For the rest of the day at work, my right foot felt just like my left foot, i.e.: normal. So, I'm pleased. I have been in a nervous mood, though. It is going to be the longest run that I have done, ever.
posted by James 6:38 pm
My right foot is annoying me. I have had a dull ache in the sole of that foot for just over a week. It hasn't worried me so far, as it didn't affect me from completing any of my last training runs. Then again, I was only running for an hour each time - well under the length of time I would take to run the marathon.
This morning, on the walk to the train station, the ache was still there. At times, it intensified, like a sharp cramp, and caused me to limp. Then, after a few steps, it was back to being a dull ache.
So, I have some doubts about whether it is still sensible to run in the marathon. I really want to run in it - I love running and this is one of my big goals for this traineeship. If I don't run in the marathon this time, my next opportunity will almost certainly be back in New Zealand. Having said that, there is no need to run just because I earlier decided that I would. I shouldn't run if I'm just going to damage my foot further. And, maybe with my foot as it is, I might not be able to finish the race.
Now, I am about 60% sure that I will run in the marathon. I will go for a short, slow run tonight, maybe 30 minutes, to judge how my foot feels. I will make my decision after that.
posted by James 8:19 am
I have done so much walking in my work shoes that they are becoming very worn out, even after only a year of use. I can poke my finger all the way through the sole of the left shoe. Of course, this just made it worse, so that was a silly thing to do.
I went for a nice one-hour run last night. I will probably go for a shorter run tonight and make it my last one before the marathon on Sunday.
posted by James 8:56 am
Last Thursday, we had a meeting at the office, attended by everyone who works here (including the students who come in on a part-time basis). Paul wants to create a better "team" atmosphere around the office and this is a good start.
Unfortunately for me, the meeting was almost entirely run in Dutch. I shouldn't complain, though, because before the meeting started, I was asked for my opinion on what language the meeting should be in. I replied that people could speak in whichever language they thought would be the most effective to put their point across. Anything which was necessary for me to understand could be in English. It was a good exercise in listening and I understood the general flow. However, specific detail escaped me and I had a big headache at the end of it all.
After the meeting, I went home and met Marina for a cup of tea. She came over to collect her mail and we also had a chat about St. Petersburg. I am thinking about visiting there, in February, after my traineeship. I was warned that February is the coldest time of the year there, but I should be able to handle it if I wear all of my clothes at the same time.
Over the course of last week, the remaining two rooms in my place were filled. They are both international students at Tilburg University - Martin from Hungary and Gillian from China. I like having a full house, especially one with such an international flavour. In the weekend, I got to know my new housemates a little better. I took Martin into town on Saturday night to go clubbing with Maja and Moise. On Sunday night, Gillian taught me a new version of Chinese chess.
My weekend was relaxed. I enjoyed a couple of huge sleep-ins and felt recharged. I examined my list of goals and made a list of steps to take for each one. This should provide me with more focus, something I was lacking last week.
posted by James 9:02 am