After a few too many dark days since my last post, I’ve been given the all clear to return to some running.
And so it was that last week I resumed with some slow, tentative, jogs of 2-4K’s at a time, capped off with a steady 5K at 8.5km/h, for a 20K week total. I also threw in a brisk 10K bush walk (from Spit Junction to Manly, alongside Sydney harbour) as a reward for being able to be physically active again.
By happy coincidence, this week happens to be week 1 of Hal Higdon’s 12 week advanced half marathon program which culminates in the Melbourne half marathon on Sunday 18 October. And so far, so good. Today’s 40 minute tempo run, peaking at 12.3km/h, was certainly a solid test. While I felt myself puffing a little harder than usual and constantly monitoring the left hamstring for any sign of trouble as the speed picked up, it went well.
All up, it was just over three long weeks between the time of the injury and getting back into it. The physio was comfortable with me continuing with the plan on the understanding that I maintain regular hamstring strengthening exercises. Which I have been - more or less.
Regardless, the next couple of weeks will definitely put progress with the rehab under the spotlight. This coming Sunday is the remodelled 8K Bay Run (bib no. 129), while the following Sunday is my 22nd attempt at the fabled City to Surf - a hilly, crowded and frankly quite tough 14K course from the Sydney CBD to Bondi Beach (bib no. 12199). And a few days after that is my next 5K time trial, where I’m aiming to break 22:52, the significance of which I’ll explain closer to the day.
It’s going to be an anxious period against a backdrop of some obviously sub-optimal preparation, but the show must go on.
And it's great to be back!
