2006 - August

[El Gordo]

I agree with Dan.

When I first started running I couldn't bring myself to actually run so I started doing long walks. I used to walk back from work occassionally and do some hill walking.

And when I first got the idea of running a marathon my first step was to start cycling part of the way to work; then all the way; then I started running.

I did an 8 mile circuit up Simon's Seat on Saturday. The first running I'd done for a long time. But cycling to work 3 times a week has kept me in touch and it felt ok.

I think a diet of swimming, cycling and yoga for a month could be a good precursor to the dreaded run. Loosen yourself up abit.

Plus fasting every other day.

Only joking.

However long it takes Andy you're bound to come back stronger given your considerable running achievements over the last 5 years.

Yeah, cheers GM. I'm not sure that walking and cycling are exactly right for me, but I take your point (made by others too) that I may have to go back to basics. Might even have to dust down my old run-walk schedule though I'd hope it won't take me 8 months to get to 3 miles as it did in 2001. The best thing I could do, without doubt, is shed a few pounds though I'm finding it tough in my new workplace which has a really good restaurant, and chocolate machines everywhere. Bastards.

But I need to stop making excuses. I started off with a genuine one - I was ill through much of the summer - but now it's time to act.

Thanks for the encouragement everyone. It really is much appreciated.