Barefoot fiasco

After a little interweb research and asking various people about what would be a good shoe for starting barefoot running (frankly one of the worst possible running questions one can ask on the internet after "Should I wear trail or road shoes to [insert name of race here]?") I was looking forward to actually getting my hands (and feet) on a pair to see what all the fuss was about.

So after leaving Hyde Park I decided to go by tube to St James Park having now wished I had walked it and arrived at Run and Become, a small but wonderfully stocked shop with very knowledgeable staff...no problems with that, the problem I had was my feet.

The shoes I had been looking at on the internet were there, tantalisingly close on the display and I asked to try them on. Taking a seat I took off my shoes and saw other customers trying on various shoes, some taking a practice run in the road outside, then they arrived some New Balance Minimus Trail, pulling the laces apart I slipped my foot in and felt like one of the Ugly Sisters trying on the Glass Slipper, only my toes would fit!!! AAARRRRGGHH the information stated 

"...30% lighter than standard training shoe midsoles and the forefoot is wider to allow the foot to spread..." 

and my foot wouldn't even fit. I was disappointed but the assistant had new ideas and came out with a pair of Trail Gloves...now these looked OK but I did want a trail shoe but it was worth a try and slipped them on, now these were the ticket and I was guided outside to have a quick run...boing, boing and then I returned, my pesky wide feet had defeated me once again as the midsole arch area was digging in.

The I suppose it is Monkey Feet then?

Now the big guns were coming out and I was offered a pair of Five Finger Spy at £45 more than I was willing to pay these had better have been good...right foot on...these were feeling good and then the fiasco of the left foot began. I liken it to putting on a condom on inside out, it wasn't going to happen, my little toe refused to come out to play staying stubbornly under it sister toe and when it did the Big toe just refused also. I gace up the fight early and retreated from the shop disappointed but happy that I did not part with £115 just too expensive for my tight wallet.

Running as a Pacer

As my regular readers will know I was to be a Race Pacer today at the 10km Orange Appeal Run in Hyde Park, London something I was quite looking forward to, even if a tad nervous about the job. 

Unbeknownst to me there were to be 4 other runners from my club, Gavin (40 mins), Ian (45 mins), Toby (50 mins), Me (55 mins) and Tina (60 mins) all of us well and truelly capable of running the time but sufficiently experienced enough to carry the pace we soon found ourselves gathering together chatting and laughing. As we did, more and more runners appeared from all directions in the park and soon the whole area became a buzz of excitement, nervousness and laughter. I was taken aback a bit as my races are normally very low key with just a few people but we were told to expect 450-500 eeekkkkkk my worst nightmare, a crowd!

We were soon found grouping together behind the start line, some music started  and we were warming up with dancing, clapping and running on the spot. I could see Gavin, Ian and Toby in front of me as like me they were holding long signs with our pace number. Fully warmed up Barbara "Babs" Windsor appeared shouted some jolly words and we were off.

My approach to being Pacer was to chat to people at the start to introduce myself and to make a bit of noise to make everyone aware that there were Pacers in the group. As we moved off I was aware of a cluster of people around me who were sticking to me but I chose to ignore them at first. It is very obvious that some runners (including me) get sucked into the excitement of a race at the start and whizz off too fast, I just stuck to my plan, stick to pace but communicate with the runners that they didn't need to stay with me all the time but keep in touch if they could. I went for effort based running and not a consistent pace as the course was as flat as a pancake in places with very shallow ascents so easy to plan out.

The weather was lovely today and I called to the runners or to anyone who could hear me that the race started at 8km, they needed to get into position and then really dig in at 9km for that was when they needed to get their act in gear and beat me......and there it happened, suddenly relaxed runners became focussed on the task. I shouting out the time, runners passing me, others staying on my tail, it was getting busy with some incredible sprints from people, one woman even beat her PB by 5 minutes......brilliant effort.

Then, as soon as it started, the race ended and around us people looked elated some approaching me and saying thank you others hugging there loved ones. Then a photo opportunity with Barbara Windsor and then a respite to allow us to melt away into the crowd and to home.

In all, a thoroughly enjoyable experience and also the opportunity to get out and test my legs out after last weeks ultra. I think I am OK to get the training going again for my October run.

Trip up to town

I have had a busy evening preparing for tomorrow's duties at Hyde Park, London and as usual I have been putting the various plans together. Firstly train times, then the route to the bandstand, run itself and then a little distraction....some shopping.

