Monday 11 November 2013

Back running

After a couple of weeks off I decided it was time to get back running. My hamstring still was "grumbling" but I decided I'd test it out.  On Saturday I went out for 5 miles of trail running and loved been back on my feet. The autumn colours made the run a pleasure and I decided not to push my first run.  I warmed up with some yoga exercises and warmed down with some more. However that night I could feel a bit more grumbling from the hamstring, but it wasn't too bad.
On Sunday I decided to run again and this time stepped it up to 10 miles. I had company on the first lap and was surprised how quickly we completed it.  I was determined to do a negative split so I pushed it on the second lap and knocked a minute off the first lap.  I was pleased and my hamstring wasn't too bad.
I am sure it's no coincidence that I've been doing yoga every day in November and my hamstring is responding well.  A minimum of 15 minutes a day, some days might be 30 minutes, is all it takes to keep my muscles in good condition and my core strong. I've really missed running and will continue to swim and turbo train as part of my build up over the winter.  Finally I am continuing with strengthening exercises for my big toes and my right ankle which will be essential for my 56 mile ultra in April.