I appear to have recovered fairly quickly after the 100K, so obviously I didn't run hard enough!  In fact, though my legs were a bit sore, the worse part was my upper back, shoulders and jaw!!!  I must have been really tensed up!!  How many people run 100K and end up with jaw ache?!!!  Anyway, I had 4 days of complete rest after the race, the first 3 of which we spent on holiday in Holland doing a bit of sightseeing and sampling their delicious Dutch apple tart.  On the Thursday after the race I went for a very easy jog and felt OK, so have gradually been increasing it since then.  Having said that, my longest run has only been 10 miles and I've generally been putting life before running for the last month.  I find that sometimes I need a break mentally as much as physically and it's nice to be able to do 'normal' things without having to fit around my training.  This approach culminated this weekend with just one 6 mile run in 3 days, due to the Christening of my niece / goddaughter.  This also, however, involved lunch out with my family the day before, a full English breakfast at the B&B I was staying in, and a buffet lunch which lasted continuously all afternoon and into the evening!  I think it'll take me a good while to run all those calories off!!

Two weeks after the 100K I did a low key multi-terrain 5 mile race (see race reports).  I'd intended just to jog round but was probably a bit over-enthusiastic and ended up running quite hard.  The result was very sore quads and calves for the next week or so - that'll teach me!  A regular 'M.O.T.' visit to my physio suggested there was nothing to give any cause for concern and in fact he seemed to think I wasn't in bad shape considering the mileage I'd put my body through over the last few months.  One thing I do need to get sorted now, though, is a niggling patellar tendon (or knee, in layman's terms!).  It's actually been troubling me for several months now, but so far we've been able to prevent it from getting any worse - and I've still managed to run three ultras and countless miles of training on it!  The expert opinion is that it's caused by my running style - weak glutes cause my hips and knees to rotate in too much (my 'wonky' legs have been my trademark and a source of family jokes for many years).  I've worked on glute strengthening exercises for years, with a really concerted effort over the last 6 months or so.  My glute strength is actually now quite good, but the next step is to try and use this while I'm running.  We're not looking to change my gait completely as this would just put stress on other areas and result in further injuries.  The aim is to try to lessen the amount my knee rolls in - easier said than done after 25 years of doing it the 'wrong' way.  I'll let you know if I have any success!

Some very good news recently is that Mizuno have kindly agreed to continue supporting me.  I'm indebted to them for their support as it really helps to take the pressure off when having to change my shoes so frequently due to my high mileage.  I've worn Mizuno shoes for many years as I find them so comfortable and such a good fit.  I wear their lightweight racers for all distances up to and including marathons, the Wave Precision for ultras and faster training runs, the Wave Rider and Ultima for the majority of my training and the Wave Creation, with the most cushioning, for my long runs.  I love them all but the Wave Riders are my favourites - they are by far the best shoes I've ever run in.  Until recently I used them for everything from long runs to intervals as they are so light but so well cushioned too.  They really do feel like I'm putting a pair of slippers on!  So, thanks Mizuno, and keep up the good work producing shoes like this!

All being well I'm doing the road relays this weekend, though will be feeling rather like Mr. Blobby after my recent lack of training and indulgence in chocolate cake!  I'm really looking forward to turning out for the team, although suspect it will be a tad speedy for me these days.  

And if you're there watching - no laughing at my 'wonky' legs please!!!