More pain and a tube journey home!

The next run was due to be a shorter of a long run only 16 miles! How times have changed....

My programme should now be aimed a little more towards speed after my discussions with Andy; so this run is set out like this: 2 m normal pace, 3 m @ 8:45 pace x 3 over the 16 miles.

Route: The Limehouse basin run along the canal.

Started off on the run feeling really good, quite comfortable and a good pace, the 3 mile quicker pace is different but felt good - reach 5 under 44mins, pleased. Drinking well and taking gels when needed. I reached the half way point @ 1:11 hrs so my goal was to be back by 2:30hrs.

Got through the second quick session fine, it was really windy but nice to be out and enjoying the run! Then when I reached the 10 - 11 mile mark I felt an ache in my right thigh, so, gave it a good stretch and cracked-on, annoyingly this only got worse. I tried to run slower then quicker just trying to run it off, but it was not going, it felt like a dead leg and cramp mixed together - what a lovely combination!

By this point, I'm really pissed off! Running well, enjoying it and a stupid thing like this happens, did the normal things, stopped had a good stretch had some strong words with myself (the normal ones, "what would you do if this was the race, etc??!!" but genuinely no good).

I normally have money with me, but of course today, none!

I made it to the nearest tube, Highbury & Islington and pleaded with the guard to let me through to get a tube with no way to pay, he was good a gold and let me on. Eventually got home, very deflated, obviously. Had a bath and moped around for a bit alternating between peas and sweetcorn to try and bring out any bruising!

Next day got an appointment at Gavin's, my friendly osteopath - diagnosis strained abductor muscle, great - to quote "which is sticking out like a guitar string" - fantastic!

Had some great treatment (if you're into pain being inflicted upon you until someone needs to peal you off of the ceiling!) but at least we know what it is.

More recovery - another session with Gavin on Monday, some acupuncture this time, not quite as sore.

Gavin informs me that I've over done it, slightly!