Happy New Year everyone!

Christmas was just as I predicted - far too much to eat, several pounds gained (actually I daren't stand on the scales yet!) but a lovely time with my family.  I didn't run on Christmas day but managed to get out most other days, even if only for a few easy miles.  I ended 2011 on quite a positive note - a 24 miler on December 31^st and my highest ever annual mileage of 3353 miles.

Unfortunately 2012 didn't start quite so well as my planned 10 miler turned into an abortive effort after just 12 minutes!  I've been suffering from a very tight buttock / hamstring since last Tuesday's run.  Normally it has loosened up enough after the first few minutes for me to be able to run on it, but on New Year's Day I was still hobbling after 12 minutes so decided to call it a day.  I was pretty distraught at having to stop, but deep down knew it was the right decision in order to avoid aggravating it further.  Sometimes you just have to listen to your body however hard it is to deal with mentally.

The next day I was due to run the Coventry New Year 5 mile race.  I was a bit apprehensive and worried I wouldn't be able to run knowing how my leg had felt the previous day.  I started my warm up and luckily the rest day seemed to have been beneficial as, although it still felt very tight, I was at least able to run on it.  (See race report).

So, back at work today and back to running in the dark evenings again.  It's been great to have been able to run in the daylight for the past week.  I'm due to do an easy 8 this evening but I'll have to see how my leg / buttock is as it still feels very tight.  Hopefully it'll soon start to respond to the massage, stretching and my liberal applications of Blue Gel - fingers crossed!