I have mentioned in an earlier post that I was seriously looking at going minimal and am taking Roadkill's advice and will be taking a little diversion of towards a well known running shoe emporium to have a look at some New Balance Minimus Trail. Now remember this is just to scout out some minimal shoes just to get a feeling of what they are like and if I really do want to go down that path. These particular shoes look pretty well down my street suggesting they are a transitional shoe and best on the trail and sufficiently light enough to carry in a backpack for short practice distances on longer runs.

Looking forward to the run in the park tomorrow as this will be my first run since last Saturday, the hamstrings have been a little sore and tight but I am really pleased to report that my feet have stood up well to the pounding they took whih also bodes well for my possible jump to the new shoes (if I get them).

Jezza to run in a 10km race!!

Yes Dear Reader you heard it here first, I am indeed running in a 10km race this Saturday but you will be happy to hear as a pacer. The race is in aid of the National Osteoporosis Society

I hear a few gasps of relief from some of you that I would do such a "short" race but I have been toying with the idea of doing one for a long time as a competitor to see what I could do without any training for the distance which is a totally different technique so pacing will do for the moment.

The Race

The event is in Hyde Park, London and I meet the event organisers at about 9.00am on Saturday to be the 55 minute pacer. I am really looking forward the job but still a little perturbed at running at that pace as it is well within my comfort zone and I will have to keep my whits about me so I don't zoom off. My plan is to do it as comfortably as possible but aim to get to the 9km mark just a little earlier than 49:30 and start to encourage overtaking so that people can get a PB if possible or at least beat the 55 minute barrier

White Cliffs Challenge - Race Report

Getting to run...the wrong way?

What a challenge!

I originally planned to do this event a good few months ago and had thought at first I would do it by myself, in retrospect I am glad I teamed up with my ultrarunning buddy George.

We were under no illusion that this was going to be a toughy, this was an event that was designed for walkers, by walkers. The LDWA members are a lovely group of people with an assortment of people ranging from the wonderfully eccentric to a really interesting and experienced people from all areas of life and  runners are guests at these challenges.

Tactics

Yes Dear Reader, you heard the dreaded T word! Indeed George and I had some preliminary discussions as to how to approach this challenge and it was generally agreed that we split it into three sections.

1. Section 1 - The Cliffs and out to ~17 miles
2. Section 2 - The Middle 
3. Section 3 - Night time

Prior to the start there was the usual flurry of activity of catching up with old trail friends, signing in, checking the map of the route and for me to crack my head on the edge of George's car boot....yes you heard it, crack my head! George had opened the boot and at the same time I leaned down to pick up some kit...ouch that hurt.

Section 1

This section was arbitrarily  broken down into one that took us to Check Point 3 at 22 miles but our speed was controlled by the opening of the 2 check points preceding it. 

I joked in an earlier post that we should be ware of the cliffs but it was now obvious that this was not to be laughed at as this section and the ones to follow were at some points only feet away from a 300 foot (100 metre ) sheer drop. Quickly learning that you do not take these paths at pace we dropped to a careful one along well trodden rabbit tracks

Check point 1 was only 8.3 miles into the run and on a normal day, on a normal road it could be knocked out in about 70 minutes but this was no normal run so we planned to cruise it and use the full 105 minutes to get to the opening (rules are you must pass and get your card clipped). So we dropped to a very slow tick over pace, walked the slopes, jogged the flats and a well practised one arriving exactly at the opening time  grabbed biscuits, orange cordial, filled our bottle and strolled on.

The Kent LDWA had taken great effort in planning this route and adding interesting comments to the route guide about monuments, through National Trust beauty spots and for some time had the opportunity to view the ships coming in and out of the ports below.

Shakespeare's Cliff

After about 20 miles, after passing the Immigration Removal Centre we were met by this monster of a cliff...Shakespeare's Cliff  which is described in King Lear - Act 4 Scene 1:

There is a cliff, whose high and bending head 

Looks fearfully in the confined deep: 

Bring me but to the very brim of it, 

And I'll repair the misery thou dost bear 

With something rich about me: from that place 

I shall no leading need. 

Deep words but when you start the ascent there is this amazing feeling that you are the first to climb it.

