The next step

Yesterday after a very long day at work, I came home and immediately went out for my 1 hour run. I continued with the 8:4 run/walk and it all went very well indeed until about 50 minutes in when my forefoot started to ache. I knew straight away it was the Brooks shoes. The forefoot cushioning isn't great in them and the whole heel to toe height isn't helping. I couldn't wait to get home and take them off!

Graeme and I sat watching TV, and I saw a deep contemplation in him that is all too familiar. He has been suffering for the last few days with a reoccurring groin injury, and I knew he was worried. I recognised the quiet reflections... the "watching" of the TV when really the eyes are glazed over because the mind is elsewhere, the irritability when asked how the injury feels.... I know, because I've spent the whole of this year going through the same reflections and irritability. I convinced him the right thing to do was to go and see Tim our physio immediately. He booked the appointment and went tonight.

I'd had another very very long day. My foot has been totally fine, but the long day coupled with not eating very much and that niggling thought that I have nothing decent to put on my feet to run on the roads, deterred me from running tonight. It was too late to run on trail, it had gotten so dark. Deep down, I think it's probably a very sensible decision. I have my comfy trail shoes, and I'll use them on the road if I have to (I ran 30 miles on road in Glasgow in them the second time I wore them and they were great) but I really want a more permanent solution. My Hoka One Ones came today and I instantly fell in love with how they felt on my feet.... only problem is they are far too small. I love the fact that there is 2.5 times the cushioning of a normal running shoe and you can't half feel it.... especially where I need it desperately...in the forefoot. I've read they take a bit of getting used to because of how high you feel in them, but after wearing Kinsei's for years, I can't see this being an issue. I think they made me half a foot taller!!!

So, Graeme came home from the physio and had been told that even though he stretches loads, it's still not enough and he has to do even more. I haven't mentioned anything yet, but I think I'm going to suggest we go back to yoga. I think this will help us both, and there was a time when Graeme swore by yoga, saying it was the only time he never got injured. We'll see what he thinks when I suggest it anyway! He's at Muay Thai tonight. He isn't training though, he's just gone to take Luke there. Luke loves it, he did his first grading last week. I'm so chuffed he's found something he enjoys so much.

I have scoured the web for some Hokas tonight, and am pleased to say that with much patience and determination, I finally came across a pair in my size, so they're ordered. I don't know if they will be here by Saturday for my long run, but if they aren't I'll do a trail run in my trail shoes. If they come, I'll pick a route where I loop and pass my house at least twice. This way, if there are any issues I won't be miles away from home with an uncomfortable pair of trainers on! You see... deep down, I AM actually quite sensible... sometimes!