Life

Here's the thing with training for a marathon, especially at this stage of the game. It doesn't matter what is happening in your life, or where you need to be, you can't stop running. I fear if I stop I will have real trouble restarting.
Thanks to Tony ( my 'fit and happy' personal trainer), I have an easily laid out plan of what to do on what day. So.... regardless of how I am feeling today (I will spare you the details), I ran. And thanks to my new watch, again thanks to Tony, actually managed a fartlek session. Now, there's a gruesome word I didn't know anything about a few months ago, and its HARD! My knee niggled, my emotions niggled even more. I stick to the same fundamental principle however, that running really does ease stress. It helps clear the head, gage priorities, structure your feelings.
I felt altogether sad today, and after running am still in that state of mind, but with a glimmer of peaceful. And have renewed gratitude for the relationships I have that are important to me. I was reminded the other day by a member of my family that expressing that thanks is extremely important, and something easily lost in the day to day workings. So, here goes....
- My grandparents taught me there is always someone there who loves you, who remembers the important days in your life, and who will offer support under any circumstance. My Gran in particular.
- My mum and my step-father have encouraged me through every step of this training. They often have a cup of tea, or drink of juice and a pat on the back waiting for me after a long run. I'm so glad they are coming with me to London.
- My friends at the school gates (you know who you are) who are helping with fundraising, and encouraging me to keep going when I'm tired and fed up.
- My neighbour and nutrionalist Alisa, who has sorted out my diet and is running the Alloa half marathon with me. (see now you have to, its in print!)
- My Aunt and Uncle who have run many miles before me.
- Tony, who is terribly patient with me when my first response to just about everything he has me do is, "I hate that!"
- My children, who bring me back down to earth with an almighty bang. Theres nothing like walking into the house after a long run, to "mum", "mum", "mum"....... I could go on and on. Love you,
- Jacqueline, who is grieving as much today as that terrible day, but finds the time to let me know how proud Shelly would be,
- And of course Michelle. She inspires me everyday.