I had one failed attempt to run, to be safe I figured on running short loops near to home so if it was painful then a short walk back, as I feared the pain came back and trudged home.
To see if I could keep a bit of fitness I went for a ride on the hybrid bike I have, it is a "Cube Nature Exec Allroad" and effectively a category 2 mountain bike but best for paved road or canal towpaths etc.
The calf felt good and this both boosted my fitness and morale that I could exercise and not further damage the muscle.
So this Monday I went for a run with my fiance Debbie who always apologises for her breaks and pace but it really helps me to do the same, especially when I am injured. The calf behaved and my HR nice and low helped shift a bit if the KFC I have been consuming whilst injured!
On Wednesday I dropped off my Focus Cayo 105 for repair at Cycle Addicts in Rochdale, the front wheel needed replacing or spokes replaced, the gears needed resyncing as changing up and down a clunky misfire affair. At least that was my memory from the last time I rode it some years ago!
The Focus is a beautiful carbon fibre bike, German engineered and super light, despite its chunky frame.
I got the bike back Thursday evening and took it for a test ride, the difference to the Cube is immense. With this bike, I use my cleats so that extra energy you can deliver with the feet locked to the pedals really shows.
I transferred the cadence sensor and various bits like water bottle cage, under-seat bag and rear "Catseye" light, everything worked and as went through Royton spotted some friends in my local pub so sped home and "ran" to go for a pint before closing time!
On Saturday I went for a big ride with Steve from work and we used the route he took when he popped to my house the other week (Rochdale - Edenfield - Ramsbottom - Bolton - Walkden) and loop the long way home!
It was a nice morning but as usual, the rain was not far away and little showers plagued us for the first few miles. The route takes you to Rochdale (My strava segments being busted on this stretch due to the performance of the bike) and then through Norden up a steep hill to Edenfield, the route is beautiful and splendid views of the countryside await those tough enough to ride up it. There were some runners doing "the hill" I thought to myself "I would rather be running up here... much easier!"
Along the side of the road were nice signs thanking not jusy the key workers but to remind folks about the pleasures of life, I would have taking a photo but "pushing" yourself up that hill takes some effort... no time for selfies.
As you exit Edenfield it is mostly downhill and tentative squeezing of the brakes on damp roads always a squeaky bum moment!
But the worst hill of the route was after I left Steves house and headed through Agecroft up to Prestwich, many times I have driven up that hill and given it no thought, on the bike it was hell, after nearly 40 miles it was not needed!
But I made it back nearly bang on my predicted time and with a PR on the hill near my house at the end
In fact the last 3 segments I went though including the "hill aka "Speed CAm Short Sprint"
I enjoyed the route and the odd burst of speed getting out of the saddle and will be putting in long bike rides into my training plan from now on.
On Friday 17th July, the Manchester Marathon will announce whether the event will take place or be postponed if it is moved to next year, then I will drop long runs and just do a 10 miler on a Friday, my Sundays will be handed over to cycling.
I finished the week with a 5 mile (well ditched to get back sooner) flatish run. I used the Strava route creator which I have not used for some time and is much better than before. I will dedicate a bit of next weeks blog to using this "premium feature" of Strava.
Needless to say, my legs were achy and in particular my left hamstring was sore from the ride. it is important to remember that if you body gets injured it will auto compensate, so as my left calf is not 100% my left leg is working harder.
So next week I will add a mixture of rides and shortish runs to keep my legs ticking over, have a good week everyone.
Mark
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