I was cranking up...

[Seafront Plodder]

I'm now, officially, a fully paid up member of the Lynam/Copenhagen Crap Marathon Preparation Society for Lightweight Pissheads.

I have lost the last 2 weekend long runs, one through a light cold (actually it was probably flu but we men never overstate an illness do we? ) whilst last weekend I was imbibing far too much good wine in Rome, resulting in just 2 x 30 minutes of head-pounding boredom on the hotel treadmill.

We found out that local red was actually cheaper per litre than beer by around €2. Various experiments followed which basically involved drinking copious amounts of this ultra-cheap but surprisingly good wine. I did make some futile excuse to sit and watch, mumbling something about an up-and-coming marathon - all to no avail as obviously the research simply had to be undertaken properly, and with enthusiasm.

What followed that was the further discovery in a local backstreet taverna of flippin' 9% draft rocket fuel beer.

You can guess the rest...

The Run will definitely happen. Trip is booked and paid for, and I have far too much sponsorship money at stake, but now it gets serious!

I have already put myself on the wagon until the evening of the run, and today I was out for a 5-miler which I am pleased to report was a sinch. Hopefully a 10 miler tomorrow or Friday, followed by 20 miles on Sunday. It won't be pretty, and I'll walk the last few if I have to, but needs must.

Re-reading Andy's diary from the few weeks leading up to Copenhagen has given me added determination, Thanks!

I don't think I can afford the luxury of a 3 week taper, and intend to have another 20-miler the following weekend followed by 2 weeks of healthy living, massages and continued temperence.

Bah!

Oh yes...p.s. In Rome I took an opportunity to go and see a performance by Cirque de Soleil. If you ever get the chance, go. The show is simply stunning.