Some days I wake up full of energy and really looking forward to going for a run, other days it’s quite the opposite and I feel like I need a rest. Today was the latter. I’ve no real injuries but my second toe on my left foot is very swollen, it has lifted the toe nail and is very sore. I decided to have a change of shoes from Asics to Nike just to see if it made any difference.
I wasn’t looking forward to the run, I felt tired and was worried how I would cope with my sore toe and whether it would get even worse. The legs felt stiff to start and I jogged the first 4 miles to Hawkshead, very slowly for me. By then my legs had loosened up and to my relief, I was coping with the sore toe by running a bit less fore footed than normal.
I increased the pace up to half way but still got there in my slowest time so far this 10in10 with 1:56.
The weather was gorgeous, wall to wall sunshine. The day had started off cool, as it normally does in the Lakes but by half way it was starting to get really warm. Thankfully not too warm for me but certainly getting close. Luckily a lot of the course is tree lined and there is plenty of shade.
My running style wasn’t making my toe any worse so I kept pushing on, with the last 2 miles being the fastest of the day. I gave it one last push up the drive and crossed the finish line in 3:47:17 for another 3rd place.
Towards the end the weather was getting very warm, luckily I managed to stay hydrated all the way until the end. I’ve been trialling a new hydration drink shortly to be released by Voom Nutrition. I’m finding it a very pleasant Lemon and Lime flavour, is easy on my stomach and considering the warm weather, it seems to be doing a fantastic job.
I’m also enjoying their “Voom Protein Fudge” after running each day, a lovely taste and a pleasant treat after running a marathon.
After the run I went down to Brathay’s jetty for a sit at the water’s edge and cool off my very warm and tired feet, wonderful!
Myself and my physio Abbie also got the opportunity to go inside the Brathay boat house where they keep their 8 Whaler boats which were built in the 1950’s and are used in their work with young people. Fascinating to be able to see such well-maintained and well-crafted boats.
Another day, another marathon and another record as I move onto 63 official laps of the lake.
