February

[Sweder]

One smidgeon of light in the gloom is that Spring appears to be ambling gently this way. Complete sympathy with you on the breathing issues SW; Mrs S was diagnosed asthmatic last year - a real shock - and my lungs, when infected as they are now, pump about as much air as a pair of re-cycled teabags.

It's hard to offer advice because as with all injuries/ afflictions you know better yourself when you're pushing beyond your limits. You may have to cut your losses and scale back. One of two things will happen; either the air temperature will improve (and your breathing ease up), in which case you can continue (but not try to catch up) with your plan, or things don't improve. In that case some form of reduced plan may yet ensure you get round safely, perhaps not in the time you originally had in mind.

If you're really unlucky and none of this helps you may have to defer your place. Your health is paramount. Treadmills? I'm saying nowt. EG's Battle of Boston is a terrific motivator for anyone facing an impossible task. Very best of luck. We'll try and send some of our Sussex sunshine (glorious today) your way