Month: March 2016

I have said before that I love running first thing in the morning and I am especially thankful that I am now well enough to do so.  It’s great at this time of year because if you time it right, you can leave when it’s dark and get home in the light – “running through the dawn”.  This morning runners like me were especially rewarded with an amazing sunrise.

I am also glad for a safe three miles, still hard work but I can sense strength and fitness returning.

“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.”  Psalm 19:1 (NIV)

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” James 1 2-3 (NIV).  While James was talking about faith in God it is true that trials in many fields (like running) develops perseverance and that’s how I feel at the moment.

Today I took my second run out after illness and did a slow 6 miles which was really tough and tells me that I need to rest for a few days before I go out again.  The first three miles felt fine which is a good sign but how to get up to longer runs?  Well, I have a feeling that’s going to be perseverance; persevere at the shorter distances and have faith I will be able to build up the distance and duration.

I don’t know of a better plan at present so at the moment, perseverance with faith is the only show in town!

Today it felt like I was going to do the most important run I had ever done.  It wasn’t a parkrun or some epic unfeasibly long distance at breakneck speed, but a simple out-and-back steady 2 miles!  For, those who have been following my story will know, this was my first time out running for about three weeks of illness and misery.

Now that I have got that out of the way, I need to come to terms with the reality that my Marathon training is now going to be much more of a challenge than it was going to be.  It will be like an old Tom and jerry cartoon with a demon standing on one shoulder saying “come on, you need to run lots and lots to train for a marathon, the more miles the better – no pain no gain etc” and the angel on the other side saying “Listen to your phsyio, take it steady, plenty of rest days, don’t be stupid”.

I now have three goals for March and these are 1. Don’t get injured. 2. Run a total of 100 miles. 3. Get up to an 18 mile long run by the end of the month.  I have got to take things steady and one step at a time but I’ve still got to get in a fit state to run a marathon hence the two distance goals.  My two mile trial run went OK today and I proved that I could breathe and that my legs still work.

It’s great to be back!