Since my last run which I outlined in A few runs during the stay-in phase, I decided to go for another, this time along the canal.
This run is a beautiful run out in the wilderness between Uxbridge and Buckinghamshire, through Harefield Place Nature Reserve.
I decided to wear my old bare-foot style of running shoes, which are among the longest-serving running shoes that I have. These particular ones are on their way out, so to speak, as they're fraying at the edges.
Its been a while since I used them and seeing that I was going to go more off the beaten track on this run, I figured they'd be a good option to go 'trail' running. I followed some trails branching off the canal and followed past a few lakes (or perhaps they are dams) and basked in the sun which was pouring down in all its splendour. As its getting warmer now(we've had a mild winter, haven't we?), I put on a vest, shorts, donned my feet covers and set off.
It's a good thing I wore a vest as I was hot and it made a big difference. I saw quite a few people on the way - walking themselves and their dogs. I think the combination of the summer sun and the novelty of getting out for 'one daily exercise' in amidst to the lockdown restrictions have made it a more valuable endeavour. It's intriguing to me what else may have also changed.
Anyway, I found that the barefoot running at times was a bit tough on my feet, which otherwise have been used to the comforts of cushioning ever since I moved to a move sturdy shoe. I found myself keeping to the edges of the road, where the grass was and where there was more moisture and fewer stones (I felt every single one).
I ran noticeably slower. A couple of days back I went for a run as described in my earlier posts, and afterwards, say about 4 or 5 hours later I started to sense a strain in my inner thigh/groin area - where the leg connects to the torso. After a few nights of good sleep, it went away however after this last run its back. Now it's not absolutely sore or anything like that - just apparent.
My theory is that due to the frequency of my running, the muscles in that area are straining because I tend to either not go for a run, or go full-tilt, which I imagine is hardly a progressive strategy, and might very well be the cause.
Either way, it was a great run, bit longer than my last few which were around 8km, this one was about 9km and a bit. Pace as I've discussed as a lot slower but comfortable at around 5'00/km and the run, there and back took about 47mins which is pretty decent.
I had a Blackcurrent jelly in the fridge which I saved up for after this run, so having got into my flat, I headed straight to the fridge and got it - ice cold! I tried to a few 'leg swings' just to convince my body that doing that would fix the strain in my groin area. I winced a bit and it was a little uncomfortable but I got through them. They'll probably make no difference but never-the-less, they did help me in identifying exactly where the pain was.
The thing to keep watching for me is that I'm not going down in terms of my average performances, and at the moment there is a risk that I am, I'd like the graph to be trending upwards. The solid blue line is the level of fitness, which is directly proportional to the amount of running you do. I need to go for more runs.
I ran past my local Tesco and it always interesting to watch the people queue out outside, 2 meters apart by law. They seem to look so surprised as I come sliding on by, like they've never seen a person running before. That always amazes me.
That said, they might be looking at me, thinking 'look at that bloody fool running about'. I do my shopping early in the morning to avoid the crowds (and the queues).
Might use the foam roller now...