Tuesday, June 06, 2006

June 5 - Ivanhoe to South Yarra (Pain Free!)

This was my first run since feeling some left hamstring pain at the start of this month. Strangely where the pain had been low on the leg and towards the inside, after some massage and deep heat treatment, it seemed to move higher and towards the middle of the muscle. I was certain I hadn't torn the hamstring, but had no idea what I did. It was very uncomfortable for a few days, but after that it markedly improved.

So I stretched for 5 minutes prior to beginning the run and left Ivanhoe with a little trepidation. Many thanks to the AUSRUN Crew and especially the recently deposed captain Stu Mac for the words of advice. I had chosen a flat course, with only a couple of small hills on Heidelberg Road and Lennox Street to cope with.

I felt very good at the beginning of the run, having to pull my pace back a couple of times to ensure I stayed with my plan. Along Heidelberg Road, through Fairfield Park and along the Capitol City Trail to Dights Falls, and all was grand. As I cut up behind Victoria Park and to Johnsoton Street, I was still running a bit quicker than desired and had to rein it in again.

Then I turned down Nicholson Street and Lennox Street and was still running easily and feeling very good. Turned into Swan Street and then down alongside the Depot, and ended up cutting across to Punt Road at the Nylex Clock. Then it was down Alexandra Avenue to Darling Street. An easy walk home up Darling Street hill, and no problems with the hamstring at all.

All up it was 10.1km and completed in 54 minutes flat, so right on my 5.40 easy run pace.