Every step hurt

I did a seven mile run today. Aerobically I was fine, but my legs were so stiff and sore that every step hurt - my ankles and thighs particularly. I have a feeling I didn't stretch for long enough after the run yesterday.

It was difficult to enjoy the run because of the physical pain, but it was a great route. I ran to Regent's Park, and then around the perimeter. Ran past London zoo, but only saw a few cows!

Oh well, at least I kept going and made it back. I am going to have a lovely long soak in a hot bath when I get home. I need to be well recovered for Sunday's mammoth effort.

Toe nails

One piece of not so inspirational information I received yesterday, was that it is fairly common for people's toe nails to go black, and then drop off a couple of weeks after the marathon. Yuk.

And my toes were a little bit tender after the 14 mile run at the weekend.

Running Club

I went to the running club at my gym last night. I felt full of energy again, and the run improved my mood massively. It was good to run with other people for a change, at a slightly faster pace than usual. And I had a chat with someone who did the New York Marathon a couple of years ago, which all helps with the motivation. I'm quite looking forward to the run in Richmond Park this weekend. I might try a bit of carb loading on Saturday. I might not have much choice actually; due to a friend visiting, a long-standing arrangement and a friend's birthday I am going out for breakfast, lunch and dinner tomorrow. My wallet will not be happy.

Exhaustion??

I am feeling unwell. I don't know if I have caught something or if it is the effects of Sunday's run. Shall I list my symptoms??!! OK then ...
Light-headed
Nauseous
Needing loads of sleep
That's it really!
I've been trying to drink lots of water, eat lots of carbs, get lots of sleep . . . but I'm still feeling rough today. Can't face even a 4 mile run so have postponed it until tomorrow.

14 MILES!!

I did it! I ran 14 miles!! It was HARD but not as hard as last week, not at all. I managed to stay positive. I kept well hydrated by buying drinks from shops on the way and filling up my water bottle. I managed to keep going right until the end. My pedometer actually said I had run 15 miles. It too me 2 hours and 46 minutes!! I am amazed that I ran so far. I feel quite proud.

Don't eat fruit before you go running

I ran six miles on Friday after work. I had left over 2 hours since lunch, but I had also eaten a pear about half an hour before I went. I was told afterwards that this was a really bad idea. I certainly suffered for it, and would advise everyone to avoid fruit before running. Apparently it is the acid in your stomach that does it. I was very nearly sick, got a terrible stitch, and had to keep stopping. So that is one lesson I have learnt.