Section 2

From about 22 miles we began to say goodbye to the sea and slowly but surely moved inland and the ground began to undulate instead of shear climbs. It is here that George and I pulled up our laces and began to get a good pace behind us chewing the miles up in a reasonably good pace interspersed with the occasional power walk if we took on a steep ascent both very positive with the occasional stop to watch the view. At one point we even stopped for a ice lolly when we heard an ice cream van behind us. It was these types of little moment that is good for the morale which soon allowed us to carry on running through. This was short lived when we soon began to realise the day was ending and night was soon to draw in. Grabbing the torches from our bags we refused to be slowed so carried on wishing that the check points were not there as we could carry on the pace but mindful that we needed food and water where possible.

Section 3

The night section was here we were now 43 miles in and I had just celebrated by 10,000^th mile since I started running again, we were fed hot dogs and soup, we were raring to go but the extra darkness away from towns, our lack of knowledge of the course and the now rough terrain brought us down just to a speed walk as we would be foolish to run unless on the roads. Now we were getting tired and I was finding it hard to read instructions which now became quite complicated requiring bearings, following overhead cables (at night!) and finding a path through a fields of 15 foot high maize, surreal is not the word.

Moral was getting a little low when we had to walk along the edge of a field for a mile, go through a gap in the hedge and carry on for another half mile, never has a gate been so welcome just to give a break from the monotony. Ever so often there would be a call to run and we would take the opportunity but the early stages of the race had taken its toll but we both agreed that this was a walking event which generally start later on in the day and had it been earlier we could have eaten up the miles.

The Finish

I can safely say this was the worst part of the challenge as the instructions directed you through the roads and alleys of Deal, Kent. It was obvious that tiredness was setting in but by now all we wanted to do was get to the end and was with a cry of frustration I thought we had gone wrong but the level headed George spotted the road we were looking for at the point we should have expected it and with a final flurry we ended where we had started with the news that the majority of people had clocked 56 miles instead of the published distance....we were happy with that and with a rush to the warmth of the rugby club our thoughts went to hot food, never has a full English breakfast felt so good.

PS I do have a load of pictures to publish but the camera currently resides in my daughter's university digs!

10,000

This one crept up on when I noticed  just recently that I was about to hit 10,000 miles since I started again in 2007 and by pure coincidence the landmark was hit as I passed mile 41 of the White Cliffs Challenge yesterday.

The wonderful thing was it happened during an ultra, at night and whilst we were slightly off the beaten track...what could be better ? 

Prepared?

So the end of the week has arrived and Saturday sees me run the White Cliff 52 miler LDWA Challenge across the southern part of Kent. 

I am amazed to see that this weekend, three years ago I ran the London to Brighton 57 mile trail run and it seems then that I had so much more preparation. Michael, George and I went over maps, plans, kit lists and spoke at length on long runs about expectations. This race? No such preparation has been made, if any.

At the beginning of the week a small pile of kit appeared in the living room, followed by a miserable run on Tuesday and then the realisation that my mileage was found wanting. The feeling was made worse that I find out from George that he was out on the razzle on Thursday with a dull head on Friday and I was having a late night tonight out to dinner with the family.

Now with a mad flurry around the house gathering my kit together I discover I have misplaced my compass caused by my recent back pack change so am a tad irritated....and totally unprepared.

All I can say it is going to be an interesting challenge tomorrow and hope the various races I have done this year will hold us in good stead.

Sunglasses and Head Torch

Much to the Delightful Mrs S's obvious irritation I am starting kit prep for Saturday's 52 mile trail challenge in East Kent.

We expect well stocked checkpoints comprising biscuits, fruit, soup and sandwiches so George and I plan to travel light. The weather looks good so will make a decision about wet kit on the day but will probably just stick to my trusty old windproof.

As an aside there is still something strangely amusing that yet again I have a race pack that contains both sunglasses and a head torch

Dragged

I am generally feeling down at the moment and not really sure what it is that is bubbling under the surface. I hate being this way especially when nothing has really set it off but I have an idea it is not being very happy at work, a general upheaval in my personal life or if it is just being a miserable git...I have a feeling it is the latter.

Take this evening, I am normally waiting impatiently at the front door ready to run down to the club but I was found wanting when at the very last moment I grabbed my kit off the pile and was sufficiently late enough to have to drive there. Standing in the cool air I listened to tales of daring do from some of the runners races at the weekend but refrained from talking about my 52 miler this Saturday.

Thinking of this run I chose to run with a slower, shorter group tonight but this run held no joy for me and I just plodded it out but did push it out on a steeper hill.

