Listen to your body

When I started this endurance "malarkey" I was given a great piece of advice - listen to your body.  It has saved me from many long-term injuries and came in handy again last week.  As you know I have been learning to Chi run.  I just loved the effortless look to it as I watched people float up hills.   At the same time I switched to neutral shoes and also stopped using my orthotics.  At first there were no problems as I was running 2 - 4 km as I was trying to improve my Chi technique.  But as I stepped up the K's my ankles and feet were starting to complain.  Most people said it takes a year for you body to come to terms with these changes so I persevered.
A week ago I ran to 10ks within 4 days and my body started shouting at me.  So I immediately stopped running and went to see my podiatrist - he's very busy with people switching running style or shoes without realising the problems it can cause.  Apparently my visit was just in time before any serious damage was done.  All the symptoms were due to my changes.  I have enjoyed running with neutral shoes, so in future I will do with the support of my orthotics and some strength building exercises for the muscles around my ankles.  But again I will need to take it easy with the running as my feet get used to the support.  So no long miles on the trails for me for a wee while which means I will concentrate on my cycling and swimming.
43 miles on the bike on Saturday in blustery conditions with the ATHelite crew was a good workout.  It also let me know just how out of shape I am so I intend to get some extra turbo sessions in so that I can survive the longer weekend rides.  And finally I took up the August 31 day yoga challenge which means practising yoga every day.  So far so good and I am really enjoying the feeling after finishing the early morning sessions before breakfast.  My body whispers to me that it is feeling the benefit and that I should keep it up!  Let's see what this week brings.