Does this title describe me at the moment? No! I was simply inspired by this rather spended sculpture of Stephenson’s Blücher (a forerunner of the Rocket) that I passed while running my supposedly easy six miles in Killingworth this evening.
I guess that I probably felt sluggish because of the two mile club race I did yesterday. It just goes to show what being “fresh” means and how important it is to taper before a big race. Yesterday, I was spurred on by racing a club member who is an established “sparing partner” (we both roughly hover around the same pace). Sometimes I am fitter and faster, sometimes she is but yesterday we were well matched except my opponent had a slight edge and won the day.
It reminds me that over the years of being in my running club I have been privileged to mentor many “up and coming” younger runners; giving them something to aim for, pacing, challenging and then watching them overtake me and move on to be great competitive runners, far exceeding my ability!
As for me, I am looking forward to my post marathon training so I can build up my speed again (because I am capable of running a lot faster than I am now). Then maybe I can live up to the label “Rocket Mann” and even show some of these young wippersnappers a thing or two!
“Even when I am old and grey, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come.” Psalm 71:18 NIVUK
