Frustration!

I have shin splints which a) makes running very difficult at the moment and b) is putting my sanity into question! Since about 6 weeks ago my GNR target has been slipping away as I've been forced to tone down my training (including a 3 week complete rest!) and try and get the issues with my left calf sorted out. So far, not so good.

However, i am trying to stay positive which is helped by a great physio who has been giving me acupuncture and massage that makes me cry (so I know it's good for me!), and the fact that running the world's biggest half marathon (however slowly) is going to be an awesome experience whatever.

I managed half an interval session with the GSK running club on Tuesday (it was on grass which I thought might help but my leg is telling me it's still not ready) and a 30 minute steady run with my housemate Gem today. As long as I keep my pace down I seem to be getting away with it but anything more and my calf gets angry with me! I have some physio booked for tomorrow night and have been massaging, stretching and icing to help things along.

Patience is, unfortunately, a virtue i don't have so this has been a testing time. But over the years I have learnt that running has a way of teaching you things - about yourself, your limits (and how to surpass them), your strengths, your weaknesses and the way you handle stuff that is thrown at you. I get the feeling that I am on another learning curve!

So I'm going to reset my target over the next week so that I run a realistic race on 30th Sept. There's no point going for a PB when I know I am injured and haven't done enough training. I'm aiming to take it steady round the Hydro Active Women's Challenge (5k) next Sunday and see how I feel, but if I could get round GNR in 1.45 now I'd be happy.

As for that elusive 1.30 half marathon...I haven't forgotten it.