I have just fallen out of bed, and I couldn't really be bothered at all if it wasn't for the tonic of seeing Simon’s rapid improvement, Angela's determination, and Rob and Adams enthusiasm. I would have said "stuff it today...!" But I can't let them down. The wind is rustling in the trees, the dogs are barking, and by now I have written a line that even makes me chuckle. So something is not right.

Two weeks ago my calf muscle decided it had enough, and went pop. Why for god’s sake...? And for a week I limped about like Long John Silver. Last weekend I had food poisoning, which turned my stomach upside down, and I felt like I had a hangover without alcohol even passing my lips. How can that be...?.  Today is Saturday, and I feel down and not in the mood. Maybe I should just be thrown in to the nearest skip and be forgotten. The last two weeks are the things that are not written about in the marathon training schedule. Actually, that page has been torn from the great book of marathon book of running and thrown it in the bin, as no one wants to read it.

Yesterday I finally made that call that I didn't want to make. I declared myself not fit enough to run London this year, and conceded defeat, which is not normally like me, as I am made of stronger stuff, a man for steel not jelly.  At the same time it was reported, which may have been pure coincidence, or a act of sympathy, Paula Radcliffe maybe declaring that she would not be running the marathon either, though the sympathy was short lived, as she is too injured with poorly toe. 

So with its disappointments is marathon running good for the soul...? Running is an adventure of ups and downs. It has more twists and turns than the plot of a Agatha Christie who done it, and is meant to be inspiring and invigorating, when you are fit that is. Training for the marathon is a balance of timing and good health. It is also about sense and sensibility, as ironically, my run today was strong, steady, and there was no twinge in the calf at all...Typical.

You can't fool the marathon. Though mentally I feel strong, and in my mind I could toe the start line, but the question would be, would I cross the finish line...? The marathon is a race of truth, and you will go through every emotion known to man or woman throughout the 26 agonizing miles of it. The marathon will sort the weak from the strong. The men from the boys and the Led Zeppelin fan form the Take That fan. There is no way to cheat the marathon, as if there were I would about it, and I would have marketed the idea and would of  now become a millionaire. 

Running is good for the sole. It keeps you healthy. It makes you stronger and wiser. It gives you a confidence to push yourself that extra mile, and makes you believe in yourself. Running makes you alert, and gives you a sense of well being. So today is Saturday, and yesterday I pulled out of the marathon, so what...? Races are like a number 10 bus, drop out of one and there will be another along shortly, and for the next one I will be fitter, stronger and faster to take on the challenge when it arrives, because running is good for my soul. 

(8/3/08)

Tags: gym workouts

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