January Jollies

[Mid Life Crisis Marathon Man]

I think it was Nigel who said recently that there are simply days when you are going to have a bad run, no matter what. Today's long, slowy was like that. Never got into, and it was tough, slow and even somewhat painful. But it got done, which is the key thing. Just a slow 7.5km in 50 minutes - nothing to write home about except that it's another important step along the recovery road. Each time I lengthen my "long" run a little further (farther?) my confidence boosts a little, even when it's a bad one, like tonight's.

I am also pleased that despite numerous distractions - notably the triangular one day cricket series currently in full swing, and the Australian Open tennis (some great matches happening there!) and the usual round of summer barbecues and drinks sessions - I am getting my scheduled runs done and being a whole lot more disciplined about my running in general. Keeping the distances manageable, and doing some proper stretching and strengthening exercises seems to be making a big difference, and that in itself provides great motivation, so even without a major race goal concreted in for this year (though I have a few in mind of course), the mileage is growing and I am feeling a lot better for it.

I have another week in Adelaide coming up in a few days - temperatures there are currently in the low to mid 40s Celsius, making running either a very early morning affair or else an air-conditioned gym somewhere. Still, I can handle that