Sometimes, the best thing you can do for your running is… not run too much.

That’s been my approach this past week, as my hamstring has finally settled and I’ve leaned into easy running, recovery, and trying not to panic about Comrades being just over seven weeks away.

I’ve stripped things right back - shorter runs, gentle paces, and simply maintaining the habit. With the kids still off school, it didn’t feel worth putting myself under pressure to rack up the miles, especially when the goal remains very simple: make the Comrades start line in one piece.

That mindset hasn’t changed since last week’s column. If anything, I’m more convinced than ever that consistency and body awareness are more valuable than big numbers on a training log.

That said, I did sign up for the Yarmouth 5 Mile race in a slightly overexcited post-Barcelona phase, imagining I could ride the wave of marathon fitness into a decent effort over a shorter distance. But life, as it tends to, had other ideas - namely a lingering cold and that briefly uncooperative hamstring.

I spent far too long debating whether to run it or not. Not in a smart, strategic way - more of a classic runner’s overthinking spiral.

In the end, a friend gave me the nudge I needed: “If you’re going to run anyway, it might as well be at Yarmouth - and you get chips after.” Sold.

The plan was to keep it sensible and disciplined. I’m not in PB shape, and I knew that. But I do enjoy running in that slightly uncomfortable zone - just enough to feel like you're working, without tipping over. A good, honest effort. 

Of course, any dream of a neat Strava bar chart went out the window once I got a taste of the course conditions. A tailwind on the way out, a full headwind on the way back - it was challenging, but great training.

I settled into a sustainable rhythm around 4:10/km and focused on staying relaxed when the wind picked up. A few years ago, I might’ve fought it and come undone. This time, I worked with it, tucking into the beach huts as much as possible whilst occasionally using other runners to shield me from the worst of the gusts.

I was running within myself, but not holding back too much either. My body still feels like it’s reluctant to be pushed - like it’s saying, “not quite yet.” The marathon is out of my legs, but the cold hasn’t quite cleared. It’s frustrating, but familiar.

The key thing is, I came through it unscathed with a solid effort in the bank. No risks, no drama. Just another brick in the wall.

With the kids going back to school next week, a bit of routine can return. It’s that classic parenting paradox - relief that it's not quite as much of a juggle and sadness that their little faces aren't around to brighten the day. But with routine comes structure, and with structure, I can begin to build again.

The focus now is on gradually increasing mileage and listening closely to what my body needs - not what the calendar says. The endurance from the marathon block is still there. I just need to build on it.

This is the part where you hold your nerve, stay in the game, and keep showing up.

Right now, it’s not about fireworks - it’s about foundations. If I can keep laying them, day by day, the rest will come.