a bit of a ‘no pressure’ month for me a long time ago with social things all seemingly falling in this period of the year, so I was not too stressed. I did however want to try and do a longer run as my leg injury had also meant I had not logged more then 6 miles for a couple of weeks now. I managed a confidence boosting 10.5 miles, just at a steady pace and enjoying some warmth and dryness! Maybe some real summer running is on the cards for next week… let’s hope so!