running home by Alaistair

Two Physio appointments and two unforgettable acupuncture sessions later have resigned myself to the fact that this may take awhile. If I was to be totally honest with myself then would also admit that have never really properly dealt with some old injuries; was just in to much a hurry to get back running. Figure will now have to follow this process through to its conclusion regardless of how long it takes (physio is talking Mar/Apr at best). Think at the moment would be happy just to get the constant pain under control.

On the home front the upside of little or no running is lots of long standing DIY tasks are getting done around the house. In the past couple of months have made more progress than the last couple of years…do hope this progress has gone unnoticed…gulp!

Saturday saw the arrival of Park Run to York. Am a huge fan of the Park Runs but to date although having registered have never managed to attend any of the venues. York’s venue is the Knavesmire, literally 1.5 miles from my house. Its not the most exiting of routes, 1.5 laps of the service road that runs around the inner rail of the Knavesmire Racecourse, but its flat so ideal for anyone looking to improve their 5K times. Had for a long time intended to run this first event but in my current poor physique didn’t look to do any more than simply bimble round.

Mentioned the Park Run to Julie but she initially dismissed the idea, largely due to her fear of dogs and the fact that the Knavesmire is doggy heaven. When I mentioned the event to my daughter figuring she wouldn’t be interested was met with huge excitement. So agreed to run the Park Run with her on the understanding she would go easy on me!

Come Saturday morning Julie relented and braved the cold conditions, the Knavesmire was covered in freezing fog, -2 at best. The event was brilliant… 216 runners took part which for a first fixture was amazing. We started right at the back and did no more than jog the first mile…picked up the pace slightly but generally kept it real comfortable until the finish came into sight…my daughter then left me for dust!

She finished a few seconds ahead of me in 30:09; for a first effort am really pleased and will enjoy seeing her keep this going every Saturday morning. Give her a couple of months and if I can get back running properly then this could see her awaken the running potential that I just know she has?