December 2017

[Sweder]

Well, how did I get here?
Letting the days go by ...

There's not been too much to report, but I did manage a 5k in Abu Dhabi, my 5th consecutive IDF/ Novo Nordisk race in a ten year span.
Bonus points for persistence, and for turning up.

So upset was I by the monumental effort it took to lug myself round that odd, partly indoor course, that I took myself off for a punishment run before first light.
Wind, sleet, mud, leaves, murderous tree roots, slippery flint, zero degrees. I loved it, as did the dogs, for a while, at least. Barely three miles, but it felt good to be out there.

As I battled back through the sheep field, freezing rain pelting my numbed face, the Beatles, of all bands, came to mind.
I glanced down at the dogs, loyally trotting along beside me, soaked.
We three fools on the hill, heading home for breakfast. 

Before the dawn of the day, alone on the hill

The man with the foolish grin is perfectly chilled
Only his dogs want to know him
They can see that he's just a fool
But they know he'll give them breakfast soon 

And the fool on the hill
Sees the sun's not quite up
And the eyes in his head
See wet leaves on the ground

Well on the way, feet in the clouds
The man with as many layers as is allowed
Nobody ever hears him
Or the rasping sounds he makes
And he never seems to notice

But the fool on the hill
Sees the sun is still down
And the eyes in his head
See the breath of the hounds

   

[Mid Life Crisis Marathon Man]

As I battled back through the sheep field, freezing rain pelting my numbed face, the Beatles, of all bands, came to mind.

Oh, I dunno Sweder, this was what came to my mind...

Outside the rain fell dark and slow
While I pondered on this dangerous but irresistible pastime

I took a heavenly ride through our silence
I knew the moment had arrived
For killing the past and coming back to life

I took a heavenly ride through our silence
I knew the waiting had begun
And headed straight ...into the shining sun

[Sweder]

HAPPY NEW YEAR, you bunch of reprobates.

Running has been sporadic, brief and slow, but it has been happening.
Looks like I'm IN for Almeria (the 9k, most likely). Just need to do the paperwork etc.
Dry January could be my running salvation. It'll help shed a few kilos, which, as we know, is almost as effective as good training.

The Rooks are top of there league going into 2018, the Rookettes are flying high in the FAWPL and going strong in three cups.
Football, at the only level I give a toss about, is a joyous part of my life just now.

T1 Today UK, the independent UK wing of Children With Diabetes, of which I am a trustee, held it's first self-funded conference in October. We housed, fed, watered, educated, re-charged and hugged 100 lucky families. We broke even, so we're doing it all again in Scotland in 2018.

At time of writing the 2018 edition of the Moyleman is all but sold out, with 334 places gone. Top work under new Race Director Charliecat5, ably supported by OutAlongTheRiver. Harveys are installing a fully licensed bar at the finish next year, a cause for celebration as we finally have the capacity to organise a piss-up in a brewery.

Congrats to Bevendean Parkrun on number 100 this past Saturday. I was a there, horribly slow, badly hung-over after sucking down most of the new batch of Abyss Brewing Mango Milk IPA with Charliecat, but I made the start and I got round. Extremely round. I'm going on a diet.

Congrats, too, to my Twitten buddies, on completing Twitten Run number 102 this morning. I was there, in body at least, having fallen out of bed less than 30 minutes before the off. It was ugly, tough and painful, but I got it done. Pretty much how I feel about 2017, really.

Wishing you all health and happiness in 2018.
I'd wish you peace, too, but let's be honest; I love it LOUD.

   
Trust me, I felt worse than I look here