After a six-month hiatus from running due to a sprained ankle and torn ligaments, I'm gearing up for my first race back. The Hampton Court Palace Half Marathon will be a crucial test of my recovery progress.
Since November, I've been diligently rehabbing through physiotherapy exercises and cross-training on a cycling machine. This race marks my first attempt at running since the injury, and I'll be employing a run/walk strategy - a new approach for me.
While I'm not at my peak fitness, I'm cautiously optimistic. The upcoming Brighton marathon in April is my main goal, so I need to balance pushing myself with protecting my still-healing ankle. This half marathon will be about more than just finishing; it's about gauging my current capabilities and setting a foundation for my marathon training.
As I toe the start line, I'm filled with a mix of nerves and excitement. Will my ankle hold up? Can I maintain my run/walk pace for the entire 21.1 kms? Only the race will tell. But one thing's for certain - I'm thrilled to be back doing what I love, even if it's not quite at full speed yet.
