Running fever

Unfortunately I've been confined to my flat for most of the week with a cold. I'm hopeful it will subside before long, but in any case I won't be running the Coventry half-marathon on Sunday. Even if I somehow recovered before then, I've not done any running this week and do not want to risk worsening the condition.

It's certainly disappointing, and a tame waste of the £20 entry fee, but I can't be too disgruntled. A fortnight ago, I was concerned I'd not make it through Birmingham, which was very much the focus and real climax of the last few months of training. To have come through that unscathed and given how I performed, it is more than enough to keep me content for now. I would prefer to be ruled out for health reasons rather than fitness, since catching a cold was virtually unavoidable, even if it was bad timing. My knees seem in good condition and that bodes well for the long term, although I'll be seeing a physio soon for a rigorous work up.

This means my running season is over. I'll certainly engage in some short runs when I'm back on my feet; to maintain basic fitness levels but mainly for pleasure. I'll step up swimming and cycling too. It'll be nice not having the pressure and expectation of a big race; although this is very much a temporary luxury - see the next post.