Ageing Runner - injured!

Lots of my connections will know me for being passionate about books.

Not so many will associate me with running. I didn't start running until I was 40, and I'm a slow, mid-lifer with not much taste in running gear. However, I can honestly say that it's one of my favourite things to do and I go running as often as I can squeeze in the time.

This year, I've got grand plans - I'm going to take part in 2 off-road half marathons. One in May and one in December - and my training has already started. I'm got a little programme that includes hills, sprints, steady runs and long runs. I'm supplementing that with a twice weekly strength and conditioning class locally.

All was going swimmingly until....I pulled up with a sharpish pain high up on the calf, just under the knee of my left leg. I don't know much about anatomy, but I'm thinking this is the lower part of my hamstring [happy to be corrected].

I'd been doing hamstring exercises at the class the night before and then I attempted some sprints. I'd jogged to my local polo pitch (don't we all have one of those nearby?) and was fine - then I attempted to push off for the increase in pace and ended up pulling up (looking like a proper athlete I must say). I had to hobble home - the best part of half a mile - feeling crest fallen and disappointed. My other half (a real athlete in his time) informed me that I should rest - meaning REST - for a decent amount of time before attempting any kind of exercise.

OMGA - it's hard. I feel like I'm sitting doing nothing and I'm terrified of resorting to snacking to fill in the gap! I've always been a 'busy' person - I've never been able to just sit and relax. It is an alien concept to me and now I'm having to do that. I am not meaning to whinge, as I know I'm luckier than many to be able to do these things, but crikey o'reilly (for which insert expletive), it doesn't sit easy and I'm, as you can see, resorting to writing an article about it for heaven's sake!!

I'm going to stay off my feet for the rest of this week and try some gentle re-introduction next week. I will also do my level best NOT to get chocolate and biscuits and chocolate biscuits delivered to my chill space. Wish me luck!