After two weeks off and feeling a little stupid for over doing it, I gradually started to build up my mileage again. I booked myself in at the local running shop and had gait analysis before buying some new trainers. Am I taking this too seriously? Well, so far, I have a pre run routine, I’m up every Saturday morning (when I’m not injured) at 7 o’clock which is a big deal for me, I spend 30 minutes stretching, my pre run breakfast is a cup of tea, a glass of water, instant porridge and a banana, I have changed my diet to the extent that my desk is now littered with porridge, oatcakes, flatbreads and sunflower seed, evening meals are generally along the lines of pasta, salad, potatoes, risotto and pizza, I’m trying to drink as much water as I can to keep up my hydration levels, the results of which are that I end up spending more time running back and forth to the toilet than at my desk, I spent the evening of my birthday running and I’m hosing down my ankles and knees with freezing cold water after runs!

Over the last few Saturdays I have got in two 16 milers and a 17 Miler. The temperature when I started the 17 Miler was -7! I’m still struggling with a few niggles but the best advise I’ve had so far is “Don’t let that thought get in your foot.”