May as well ... 2014

[Mid Life Crisis Marathon Man]

... I think more fundamentally I run because I like the freedom that comes with it... the ability to leave the house and head out into the hills to escape for a while is what drives me on. I don't want to be surrounded by people as that defeats the purpose.

That is not to say I'm not competitive, because I am, and that's where I am happy to marry Running Free with my Garmin... I continuously like to better myself whether that is distance or time and recording my stats is a key part of that.

I don't like crowds, and I am not competitive at all (except like you, with myself), but I do like to collect the bling of races - the race numbers and the medals. It's a nice thing to collect, because it requires effort, and each number and each medal has to be earned through sweat and discipline, and I think it's nice to have mementos of those efforts. However the freedom you speak of is important - I value freedom, and enjoy being able to run out my door and not have someone tell me where I can or can't run. It's this freedom that Whalley and Askwith are really trying to convey in their books I think. But that doesn't mean that organised big city sponsored events are all bad, either. There is an undeniable buzz you get from the shared experience with thousands of others doing something difficult and worthwhile. You should at least try one race - it may not be for you, but don't be afraid to check it out. You might be surprised. The camaraderie of a big city race is a great thing!

I really don't know where this running is taking me... I am planning to try 10 miles at the weekend, but have little idea of what comes next and you know what, I don't care because I'll make that up next week.

Having said that, I am beginning to imagine that the Moyleman might be in my grasp...

Once you do ten miles, then a half marathon is just a small step away, and then ... well you know what is next. And yep, the Moyleman would be a good one to aim for!