I think I will rest up now and wallow in my general morose mood which I hope goes away as quickly as it came.

Careful what you dream of

...it may come true!

All I needed was:

1. A computer with email
2. A contact from the ultrarunning world
3. An invitation from him
4. An acceptance from me
5. ...and I am now a 50 mile Sweeper

Question is....What is the race and where is this monument?

Oh yes, it is a night run too :-D

Fools and Fanatics

“The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, but wiser people so full of doubts.”

Bertrand Russell

 (English Logician and Philosopher 1872-1970)

 

Over the past few days the realisation that the White Cliffs 52 miler is only a week away and in the build up my mileage and corresponding fitness has dropped dramatically to what it was in March and June of this year. Long (very stressful) hours at a keyboard, then working at the Olympics and Paralympics with wonderful respite in the form of a Spanish holiday on the beach have payed their toll.

Doubts have been creeping into my mind as to whether I should run the event but I am assured by the ever optimistic George (who is undertaking the challenge with me) that even with his drop in mileage we are mentally tough and experienced enough to complete it, something I agree with also. This is where Bertrand's quote stands so true.

Excuses are stacking up in the background  ready to be used, the strongest candidate that my eldest daughter is about to embark on Fresher's week at University and wants to go on the day of the event (something I had not envisaged when I entered) but negotiations are happening to see if I can drive her on the Sunday...that will be an interesting 85 mile drive after running 52 miles the day before!

Runners like buses!

The dreaded Thursdayitis hovered over my head like a dark cloud, I felt intolerably tired after yet another frenetic day at work with deadlines looming. I stepped on the train and with passive aggression pushed gently past commuters and planted myself on a seat dropping off before the train doors closed to awaken with a start jumping off the train at the last moment.

I was determined to run tonight, even a short one and so after pulling myself from the sofa I got on the road for a gentle run making a conscious effort to pull off the pace. My head torch in my pocket  I was happy to do a little cross country if it presented itself  but chose to just run for running sake. My pace was gentle such that it reduced my stressful thoughts and I soon drifted off into a day dream staring at the early evening noctilucent clouds floating gently across the clear sky, traffic noise now quietened.

I was just coming to from my day dreaming when up ahead I saw the outline of three lady runners, my first thought was that I hadn't seen a runner all evening but like buses three come along together! Hooray, it was three ladies from my club and so asked where they were going and if they didn't mind could I join them which I did. We had a fun filled chatty 2 miles together but I realised that I needed to get home so with fond farewells I ducked into the woods for the most direct route home along the side of the railway line. For some reason the woods were as quiet as the grave tonight and as still as a mill pond, that is until three cyclists whizzed up a path ahead with more lights that a Christmas tree.

I returned home wanting more and after my drop in runs I am so glad I have as the last three, like buses have come together.

Can I really be thinking this?

Whilst lacing up my trusty Adidas Kanadia TR4's  before my run on Sunday I commented to Duncan that for the past 2 weeks I had been wearing a cheap low profile sailing shoes I had purchased in Spain every day. His first comment was "That's great" and then I realised that it was because they had no heels and what he likes being a bare foot runner.

Secretly I quite enjoyed the idea of walking around with them and actually felt that I was more comfortable on the forefoot. Duncan mentioned on our run that I had been the topic of conversation between him and another runner at the club that Tuesday in which they expressed a view that I was a "natural" for barefoot running due to my running style where I have a shortened stride with a propensity of running mainly on the foorefoot with a midfoot strike.....OMFG and there I have been calling Duncan "Monkey Feet" for years or a "Running Hippy"   and it transpires I could be a closet barefoot runner.

It is amazing that this short conversation has sown a seed in my little brain such that I saw myself visiting the Vibram Five Finger website yesterday and tonight to look at shoes and even looking at the Know Your Feet page!!!!

It is tempting but there is a singular maverick cell in my brain that says that as soon as it is mainstream I have no interest but I have spoken to so many people who have bought the kit and given up on them that I still want to try the idea out but cannot justify the cost of a shoe that may just me an expensive fad.

Is there a cheaper option?

'Cos that's what we do!

Highest point in Kent!

A very late (and last) night as a Games Maker at the Paralympics on Saturday evening saw me go to bed at about 2.30am needless to say an early morning, even a later morning run was out of the question. However all was not lost when an exploratory call to Duncan ended in the decision to run at about 5.30pm causing me to have a little scout over the my Ordnance Survey 147 Explorer.

