Right, that’s it. In four years of running, this has been my worst period for inactivity, pessimism and lack of motivation. There are one or two flimsy excuses to snatch at, but even if I can persuade others to buy into them, it’s almost impossible to convince myself that they offer much justification for my lazy summer and stuttering autumn.
Today offered yet another new beginning, and I’m trying to grab it before it drifts past again. It’s as good a time as any to get back into the habit. The clocks went back last night; winter is around the corner. I need those beta endorphins to get me through the long dark days ahead.
I was woken early this morning by the heavy patter of rain and a shaft of grey light through the curtains. There was something “now or never”-ish about it. Good Sunday running weather, I told myself, despite the moderate hangover. So I got up and, over a cup of black coffee, considered what to do. Then Here Comes The Sun came on the radio, and there was no longer any choice. Taken literally, it might seem like a deeply inappropriate song, but in terms of a renewed optimism and determination, it was as good a boot up the bum as any. I pulled on those near-redundant trainers and got out the door.
It was a shock to step outside. I’d braced myself for a cold, grey, sploshy morning but it was actually astonishingly warm, considering we’re only 2 days away from November.
In keeping with my renewed resolve, I tried a new variation to the usual route today. I live close to a pub, and behind the pub is a footpath sign and a gate through which I had never passed. This morning I opened the gate…. and found a large field that separates, and therefore joins, the school, church, health centre, village hall and pub; the cornerstones of a typical English rural community. It was quite a surprise. I panted round the field for a bit and headed off up my normal route, pleased to have found a good new short cut.
As expected, a pretty painful plod. Only 3.5 miles, and never out of first gear. It didn’t matter. Getting out there was the important thing.
A big concern in recent weeks has been a painful right heel and calf. It’s my one authentic excuse, and on today’s evidence, it hasn’t wholly gone away, though it’s better than it was. I can only hope it won’t get worse. Three weeks today is the Brighton 10K — a good inducement to keep going this week. Just doing the race is enough of a target at this point. If I can do 4 runs a week until then, without aggravating my heel, I’ll be satisfied.
Avoided the temptation to lounge on the sofa all afternoon. Today was the great day when the pond was finished and filled. It was totally dark by the time I’d finished, so I’ve not yet had the pleasure of admiring it. I’ve been impressing my boss in recent weeks by insisting on taking home the office copy of the Financial Times. The truth can now be revealed – it makes a good pond underlay.
Note the Chicago marathon teeshirt.
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