Emma

So, February wasn’t as productive as I would have hoped. In the way of increasing mileage anyway. But I suppose I have started to lay the foundations for my training in a really a positive way.

I have started to see my physio again which is working on ironing out all of the problems I have. Loosening up my muscles, strengthening my knees. All aspects of running which are easily neglected but play a vital role in remaining injury free, therefore helping me to complete my charity run. I managed to go to circuit training at Sandbach Fit club a few times which is an amazing all round training session. Fantastic for building up strength.

run014 I have gained a new running partner who is super keen for trail running which is great for me. He knows lots of places to run that I don’t know and also works shifts meaning we can run together in the week. I have managed a couple of long runs but not as many as I had hoped. I’m not too concerned about this as there is still plenty of time, and I do worry about overloading my knees too early. I have also had my only run in the snow this year, it was so pretty. What a shame the winter has been so mild!

Just as with January I have had lots of events going on this month so it’s been a case of slotting in training around other things. I turned 30 so there has been lots of celebrations to squeeze training around. At the beginning of the month I spent a few days in Scotland doing more winter mountaineering so there was no running then and at the end of the month I went out to Taiwan to visit my brother. I can’t complain as these are all things that I want to be doing. I am eager to start building up my mileage but I need to remember that its still at least six months before I leave.

February total mileage: 97.7miles

February longest run: 16miles

So, along with my new theories on my training (inc cross training etc), I am also visiting my incredible physiotherapist regularly, and actually doing what she tells me! She nursed me through the tendonitis that I had in my knee on the lead up to my Freedom Run. She is absolutely amazing, very thorough, very understanding and extremely strong.

I went to see her yesterday. I was pummelled, poked, prodded and caused some unpleasant pain, but it was all worth it. Being a typical runner, all my muscles are tight. I do stretch every time I run but probably not enough, and definitely not enough to run a few thousand miles without getting injured. I have been given a set of exercises that I need to do everyday. I am not very good at sticking to things like this so I thought I’d write a quick blog to show everyone the exercises and also to encourage me do them.

Here they are:

Firstly, a bit of this. Contract muscles, raise leg, hold, lower down. X10 on each leg.

Similar to the last one but after raising leg, tilt ankle to the side, hold, return, then lower.

Next, hold pillow (or ball) between ankles and squeeze for a few seconds. X10.

Then, same but between knees.

And then with knees bent.

I have been faffing with the photos for hours and I cant get them to stay where I want them so they may be floating around in irrelevant places.

Michelle Pennell is my physio. I highly recommend her to anyone, of any age, with any problem. Check her out here: http://www.cheshiresportstherapy.com or email her michelle@cheshiresportstherapy.com