Duncan makes an
interesting point

Initially we were to start of at the same position of the upcoming Night Run to review parts of the route and showed that I had in fact made two small wrong turnings that whilst taking me to the same path crossing they were indeed safer. With that in mind we continued on it was my sole intention of identifying the REAL highest point on the North Downs (in Kent). This was a tall order as this point has been mentioned as the biggest nothing in Kent as there is nothing to celebrate it, no trig point or point of interest. It was decided however that Duncan would create a point of interest

What we do?

and which county are 
are actually in Jezza?

I mentioned to Duncan that just about a mile away there was a point on the map where Bromley Council, Surrey County and Kent County Council met and got my map out and we figured out a rough route but had agreed that we were going to do it the Duncan and Jerry way, Duncan shouting the quote of the day:

"'Cos that's what we do!"

So there we were, at the highest point in Kent and we were on the hunt for a point on a map, going cross country with a map and no compass. After a 10 minute hunt around we found we were boxed in by man made gates, fences and a house so after circumnavigating a field resigned ourselves to the road and found our new path that eventually took us to a point on the map that was the trisection of the county borders to find a stone pillar which I believe now was an old Parish County border stone but was a good datum point of interest.

Off we trotted to traipse down an unused footpath so it was kept open and trudged back to the car wanting more exploration but pleased we had done what we had

"'Cos that's what we do!"

I felt a little emotional

...when I watched this:

The best sports related things I have ever been involved in and a little sad that it is all over now but really proud I was part of it

Night Run Recce- Completed

Tonight was heralded as a Night Run Recce and I was accompanied by Rob who I fear was looking forward to a good chat, run and cider followed by a run with good chat...as I was.

The two of us started our run at Jail Lane and I was quite pleased to see Rob wearing his new race vest, an UltrAspire Revolution and I my Salomon Advanced Skin S-Lab 5 Set and it looked as though we had taken the Summer to review our kit. We spent the first mile like professional product reviewers and by the end were happy we had chosen the product we had (although I need to find a non-jangling coin pocket, Rob suggests a sock and I think he is right).

This run identified that my cardio-vascular fitness was found wanting as there are some interesting long climbs but it also showed that one cannot be too careful when it comes to badgers.

When Badgers attacks

It is not unknown for badgers to attack and tonight was one of those examples, whilst route finding I was aware of rustling from my right when we cruised through some heavily wooded area but I was not expecting the loud "GRUNT" and a whoosh as an animal ran between Rob and myself to hear him swear loudly as a badger ran over his foot. We stopped and scanned the undergrowth to our left but alas he was gone but we could hear it go as it crashed through the bracken Rob grumbling that they are indeed heavy and I how fast they actually are.

Without giving too much away about the route tonight we had a good run, I grumbling that I was "unfit" and then being reminded that we were running sub 8 min/miles...up hill made me feel a little better but mindful that my fitness had dropped this summer but we were both happy when we saw our night's goal that was our signalled turn around and the promise of a cool pint of cider in a delightful country pub.

Vigilates beware

Warmed by a pint of cider each we went on the return leg back to the car and again I was amazed by the nocturnal activity of the North Downs when we were presented with the headlamps of a 4 wheel drive vehicle ahead, an enormous dog running towards us and a human voice stating there was a smaller dog thereabouts.... the local militia, or in English terms a Neighbourhood Watch patrol wondering why we (as we did)   were where we were, philosophical reasonings aside we stopped and chatted for a while discovering Ace Ventura was a parent of one of Rob's pupils, I desperate to escape we were able to finish the recce safe in the belief that Badger attacks are not as bad as we expect, the cider is cool and there really are some strange people out on the trails at night (apart from us)

Jerry the Pacemaker

I had a rather unexpected but pleasant surprise today in the form of a private message via Facebook from a lady at my  club asking if I would like to be a 55 minute Pacer at the 10km race she had organised on 29^th September 2012 in Hyde Park, London.

I am very honoured to be asked, apparently I was friendly and helpful to a new runner she knows and she has read some of my exploits on the field of play! I have therefore accepted this honour and will be attending the Bandstand in Hyde Park on said day ready for action, I have already been asked my t-shirt size so no doubt will be bedecked in Orange Appeal who will be supporting The National Osteoporosis Society.

