It’s been a while — 8 years since my last big competitive run. First it was injury, then life that put an end to my racing days. 

But slowly, slowly, I’ve been getting back into shape, and set my sights on a return to competition at next Sunday’s Great Manchester 10K run. In particular I wanted to wear the colours of St Ann’s Hospice, who gave me such medical, practical and emotional support as I nursed my wife Lena through her final months. (If anyone would like to help this fabulous organisation, which depends on donations for 70% of its income, click here to see my fundraising page.) 

Training was going pretty well. I was getting miles back into the legs. 2 weeks ago I went to my first parkrun since all those injuries. It was the day before the Manchester Marathon and the park was crowded with a record-breaking 800 runners, so I spent the first 5 minutes trying not to trip over people’s feet or fall into the river alongside. Even so, I turned in a decent time for the 5K run: 26:22.

But the next day I knew I had a problem. The old problem — the Achilles again (although only one of them this time, my right heel). I’d pushed myself too hard. 

I’ve had a couple of test runs since then. Not too far. Not too fast. The problem’s not going away. It’s not bad enough to keep me out of the race. A couple of Ibuprofen beforehand should help … that’s not illegal, is it? But it’s not going to be an award-winning performance. Target: somewhere between 55-60 mins, which is OK for an old crock. But I know I can do better next time. 

After I’ve given myself time to heal up again.