My run went well today. I did 8 miles run/walk and there was quite a bit of walking as the pollen is so dense here its a job to breath once I start running. It seems almost every field is growing rape and every bush in the hedgerows is flowering too. It looks wonderful but is not runner friendly at all.
I did about 800mtrs in the middle of the run barefoot which was really nice and the rest of the run in my old Brooks shoes (not so cushioned) and ran on the forefoot instead of the heel. The change of style is definitely making a difference as the calf didn't begin to tighten up till the end of the run when I was tired and slipping back to heel striking. I will look into buying a pair of flatter shoes soon as I hope that may help more.
I know its early days yet but I am feeling a lot more optimistic about things now.

8 miles run/walk
1 hour 35 mins approx
pace approx 11 3/4 min miles
average HR 139
peak HR 173