I pulled the plug and went for a run last night. I needed to get out. Easy 4 plus miles on road and trail. 

Toe was alright. It didn't hurt but it wasn't normal. This morning and last night it was a bit tender. Maybe running is good for it? I doubt it but being a non-running injury that would be pretty sweet! 

As much as I needed to get out I'm not too happy about my son waking at 430am today though! 

Sorry no photos, I'm banished to running in the dark again. 

It's been nearly 8 weeks since I ran last. I'm feeling "the want" again which is very nice! As much as I enjoy running I've realized I'll never be a year round runner, I need a break, at least now in my life I do. My toe injury persists which makes it easy to take time off from running. It seems to be getting better so hopefully it's healing. Barefoot at JKD doesn't help but is a good test to see how it is.

My daughter starts school in couple weeks which will give me five days a week with opportunity to run with the little guy in the Chariot during the day. He still naps and still gets up early so mornings are off limits unless I opt for a 4am wake up which is a possibility. 

It's a good thing that I'll have multiple options for running when I decide to start up again!

I've been doing my calisthenics routine a few days a week focusing on pull ups with a goal of 20 static pull ups in a row. I'm currently doing 15-17 reps over about 5 sets which I'm pretty happy about. Playing around with clutch flags as much as I can at the playground, they're getting much much better also. I'm exploring more and different exercises I can do with the kids around too. 

I've got a Jeet Kune Do grading coming up in October and have been really focusing everyday on my curriculum. I figure even if it's 10 minutes it's better than none. Usually that 10 turns into 30 or more once I get started which is pretty cool. 

Nothing else really going on. No new pictures since I'm not out running either! 

Two days ago I began my calisthenics routine again. Focusing mainly on pull ups and hand stand push ups. I was worried I would've lost strength but I was reassured quickly as I came back stronger than before! 

Today at the playground as the kids did their thing I practiced my clutch flags and they also were better than ever! 

It was a relief to feel strong and confident. Especially since my right big toe nearly two months after jamming it into the mats at JKD is still bothering me.

Inspiration and motivation to run seems to be building. I really don't need to be focusing on training until October for Thames Path 100 the end of April. If the slim chance to do a winter race arises I should be running starting September.

Time is still precious and I'm considering a 4am wake up if need be to run in the morning. We shall see. An early start can bring burn out later in the training cycle which is best avoided. Fingers crossed the toe gets better.

Break time, MN, and future plans

So it looks like post South Downs Way 100 has become a break from running. Probably needed I'd guess. This blog will probably become a bit stagnant but you never know, sometimes I get fired up about riding bikes when I've opted for an "off season" from running! 

My jammed toe comes and goes with pain for no apparent reason. It's been well over a month with the odd injury I obtained from JKD. I'm ready for it to go but not sure how to progress with treatment. 

Was in the US visiting my family for a couple weeks. Between having a huge social life, jet lag, chasing kids, and spending as much time as possible with family I didn't get out running once. No big deal really as other things had a significantly higher priority. It was an awesome visit but never ever long enough. I'm still waiting for that trip to be permanent as I was promised. 

While home in the States I scrambled unnecessarily to gain entry into the Thames Path 100 the end of April 2017. I expected it to fill immediately, it didn't. Finishing it will get me into the lottery for UTMB and Western States 100 in 2018. 

Planning ahead I guess! Now I need to find a 50 miler to use as a training run leading up to it! 

I also keep kicking around the idea of Rovaniemi 150, February, Finland. I have time to train and there's a slim possibility that I can use "I'm turning 40" to strong arm a hall pass from the wife! You never know! 

I've come to reality and accepted (I think!) the fact that right now with little kids my running life will be in turmoil. Speaking to friends with slightly older kids they all reassured me it gets better. Not having any close friends here in the UK those solid resources aren't an option.