Ouch

Not too bad evolved into some serious soreness and a limp by the time I got to work on Monday. the pain wasn't coming from the knee that gave me trouble but from the other leg. Tight quads and sore hamstring to begin with and a tight calf by the end of the day. Yesterday my right ankle/heel/underside of foot was hurting too and has been since. I can only guess that this is due to running the last 3ks in a very stiff legged manner trying to nurse my left knee through the rest of the race.

The ankle pain has continued today but I thought I would try a little run as sometimes it seems to help when I am sore. I walked about 2 1/2ks and ran the same. Strangely enough the ankle was actually better when running but I could feel it in the quads and hamstring.

Anyway, enough whingeing. It was good to get out there and better than I thought. I have gotten over the slight disappointment with my time. I have realised that I can be really proud of my effort in the last 3 ks. I really wanted to walk but I hung in there till the end. I had a few tears at one stage but I managed to pull myself together. I would have liked to finish strongly but it wasn't to be on the day.

Some highlights:

• Running with lots of other people (a real novelty for this solo runner)
• Of course the Bridge and Opera House (was I ever glad to see it at the end)
• Watching other inspiring people run their own races, like the serious runners and people from all walks of life
• Nearly reaching my goal (and knowing that it is still there for next time)
• My friend S running her first marathon, not that I got to see her, but she ran 3 hours 40!!
• he Cool Running Cheer squad at the end and the encouraging policewoman. Thanks!

Of course the question now is what's next?