Schedules and X-Rays and Shorts Full of Holes

This article was first published in the December 2008 issue of Footnotes the magazine of Great Western Runners

Now I’ve always been one of those people that, when it reaches October, ignores the Runners World website and magazine for about six months – just long enough for it to get over its obsession with the London Marathon. However, having managed to reach the end of this issue of Footnotes I can keep it in no longer – I got a place in FLM 2009!! Now I find that I am equally obsessed as the aforementioned publication.

As I predicted in the last issue, when I had already mentally prepared for my guaranteed place in 2010, the immediate feeling of elation was quickly superseded with a terrible sinking feeling of what have I done?! With Runners World like obsession my lunchtimes immediately became filled with trawling websites for uplifting stories of running challenges and hints and tips for the big day. I have booked the hotel, I’ve got a reminder in my Outlook to book cheap train tickets when they come on line – you can only book three months ahead – I do a daily search for bargain prices on my current trainers, I’m going to need several pairs. Oh – hang on a minute...

Thankfully practical reality finally kicked in. If I am going to train four to five days a week one pair of complete shorts, two pairs of shorts which combined cover each other’s embarrassingly placed holes and one ‘I can’t wear this when I run with others ‘cos it smells so bad’ shirt is just not going to be enough, I am going to need more kit – thankfully a well placed birthday has taken care of that.

Then there is the schedule. I see this as my opportunity to get fitter than I have ever been and slimmer than I have ever been (well at least for the last 20 years – ok maybe 15 - I was pretty skinny once!) so a decent schedule is key. As luck would have it I belong to a great running club with several very willing to help qualified coaches (yes it is GWR for those thinking which club is that then – where have you been!). They have not only helped me plan my 16 week schedule but also helped me with my pre-schedule schedule. Fantastic! Now that I have my sensible head on its full steam ahead until.......

Paying a visit to the doctors, with a hand finally ruined by many hours a day clutching a mouse, I casually mention a slight issue I have had with my foot since the Stroud Half. Expecting a nothing to worry about instead the doctor sends me off to Southmead hospital for an x-ray, might be a stress fracture. This was followed by a now some people would keep running until the result comes through – meaning keep running and it will snap! I stop running. I curse my injury prone luck and then wait two weeks whilst the result makes it all the way from Southmead hospital to the Greenway Centre – presumably via mule post and Peru. Thankfully it’s all clear and the obsession can restart – I wonder if I will still be this keen come April?

I will be using my ballot place to run for Asthma UK – so completely abusing my position as Footnotes editor – anyone kind enough to want to donate, my online sponsor form can be found at http://www.justgiving.com/nicoughton - Thanks!