June

[Sweder]

It's been a funny old week.
An exchange I had with BB this morning reminded me of something very important before I set off for a morning blast to Blackcap. It was to do with why we run (or why I run at least). I remarked that it's one of the few things I do in life that I consider truly selfish, or at least entirely for my own benefit.

The last seven days has seen my Father-in-Law pass away (mercifully given his prognosis with Parkinsons and dementia), a dear friend pronounced gravely ill, another good mate arrive (as a consequence of the latter) from Japan, survival of the Show from Hell in Istanbul, the prospect of missing the Dorney Dash and Andy's 50th (happily back on the agenda) and in the midst of all that two friends from Cape Town, Jacqui and Clive, managed to spend three days in the UK and I completely missed them. I feel a bit like the cat who gets stuck in the washing machine; life is tumbling by in a mad, incomprehesible torrent. There's soap-suds in my eyes and I feel like I'm missing no end of vitally important stuff as I bump and whirl around and around. We're off to Exmouth this morning; a family gathering this evening, funeral tomorrow. Much wailing, some gnashing of teeth but hopefully a celebration of a full and busy life, of a man who achieved in business and in leisure; a sailor, a sculptor, a father, a grandfather. Mine is a suporting role and I thank my lucky stars for that.

In the middle of all this there is running. Running is a mistress; she dresses in seductive shades, luring me out with her siren song, leading me a merry dance through hills of wondrous delight. Flowers, tall grasses, thick hedgerows teeming with life, sunshine, cool breezes, breathtaking views . . . it was all there this morning. My head cleared as I pounded the soggy trails, sucking in the purity of the cool morning even as the sun rose to warm my back. Music played its part, for once carefully selected to provide a subtle backdrop. Pink Floyd added to the ambiance, the pick of the tunes Sheep from Animals.

My faithful hounds bounded along, generous with their companionship, delightful in their wild celebration of the freedom to run. I joined them, my heavy heart lifted by the pure joy of running free.