Sometimes all the bits slot together, giving rise to a strong sense that “I am a runner”. It’s an awkward thing to say, and to see, in black and white. But it’s true, and it’s a beautiful place to be. This roller-coaster week has brought me back up again to admire the lovely view from up here. After a pretty rotten few days, this evening I had one of those wonderful runs that remind me what this is all about.
Eight miles at the end of the afternoon while there was still just enough sunshine and daylight to see me round. It was rush hour. Plenty of cars to get in my way, but it mattered little. After the recent few weekend long runs, the distance seems almost trivial now. It wasn’t so long ago that 7 miles was my long Sunday run. I remember getting home that day with aching quads, having struggled the final mile. What a sense of achievement I felt – and rightly so. One of the best things I can say about running is that it’s extremely heartening that a novice can make progress so quickly. It keeps the enthusiasm going in a process that could be humiliating and rapidly demoralising.
The new shoes are bearing up to the challenge so far. Dare I wear them on Sunday? Dare I try the 18 miles with these blisters still clinging on..?
Watch this space.
