I had a new laser treatment on my calf last night. I thought it couldn’t hurt. And it seems to have been quite beneficial, as I was definitely running more freely this morning. I estimate there’s been two or three days improvement in just a single 24 hour period.

As slow as the rehab is, I can’t be too disappointed. It was the worse calf tear I’ve suffered. If it had been in training I would have stopped well before I incurred much damage, but races are different. I was hoping I’d get through it, but it wasn’t to be.

By the way, some readers appear to have interpreted my previous description of the physiology of muscle injury repair as evidence that I’m an expert in the field. This is not the case. I simply have many years of experience listening to those who are experts. While I think I get it right most of the time, perhaps there are some occasions when I have misunderstood a concept. The point is, only use my advice as a general guide – don’t put blind faith in it.

On This Day

Aug 22, 2012

Distance today = 45.34 km; Total distance = 10,416.26 km; Location = Holly Springs, Mississippi (7 km east of) – 34 43.065′ N, 89 24.584′ W; Start time = 0929 Finish time = 1657

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/213814496

I awoke this morning feeling like crap. Not sure why, but I did have a very bad night of sleep. I was very low on energy right from the beginning of the run, but was pleased to get through 45 km. It was a bit less than I’d have liked, but the late start to the day and the way I was feeling made it a sensible decision.

The landscape here in Mississippi is different again. I am encountering lots of gently rolling hills, lush forests, and significantly less road kill. I am not sure if this latter fact is due to a lower density of wildlife, or if it’s just smarter wildlife?

I’m looking forward to a good night of sleep and, hopefully, a much better day tomorrow. It’s heating up again, but the humidity is, thankfully, staying low.

Aug 22, 2013

Distance today = 45.32 km; Total distance = 25,193.00 km; Location = Broadmeadows, Victoria – 37 39.139’ S, 144 57.116′ E; Start time = 0900, Finish time = 1658

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/363060640

Another short day, with lots of media commitments. I headed into the city during the morning, stopping for an interview with The Age, before running on to the MCG for an interview with Channel 7. I received a surprise visit from one of the Tour Bois late in the morning, Davey Drew, who rode his bike alongside me for an hour or more.

Later in the afternoon, I was joined by, Brad, a friend of Hannah’s, who ran the last 6 km with me. Brad’s parents, Margaret and Rodger, came along too, and picked us up at the end, driving me back into the city.

Tomorrow I will be back in the countryside, as I head north towards Sydney.