Phase two of the alcohol-testing went a little too far on Saturday night, but I can at least confirm that too much alcohol in the evening (well, OK, early morning) without adequate re-hydration totally stuffs up any intention of a morning run. Fortunately I had no such intention - having been aware that Saturday was a boys' night out, I did my scheduled Sunday run on Saturday instead. I did however, have cross-training, and that didn't get done until late Sunday night - 40km on the exercise bike whilst watching South Africa thump (just) Australia in the second one day match of the series. Bloody tremendous game, going right down to the last over.
One positive aspect of alcohol that I've hinted at before but am now sure of - it is a very effective anti-inflammatory and general pain reliever. Seems pretty obvious I suppose, but even in small amounts it seems to do an excellent job of eliminating those aches and pains. Better than a hot bath even (and more portable).
Anyway that's enough of alcohol testing - I need a break. You'll all have to do your own research from here on
Despite all that my running is going very, very well. Whilst it's still definitely only in the "recovery from injury" phase, I'm putting in three solid treadmill sessions each week, plus a cross-training session, two strength sessions, three or four long walks, and my daily torture regime (ie stretching) devised by the evil but lovely Rebecca. It's no wonder I've been hitting the grog
But the truth is it all seems to be working. I'm fitter and stronger and feeling very much more confident about my chances of running some decent distances again. Cartilage remains a bit of an issue, and hasn't yet been tested on a genuinely long run, but that is hopefully repairable with a truck load of glucosamine, and the more worrisome left knee joint has been obligingly pain-free for a couple of weeks now.
And of course with the cricket season in full swing here, treadmill running isn't an issue. Now I time my runs to coincide
with the cricket, rather than before or after.
It's a bit frustrating being restricted to short runs when I feel ready and eager for some longer stuff, but I can honestly say that taking it easy and building off a base of several short, careful runs, and extending distance by no more than 10% per week really does help overcome and prevent further injuries. It also avoids incurring the wrath of the lovely, but evil Rebecca [sigh].
Must go - I have a rest day to enjoy.
January Jollies