On a more personal note I am rather perturbed by the idea of attending a 10km race which I have not done for over 4 years which tend to attract these super fit fast people but on the other hand I just LOVE the idea of being a 55 minute pacer as this is the group of people who are all interested in beating the magic 1 HOUR barrier, these are the people I want to support and have tagged onto me...this is going to be fun even if it is a week after the White Cliffs 52 miler!

On the Edge

I got a nice thick A5 letter through the post today which indeed was full of promise for it was the final details for the White Cliffs Challenge on 22^nd/23^rd September 2012. The instructions were the usual ones:

TR to small car park, thru iron gate TL and fllw SO...

To the uninitiated this can be quite confusing but after a while you can read it as 

Turn right to small car park, go through iron gate, turn left and follow straight on...

but by far the best line in the instructions are:

IMPORTANT: PLEASE NOTE THAT THE ROUTE GENERALLY FOLLOWS THE CLIFF TOP FOR THE NEXT 12 MILES TO CAPEL-LE-FERNE AND EXTREME CARE IS NEEDED TO AVOID THE CLIFF EDGE, WHICH IS VERY CLOSE IN PLACES

This sounds a brilliant challenge which is primarily designed for walkers but will be very interesting for us runners especially as a good part of it will be running in the late evening...just mind the cliffs :-)

Scudda Hoo! Scudda Hay!

Time for a night run my Kentish friends!

This is the nicest part of being on vacation, you have time to concentrate on the important things in life...your non-working part. I was reminded by my good ultrarunning buddy Rob a.k.a ultrabobban that a Night Run is needed. Rob has chosen to call this amoebic group N.R.G (Night Running Group and I assume to mimic Energy...get it? )

From experience the general concensus is keep the distance to just under 10 miles (16km) and have just devised a simple, but hopefully interesting, route that has a pub at each end of the turn around points. So calling for a volunteer on Facebook to be a fellow Scout (for safety) Rob was first to volunteer. I loved the idea that Rob had his own life priorities in the form of a cider festival which sadly (for him) was called off and happily (for me) meant I had company to take on the recce. Rob, however, requested a longer run so we are going to get in the main parts of the official NRG run with the chance to dip down onto the North Downs which always holds some great surprises at night as an extension.

So Friday will see Rob and I out on the Downs doing what we like best....running and talking shite...bring it on 

That Julie Andrews Moment

There are so many magic moments in my running stories that I sometimes share with you Dear Readers but today was yet another that was just wonderful.

About 12 of us grouped up in High Elms and went off for a run full of conversation, banter and laughs as we entered a very hilly and reasonably paced run. Ever so often things would go quiet as we negotiated a longer ascent to settle down for some more talk. We were about 8 miles in and I shouted to my pal, Brian 

" 'Ere Brian once I saw a deer up here"

"A female deer?"

and then the group broke into that great Sound of Music song

DOE, A DEER A FEMALE DEER
RAY, A DROP OF GOLDEN SUN
ME, A NAME I CALL MYSELF
FAR, A LONG LONG WAY TO RUN
SEW, A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD
LA, A NOTE TO FOLLOW SEW
TEA, A DRINK WITH JAM AND BREAD
THAT WILL BRING US BACK TO DO... oh oh oh

and as quick as it started, it ended all of us with big grins on our faces  some still humming it further down the trail. Silly but fun :-D

Cramping my style

On my return to Chez Nous after my holiday and then zooming off to work as a Games Maker at the Paralympics with a 20 minutes turn around time I slept like a kitten that night.

In the middle of the night I awoke in absolute agony finding that my left calf had gone into a horrific spasm/cramp. The cramped section was like concrete and it took gritted teeth to stretch the muscle to unlock it then a few more minutes of locking in an opposing position in case it chose to cramp again.

All day Saturday I walked around with a slight limp as the whole muscle was still deformed and not back to its original shape with the consistency of an old boot such that I put a heat pad on it hoping the warmth would get some blood flowing through it and losen it...sadly not!

Even as I stood in High Elms, Orpington this morning I would look down and compare my calfs to see that it indeed was still mishapen but nothing was going to stop me doing a ~10 mile (16km) run across the hills and Downs so with care we padded off being very aware of it in case it locked up again....after 2 miles I forgot about it and enjoyed the run to return with a beautifully restored muscle which obviously needed some excercise to loosen it up...my style was not cramped this time.