15/03/2020 – Where Do We Go From Here?

Friday’s news, as disappointing as it was, came as no real surprise. The speed of world events and the spread of the virus has meant something we paid little attention a fortnight ago now dominates the headlines.

Yesterday, I went to what will almost certainly be my last parkrun and live football match for several weeks. The news of the Marathon postponement meant that I allowed myself the dirtiest of burgers and an unexpected day on the beer, whilst following Beckenham Town away at Hollands & Blair.

In truth, I am not completely gutted by the postponement. To explain better, I need to rewind back to the Wednesday after the Eastbourne Half. I’d set to do a recovery 10K. Less than a mile into it, whilst running on the flat, something pinged in my groin. I tried to run on, but the pain wasn’t having any of that bringing me to screeching halt. I absolutely hate having to abort a run, but after some tenative stretching that seemed to be the only option. My groin was on fire.

I secretly hoped that it would wear off as I trudged off in the direction of home and maybe I could try again later that day. Alas no, I could barely walk for the rest of the day. Nothing for it but to book some more physio get both these annoying spasms and that troublesome glute sorted once and for all.

I couldn’t get an appointment until after the weekend, by which time typically, the groin pain had disappeared again. My speed, such as it is, had not returned which is a continuing source of concern. I wasn’t too concerned about my Marathon time being slower than before, but I did want to ensure that I wouldn’t have to to pull up before the finish. This way, (hopefully) I will be well clear of injury.

Saturday’s parkrun was over at Mile End. Again, I wasn’t looking to push it in case the groin went again. Both Sue and I posted times within the normal range of our recent runs.

The appointment with the physio didn’t turn up anything new, gluteal and hamstring issues, but a different set of exercises were recommended. A massage on the affected area did a lot of good though and I left feeling I was on the right path.

As the week progressed and the news about the virus came into sharper focus, it seemed clear that the London marathon wouldn’t be able to take place in April. The Friday 13th confirmation co-incided with the launch of my charity album, which unfortunately rather pulled focus from that.

The next day, parkrun was still on, so we headed over to West London to join the 100th running of Hazelwood parkrun, at London Irish Rugby complex. The run director there strongly hinted that this would be the last weekend of British parkrunning for a while, so we made the most of their century celebrations after another moderately paced run for us both.

Our major fear now, when we move to full Lockdown next week, as now seems inevitable, is whether outdoor exercise will be permitted. I just don’t how I will cope without my daily run.