It had to happen. After keying myself up for Hastings and accellerating my training programme (ok, gettting a bit of running and a few box-fit classes in) I’ve injured myself and am out of the Hastings Half. Pants.

Actually pants is the right word, because that’s what I was putting on when I pulled my back out on Wednesday morning. It’s always the same, you get that little tweak doing something quite simple, like getting dressed, and you know there and then your back is screwed.

I reckon the box-fit class is to blame. Or rather me trying to hard at box-fit, particularly for the sit-ups and plank exercises. I should have known better. When I get a bit of pain to my lumber, I should ease off. Only when you’re in a class, you’re being pushed. So, small piece of advice for anyone reading this: take things at your own pace. Sure, you should try, but don’t over-do it.

The one good thing I did was call my Osteopath up as soon as I did it - the excellent Les Cox in Measham. He made me an appointment for the following day and said, “whatever you do, don’t go back to bed. Try and walk around, if you can (I was only able to crawl at this point) and ice it regularly for 15 minute bursts.”

It’s turned out to be ligament damage, so I’m going to keep up the ice and exercises Les has given me, trying to remain philosophical about not doing the run. Although I’ve wanted to run the Hasings Half for years, it certainly could have been worse, so I’ll be there to support Jo, Em and Dave.

I should have done three out of seven Septathlon events by now. Instead, all I’ve done is chase a Christmas pudding round a field. Seems apt somehow…