I took some time away from athletics for the last couple weeks. Quite frankly I needed it after Crystal Palace. I was disappointed, annoyed, frustrated and embarrassed. I've had some time away from running over the last 2 weeks, chilled out, spent some time with my girlfriend and i've been doing some work on my web design which is starting to take off as a side job now. I think I might go into that a little more, i've started to set up a portfolio for it to try and help recruit some work- check it out at http://design.ryanmcleod.net

I was meant to be going on holiday last week to New York with my mum for her 60th birthday but she injured herself and wasn't able to travel which is a shame but her health was more important than a holiday which can be taken anytime. With that being cancelled I had a strange idea to run Cardiff BMC as there was money on offer. A small consolation for not having a holiday. After a little persuasion to John and my dad they agreed I could do it. Only 3 of us turned up who were eligible so that meant I was guaranteed some prize money as long as I finished. I went there with no expectation, just to try and enjoy myself with damage limitation as John didn't want me coming out the back injured.

I just set off and tried to run an even paced race while trying to beat Jonny and Bruce, the other two eligible. Jonny made a move away as he was there to try and run fast. I thought i'd give it a go chasing him down as I never knew how i'd feel but there wasn't much chance of me feeling good. So i just backed off as my legs just didn't want to run. I tried to relax, Bruce got away but Jonny came back to me. I gave up on trying to win the top prize and just did my best to come home ahead of Jonny. I managed that, but he didn't have a great race and was a little disappointed. Before the race i'd pretty much settled for third as them two lads are quality runners and having trained with them both I knew they'd be very tough to beat.

Since then the legs have been very very achy! They're just stiff all over and it's taken 3 days of easy running to shift the rubbish. I'm going to crack on with some volume work now and build up to a decent mileage over the next 6 weeks to get ready for the winter season. 

This summer has absolutely flown by though, I wish it was still going! I want more from it. I'll have to wait till next year now. I'm happy I picked up a couple of national medals which was fantastic but I can't help feel a little disappointed that I didn't better my 5000 pb after breaking it so early season. Still, you can't have it all. Nobody says you're going to meet every goal you set and picking up 2 national medals more than mades up for it. 

Until next time.

Ryan

*Edit* As I posted the blog I realised how long it's been since I posted a training log so i'll get that updated tomorrow. It's too late now, I need my bed!