March 2013

[Sweder]

'Get your excuses in first' is a well-worn phrase in the amateur sporting world. I have no shortage of apologetic ammunition in what has become Miserable March.

Morale is low. I thought about pulling out of the marathon last week. I have a bona fide excuse and would have no problem agreeing a deferral. But I've stated, privately and publicly, that this road marathon is to be my last. If I don't make the start line on April 14, that'll be that.

This weekend I was offered the chance to run the 20 mile Worthing loop that I'd managed to miss two weeks back. I jumped at the chance, getting home at a reasonable hour on Saturday. Shenanigans featuring my daughter, a night out and a mislaid (but recovered) insulin pump saw me still awake at 3am. I woke without the alarm at 6, ready to up and feed before the run, barely able to lift my head off the pillow. My right shoulder had 'frozen' - locked up solid. I rolled about, managed to get up and chug some ibuprofen. The time to leave came and went and still I sat, sipping coffee, hunched up like Quasimodo, watching the day gently break over the garden. Arse.

Eventually I could stand up straight enough to consider running. I managed seven hilly miles before returning home for a hot shower and a cold compress.

Since then I've covered half a dozen street miles in my new boots. They feel great, bouncy, light, perfect for the race. This evening I returned from Ma's just in time to chase the remains of the day into the east, scurrying across the hills at a decent clip as the light leaked out of the ice-cold sky.

This weekend offers the last opportunity to bank a long run. Looking at the schedule my chances aren't too good, though a long weekend offers more windows than most.

Happy Easter, one and all. On, on.