I noted yesterday that I'd finally got our for a run. I was inspired to get out after reading a post written by 
In his post Trevor wrote about running through constant knee pain, back and leg pain have been used at two of my many excuses. I've suffered for many years with lower back pain and sciatica due to my spine being a little wonky.
I fractured some facet joints which has led to some of my vertebrae shifting forward and pinching some nerves. This gets worse the heavier I get and I'm getting heavier as I'm not exercising. Finally I thought bugger it, lets take it easy and get out there. So, I started the day with a glass of water and a good 15 minutes of stretching. I was quite surprised that I could once again touch my toes after 5 minutes of gentle persuasion.
I didn't take too many photos of the early part of the run as it was just through housing estates. I'd decided to head into West Caister as that's an area I've not explored before. It's also pretty rural so I wanted to find some routes where I'm unlikely to see many people; I'm pretty self conscious when out plodding.
It turned into a different world the moment I crossed the Caister bypass via the foot bridge and hung a left. There was a sign post highlighting a foot path although it was a fairly wide track at this stage.
The footpath continued along the tree line to the right as the track bears to the left. I followed the track initially and then realised I was heading towards the bypass again so back tracked along the footpath. I didn't take any photographs but I wish I had. I've not seen so many butterflies in a very long time...nor have I been stung by so many nettles.
The footpath came to an end after around half a mile (I guess) and took my total distance to around two miles. The path came out next to a fairly remote property, a pretty nice old cottage and took me to onto an old tarmac track. I followed this to the right, heading left where you can see the car in the distance led to another track heading towards the river. I'll explore this another day.
Turning right took me to a lovely short but steep hill. Just what my legs and lungs were after! Thankfully, it would seem no too much traffic heads down this way as running along tight roads isn't fun.
Once at the top of a hill I took a right to head back towards the bypass via the foot bridge. The lack of pavements continued and it was time to remove one of my earbuds as I had to keep an ear out for traffic.
It wasn't too long before I got to the bridge - it could do with a good clean! Only about 3/4 of a mile to get home at this point but it was becoming a struggle as it was mainly on a steady incline. My poor little legs have been more used to being fed cake instead of being asked to carry my belly up hills.
I stopped for a moment here to take a look at the construction impact barriers. I'm a bit sad and am interested in stuff like this! How do you help save the occupants of a vehicle travelling at 70mph when they're heading for a crash barrier? With some pretty cool crumple sections. I imagine these are also designed to deflect the vehicle one way or the other to avoid hitting the bridge supports.
Traffic heading east along the bypass towards Great Yarmouth. It wasn't too busy.
Well it was a slow plod taking just over an hour to cover 4.1 miles - many would have walked it faster! I think in reality it probably took in the region of 45 minutes if I take into account the time I took to ask for directions, look at the map or take photographs. I struggled to run for more than a third of a mile at a time so it'll be walk-run-walk-run for a little while yet. To be honest that's probably the best way to avoid injury.
I didn't eat breakfast when i got back as we were heading out to a family fun day which always means a big lunch (and a few beers). Instead orange juice and coffee....and the realisation that I really need to polish my desk!
24 hours on I'm not as sore as I imagined I would be. My shins are a little tight but nothing too bad. I really fancy going out again to day but I will hold off and keep to walking the dog.