10km, and the legs are still heavy

A lovely summer day at 27^oC with clear blue sky gave promise of a good evening run as I walked home from work, eager to get straight back out.  But then the familiar feeling of fatigue overcame me as I walked in the door.  It is as if the adrenaline of a busy day suddenly subsides and cup of tea and a little rest is all that is desired.  Before I know it, an hour has passed as I wake from a far too relaxing yoga nidra meditation.  A little hungry, I have a bowl of cereal and a quick espresso before a stretch and then I’m out the door without considering the run I plan to do.  I’ll decide on the way as I run on the streets towards the walking track around Mishref.  A car pulls up with a shout of “go you machine” – Colin is off to Cape Town for a serious run at the weekend and he tells of his concern still of a weak Achilles tendon that has been hindering him for some time.  Runners: always carrying an injury and I’m now getting a little concerned about my calf and medial tibia that has been niggling away for some weeks now.  Once at Mishref I decide on a race pace 10km...

I’ve since revised my target time to 2 hours 45 minutes which needs a steady km pace of 3min55sec.  I aim to run 10km at that pace but after 3km I call it a day and realise that the fatigue is still in my legs, but also in my mind.  Mishref again.  I wonder how many kilometres I have run around this path – a thousand plus surely.  I had some good, fast tempo runs here last week but today I decide to see out the remaining 10km with an easy, steady pace.  And it is about now that a little doubt starts creeping in.  Have I done enough?  What can I still do that will make a difference?  I felt this before the Dubai marathon when I had serious reservations about how I might perform but come the finish line it all ended up better than feared.  I resolve to get lots of rest in and get on top of the early nights.  Some chance!  Work: keep off my feet and not become drained and exhausted so that I can get out without needing the sleep beforehand.  Eat less too; I didn’t need that bowl of cereal and I would still like to be a little lighter to get to my ideal race weight.

45 minutes and I’m back home feeling my calf.  A very localised pain close to the medial tibia, almost underneath it.  I can feel it when I run but it isn’t hindering me.  I’ll give it one more run before I consider the physio.  I’m holding out because of the cost possibly, but that is stupid when I consider how much I invest in the sport overall.  I’d spend more the pair of trainers, but am somewhat reluctant to pay for the physio.  I’ll give it another day...