Post-London: the rest of 2009

[marathondan]

Thanks for your concern, EG. Messrs Apathy & Procrastination have come to visit again. And then today I've got a second bout of mild flu-like symptoms. I'm at home for half term - so far it's picked off two of the kids and me.

In general, flu notwithstanding, I'm not feeling "up" enough to motivate myself to get out of the door. And I know full well that, based on last year, I don't need to start training yet (last year: two runs a week in November, then three from December onwards). So the opportunity for getting ahead of myself and getting to the start line sharper than last year is fast disappearing.

Meanwhile, I'm seriously toying with this idea of a gorilla suit. It's always been an ambition in the back of my mind (although I never contemplated more than a half mara in one) and so I wonder if I shoud just make the commitment and go for it. I feel I need a harder target than last year, else I know that I'll backslide in training and risk performing worse than 2009. The charity angle is important to me, and I don't think (say) trying to knock 15 mins off my time carries as much weight with sponsors as outrageous fancy dress. This balanced against the fact that there is a real risk of dehydration and heat exhaustion. The costume is up there with the famous rhinos in terms of unsuitablility, and everyone says how fit those guys are to come home sub 5 hrs. Then again, I'd be running 1-2 mins a mile slower than last year's race pace.

I think the answer is, when I've shaken this minor lurgie, to hit the streets in shell pants, fleece, ski mask and woolly hat. That might focus my mind a bit. In which case, I need to be fit by Friday night, as we're away at the weekend and then I've got a week of commuting to Cambridge next week. Arse. And then it will be November...

Sorry to hear that injury has struck you again. Still, we were all hugely impressed with the way you got around it last winter (although I'm aware that you'll be disappointed if you don't improve on last winter's end result). Keep up the good work in the gym.

Oh yeah - good to see you getting out there again today.