A new route PB

Yesterday I took the cautious approach and only did a couple of miles walking with the dog. The back of my knee had a bit of a twinge to it (it happened at some point during intervals on Tuesday), and although it felt good yesterday, I thought another easy day was needed.

This morning I did my most dreaded route... it is a 10.6 mile run and for some reason I hate it. If it's hot then I can't stand the sun at around the halfway mark, if it's windy it's just a nightmare full stop. I was full of 'deep joy' to see the trees swinging merrily in the wind as I first left my house, and as I waited for my Garmin to find the satellites my hair was getting blown all over.
The first couple of miles were good and I felt quite strong... of course the wind must have been helping me at this point. I ran 25 and walked 5 until I got to an hour and then after only 9 minutes of the next running section I felt knackered with the wind blowing in my face. I almost walked (and to be absolutely honest, a few months ago this is exactly what I would have done) but I did my little trick again of pushing myself to the next tree... the next lampost... the next bin, and finally allowed myself a walk break once I had got to 17 minutes and 40 seconds and up to the top of a long incline. The wind was fairly strong and I had my full 5 minute walk here before talking myself into running again. The next time I managed to get half way up a steep hill and after a short walk break began running again getting about a mile of the run done. As I looked at my Garmin, I realised I was on for a route PB so kept going and only walked for a few seconds if I needed to. By the time I got home, I looked to see I had ran the 10.6 miles 2 minutes and 40 seconds quicker than ever before, so I was really pleased.

The podiatrist rang me and was very surprised that I am running as much as I am and that my foot feels back to normal. Today I didn't even give my foot a second thought... which has happened on a number of occasions now.

I have just had a sauna and managed to stay inside it for 26 minutes. Towards the end you would think someone was pouring water over my head as I was sweating that much. As soon as I can do 30 minutes I will block the hole up where your head is supposed to fit through. I'm quite amazed I am getting used to the heat so quickly.