Success isn't how far you got, but the distance you traveled from where you started. -Steve Prefontaine

Today I raced in the Twin Piers 10K. I got to the start line a bit late. I had to cut my warm up to 1/2 mile and then when I got to the start line with 2 mins annonced I realised that I didn't have my number on. Nightmare! I dashed back to my bag and pinned on my number so badly that I pinned it half on my top and half on my shorts. Luckly the race organisor waited for me. Sorry everyone.

Well once the race got going I did the first mile in a respectible 5:22 and then managed a good steady pace:
5:22 5:50 5:12 5:19 5:28 5:24 1:05. The second mile had a steep hill for about 1/2 mile.

A PB with 33:40 and 4th position. The weather was perfect, no wind and a good cool temperature. If only the hill could have been ironed out.

My wife and daughter came along so this made the day much more enjoyable.

"I long to accomplish a great and noble
task, but it is my chief duty to
accomplish small tasks as if
they were great and noble."
- Helen Keller

Today's run was difficult with the snow but to make it even more tricky I had two run ins with dogs. I like dogs but why do they have to get under your feet and trip you up? They seem to aim for legs and stop right in front of you at the last minute. Also I had to stop running on some playing fields because of all the dog poop. The poop is probably there in the same quantity but now it's highlighted in the snow.

Why am I drawn to run? That is a fair question. Something deeper within, Not just for keeping thin. I'm out getting fresh air. My wife thinks it's an affair, When there is frost and snow, I?m beating the couch potato. On my own or in a group, Up, down, straight or loop. Training to obtain the next PB, Is the way I love to stay healthy. Challenges, aims and glory, Is not necessary the full story. Just simply time alone, Away from the office and phone.

At the two-thirds mark, I think of those who are still with me. Who might make a break? Should I? Then I give it all I've got.
Ibrahim Hussein, on marathon tactics

The injury doesn't feel any better today :(
Another day of not running or doing much :(

Usually if something in my life is wrong I can work hard to put it right but this injury is the opposite. I have to rest to put it right. It does not make any sense to my small brain.

Quote and injury update.

Top results are reached only through pain. But eventually you like this pain. You'll find the more difficulties you have on the way, the more you will enjoy your success. - Juha Vaatainen

Back was really hurting yesterday pm. However after 13 hours of sleep and a 30 min swim I can walk without too much pain. Still far too sensitive to try and run. I might try a run tomorrow but I'll have to see.

Update on injury

I'm on strong pain killers from the doctor. I went for another physiotherapy session today. Ultrasound and medium wave thingy for a good hour. I've also got muscle tissue damage so the fizz says that I need to keep stretching and not to run :(

I went swimming today to try and keep up the exercise. I can't swim very well but managed to do it for 1/2 hour without any pain. I am going again tomorrow for another swim. I have to do some exercise even if it is something I don?t particularly like. I'll try to run again once the pain has gone completely. I might give biking a go if that?s less of a strain? We?ll see.

I?ve got the Lake Vyrnwy Half Marathon in about 40 days and the Birchwood 10k Road Race in 20 days so this injury may slow me down for those races.

Quote and injury update

Believe in yourself, know yourself, deny yourself, and be humble. - John Treacy's four principles of training prior to Los Angeles 84

After resting my back for 5 days I tried to run today. It did not work. Still in pain and had to stop after 1/2 a mile.