Running with Dr Doolittle

It's been a great week for my running.  On Wednesday I went out with my coach for 10.5 miles before work.  The lambs are making an appearance and she enjoyed talking to them and the other animals all the way round - just like Dr Doolittle!  Two days later we did the same route again and despite the headwind we were more than 2 minutes quicker - progress.  Anyone who has run with me knows I sound like an old man dying with my breathing so Gen had me working on my breath and heart rate.  Hard work but easier when someone is on your shoulder keeping you going.
On Saturday I was running with the animals namely Rosie & Duke plus Gav - I was out for 3 laps/15 miles.  The plan was for easy 50 min laps as this would keep my heart rate in zone 2.  At the end of the 1st lap I looked at my watch - 45.15!  Those 4 legged pace makers had stretched me.  They were only staying for another half lap but I managed that in 47 mins.  I knew the third lap was going to be tough and my foot was grumbling along with my legs as this was the most I had run this year so no surprise when the 3rd lap was around 53 mins.  Being on my own and hobbling round wasn't much fun but is good practice for long distance running - nobody said it was easy!
Foot rolling, icing and night boot were all employed to get me ready for today.  As I lay in bed I thought about my scheduled 10 miler with some of the 'fling boys and started considering going cycling instead to ease off my legs and foot.  But my "A" race is only 87 days away and doesn't involve a bike so I headed off for Chatelherault.  Despite the easy pace it was tough.  My legs felt "shredded" from doubling my previous weekly mileage but it had to be done.  My three companions had some good banter so that made it more bearable.  A bath and some food made me feel human again but as I won't be running till Thursday they will have time to recover. 
Unfortunately my foot/ankle specialist has postponed my appointment till 13th April so I'll just keep building the miles and put up with the discomfort.  Maybe talking to the lambs will take my mind off the pain!