First training run in seven months

I ran my first training run in seven months yesterday. It's been a long time coming (my training watch was still set to British Summer Time), but it felt good to be back training again.

Seven months of achilles pain and a aching knee is over. My run was only just over a mile, but it was pain-free: the only reason I stopped was to catch my breath from my lack of fitness. Now to ramp it up and look for races to enjoy later this year.

So what races? Ideally, I'd love to run the Istanbul Marathon later this year, but I think a more sensible ambition is required. I'm still undecided, but a 10K late in the summer may be a decent race on which to set my ambitions. The Fix Run Richmond 10K in July perhaps? Then maybe a 10 mile race or half marathon in the autumn.

Now to research those races:)

Hoping to Defeat Injuy and Run in 2011

This year is going to be about recovery from injury and starting running again. The achilles tendon injury seems to be mending and knees problems are fading. With a bit of luck I should be able to start running again in next 2-3 months.

I'm hoping to run some good races this year. One hope was to run in the Istanbul Marathon in October. How realistic this is I am not sure. It may be that I have to tone down my ambitions and aim for half marathons instead. From a recent conversation with the girlfriend, Beth, the Royal Parks Half Marathon may be a decent alternative. And the Windsor Half might be an goo option too.

Training will be interesting. I'll pretty much have to go back to scratch and start all over again. This may not be as bad as it might sound. From what I hear form athletics pundits, taking time out and starting over is sometimes the best way to achieve further PBs, rather than pressing on and on and never getting any further ahead. Plus, I've seen good evidence of this with friends.

So, with all this in mind, there's going to have to be a good bit of training ahead, but for now I'm sitting tight and letting myself heal. But if it works out well, hopefully be a good year of running, with a possible PB or two. Here's hoping.

Achilles Tendonitis Woe

I've been suffering from Achilles tendonitis. Also known as Achilles tendinitis, this is swelling of the Achilles tendon shows itself as a swelling above the heal and pain while walking. The result is a harsh pain while running and I have had to put all training on hold.

How did this happen? I think there has been a series of factors. The problem is most like to have stemmed from a footwear crisis prior to running the London Marathon. Having issues with the running shoes that I was using at the time, I decided to fall back and use an old pair rather than risk blisters from brand new shoes. Big mistake!

Now I am missing out on running. I had been hoping to run the Movember 5K in Battersea Park this November. No chance of that. Instead my race participation has, for the previous couple of months has been, and will be, helping out, marshalling or spectating. All, far from a perfect situation.

So what have I done about this? Well, 'vitamin I' (Ibuprofen) has been a big help. Also I bought some gel heel cups, which have been a huge help. The pain is less and the swelling has gone down.

Now, I just need to be patient. As for my next planned race? Probably April/May time. It's frustrating, but stories of snapped achilles tendons (!!!) and a desire not to go back to severe pain tells me the waiting is worth it.

Are any UK Marathons Boston Qualifiers?

It's not something I think about too much. Unfortunately I'm not quick enough to be thinking of qualifying for the next Boston Marathon. But, if I was good enough, could I qualify from a UK marathon time?

I was only recently emailed this very question at my website Marathon Runners Diary. "How many of the UK marathons we be recognised by Boston as a qualifier?".

As far as I'm aware, only the London Marathon meets this requirement. But, I'm not even certain of that. Some European races, such as the Berlin Marathon are Boston qualifiers. And from what I do know, it seems the vast majority of these races are in the USA and Cananda.

Anyone know any more? It would be good to know how many Boston qualifiers there are in the UK. Even if we don't make it there, it would be good to know we have an opportunity or two to do so without havng to travel abroad.

Olympic Marathon route to change for London 2012

London 2012 organisers want to alter the planned Olympic marathon route. The plan is to have the finish line on the Mall, similar to the current London Marathon. This a significant, possibly controversial, suggestion breaking with established tradition that the race should finish in the Olympic stadium.

The route change has been suggested to allow easier access for spectators and to showcase London. Organisers worry that spectators will be less inclined to flock to the sections of the race over towards the east end of the city, near the stadium. Similarly, they also don't foresee much TV interest in these 'less touristy' areas. They have proposed a new route. Runners will pass by numerous sites of interest, finally reaching the finish line at the Mall near Buckingham Palace. However not everyone is pleased.

Local officials from Newham, the Olympic host borough, have expressed their disppointment. They are strongly of the opinion that the Olympic Marathon should finish in the Olympic Stadium.

Paul Brickell, the council's executive member for the olympics said "We are disappointed London 2012 organisers are considering moving the marathon finish to the Mall, rather than the olympic stadium in Stratford".

The council is proposing a compromise that can take in the sites of central London while retaining the original promise to finish in the olympic stadium. That sounds pretty fair to me.

The Gumpathon

2 days ago 6 servicemen, 5 from Britain and 1 from the USA, set off on a 63-day run across America. Starting in New York, they will run 16 to 23 miles every day until they reach their finish line in Santa Monica, California. Inspired by Forest Gump’s epic run across America, this race has been called the Gumpathon.

The brainchild of CSgt Damian Todd RM, this race intends to raise awareness and funds to help injured servicemen. Funds will be used to help the efforts of the charities US Semper Fi Fund, Help for Heroes and the Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund. Donations can be given by text, online or bank transfer.

Find out more about this ambitious run and give generously.

Find out more about the Gumpathon or visit the official website.

Wimbledon 5K Dash

I always enjoy running in Wimbledon. The races are low key, mainly attended by club runners, so there are no massive crowds or walkers getting in the way. Also, it's a lovely area and starting and finishing at the running track in Wimbledon Park is something I always appreciate.

This was only my third 5K, my last attempt being almost 2 years ago. My PB was 21.45, but with training only recently having got back on track, I was realistically looking for a time below 25 minutes. The weather was a bit muggy, but that seemed a fair ambition.

The course was not overly tough, I had been warned about Church Road, a notorious hill for Wimbledon races. This was at the 2K point, and for a moment it did seem to go on forever. However, after that it was all downhill and flat terrain all the way back to the park and onto the track to the finish line.

I was knackered, but I noted my time. It was 23.46. Result!

Next stop, a 10K? I have to avenge my brotherly defeat of last year. Perhaps the Wimbledon 10K in October?