May Survive...

[Mid Life Crisis Marathon Man]

The cross training of recent months paid off handsomely - a salutary lesson for us all.

Indeed. I've been mulling over that a bit lately. It was really only at the insistence of my podiatrist that I got back on the bike after many years, and I am indeed surprised at how much it has helped my running and to overcome my knee problems. To have run two half marathons two weeks apart was unthinkable a few months ago, but I've got through them basically unscathed. A little calf soreness is about the only problem, and after two bike sessions today that has evaporated, so only 48 hours after Sunday's half I feel ready to go again. Amazing, and I have no doubt that's largely due to the cross training.

What really astonishes me is how little knee pain I'm now having. The cycling has done much to strengthen my quads and overcome the imbalance that running generally creates in the quads, which in turn exacerbates any knee problems - if I've understood my podiatrist correctly. Although I have to add that I've also been running far slower, which of course really makes a difference too.

So in the same way as orthotics overcame my perennial shin splints, achilles and ITB issues, I'm thinking now that cycling is overcoming my knee complaint. It's been a long road, but I finally feel that my running aspirations are now possible.

Which calls for a drink!

Damn. Actually, that'll have to wait. Double damn.

Which calls for a nice cup of tea, I mean an isotonic energy drink and a protein bar... groan. What's SP's phone number again?