Famous last words!!!

Clearly I spoke to soon, and clearly I was enjoying my training too much.  After I publish an update on my training on being positive, working hard, keeping it relative, what happens..... I pull my hamstring!!!! AAArrrrggghhhh!!

Over the last few weeks my right leg hasn't been great to be fair but I've persisted and tried to keep it to a minimum so not overloading it.  I was actually feeling good, bloody typical hey!  My gym work was paying off and my weight was improving, slowly coming off and making me feel good about my training.  I started with a niggle in my hamstring a few weeks back which in reflection is the point I should have backed off completely and taken a break, but no I thought I knew best and carried on hoping I could assist in the recovery by doing minimal amounts on it but hopefully stretching it out.  I have a regular massage each week where we have focused mainly on the hamstring to help with recovery and its been doing the trick.  Stupidly I thought I was ok to play in a squash match but unfortunately during which I felt my hammie twang!  My self diagnosis was it was a massive tear but only a strain.  I had a couple of days of discomfort but then the recovery process began and its improved each day.  The worrying thing is, it actually feels better now than just before it went.  So maybe it needed something to happen.  I don't recommend this as a recovery method ha ha, I think a break from what you do and a rest period is probably the best course of action.

So with 4 weeks to go my confidence has take a bit of a hit but I'm trying to use a positive mind set about the upcoming events and how I want to to do in them.  I was hoping to really push myself in the Hardmoors 55 but depending on how the next few weeks go it might be just a take it easy run out and save myself for the 110 end of May.

It was interesting at the weekend when Sarah came back from her run on the moors.  It reminded me of why running and especially trail running is so good for the soul.  Sarah's mood and persona seemed much more uplifted, up beat and positive.  I could tell she'd had a great experience because she couldn't wait to tell me about the new route and how beautiful it was.  Then she kept telling me of all her plans and ideas for what she was wanting to try and do from now on.  Its brilliant seeing the transformation in someone's outlook and spirit in such a short period of time.

How am I going to get ready for the Hardmoors 55 now.  Well I want this week to be like a re-introduction back to training, I have a massage tomorrow that will be a good starting place I think.  Then next week I want to be out on the trails for a couple of steadish runs.

Great few weeks getting some base level training in until last Monday when in all honesty and in reflection I over did it.  I've been putting in some good solid sessions in the gym recently and I've been putting the work in outside by doing my hill reps and a bit of speed work.  So a slight set back last Monday when I was doing some extra lunges between lessons and after I'd already my gym session.  I was aiming for a 100 and I done two lots of 30 then something just twanged in my hip flexor area and I knew straight away I'd done something.  It wasn't a major injury but its halted the good work.  I've slowly tried to stretch it and get back to training but I can still feel it and daren't push my luck so whilst doing light exercise and stretching in that muscle group I'm trying to work other areas harder.

I'm starting to get excited about the Hardmoors 55 challenge and then the 110, its great I'm buzzing and loving doing the training.  I just want to be able to work hard in my training so I can give it my best shot on race day.  Positivity is key!!!  Finding little positives in everything you do and then believing in it.  I believe in myself and my inner strengths, and now I need them to make me train smart to achieve my goals.  Small targets big goals remember.

I/m really looking forward to getting out on the trails hopefully this week doing a bit of a recce but more importantly getting back to my hill work so I'll be concentrating not only on distance but to work hard over the hills to prepare for the 55.