Category Archives: Running

Deep tissue massage

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I had my first deep tissue massage recently, after talking about it with a friend. It was fantastic, although a little painful. I’d recommend it to anyone suffering with hamstring and calf muscle problems, which is why I sought help.

I started running long distances whilst carrying a significant amount of weight and this had led to tension problems and plantar fasciitis. A deep tissue massage has helped relieve some of the tension in my hamstrings and calfs and taken the strain off a bit. I still can’t run – it’s going to be a few weeks yet – but I am feeling better already.

My first Park Run event

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Exhibit 1

My first “parkrun” event was on 14 January 2012, one of the coldest days of the year so far. The mercury was just below -1 as I left the flat and got in to the car for the drive up from Kenilworth. The road was surprisingly busy around the Coventry Memorial Park and it soon became clear that this was a well-attended event.

I only just made it to the start line in time to see all the runners get underway. I had missed the briefing, but thankfully had all the information I needed from friends who are well-established at the event, one of whom was volunteer that day.

I took my place at the back of the now-surging crowd as it began to wind its way around the park’s footpaths. I was wrapped up in 4 layers of clothing and was carrying a water bottle. Because I was almost late to the start line I didn’t have time to figure out where to leave my bottle and instead carried it with me – which was a silly thing to do because the water and coldness of the day soon conspired to make my thumbs the coldest they’ve ever been. I thought about throwing the bottle to the side at one point, but you know how it can be when you don’t know the form and you don’t want to do something wrong.

I was soon out of breath 1/4 of the way around the route, so I slowed it down and found a comfortable pace. I knew I was going too slow when a particular woman overtook me. I know these events aren’t supposed to be terribly competitive, but it is a race nonetheless and it helped me get around the circuit.  By the first lap I was ready to stop, but knowing I had done over half of the job it seemed silly to give up now. By 3/4 of the way around I was in a stride and managed to sprint to the finish.

I got the system wrong, as I thought I might. I didn’t wait for my ‘token’ and instead went straight to get my barcode scanned. Thankfully, though, a volunteer thrust a token in to my hand and all was well.

My time was 34:37 and I finished in 223rd position, thankfully not last place! The whole experience was thoroughly enjoyable and I turned up the following week to do it all again.

Alas, I am now nursing a touch of plantar fasciitis so didn’t make it to the race last Saturday. But I did turn up to watch the other runners and was very sad that I couldn’t join them. Hopefully it won’t be too long before I’m back.