Day 21: Saturday, Excalibur 12 (Ben's 100th Marathon) with Phoenix Running
But first, today! Today was the opposite of all those things. Well, actually it was still wet, and it was hard work, but it was a very inspiring, and very fun day.
Back down at the river for Phoenix Running's Excalibur 12. I've only done 3 of the 12, but 3 swords is better than none.
The weather was pretty bad, apart from a few spells of sunshine, sandwiched between plenty of rain.
The towpath and river had joined together. It was cold. I haven't complained about the weather much lately, and it's already December, so it feels like about time to go on a bit about how awful the weather is in winter. Awful. Very awful. Very very very. It's always dark. It's rained every day for weeks. If it would just stop raining just for one day.....
...I would stop moaning. Maybe.
Anyway, the weather might be cold, but it is nothing compared to the warmth of being around your running friends, and there were plenty of people out today! Because, it was Ben's 100th Marathon, and it was a run not to be missed. If you don't know him, Ben is only 21, visually impaired, and has done most of his 100 Marathons in just the last two years. He is an inspiration indeed. Not only that, he's an absolute all round lovely guy, always bringing cheer and smiles to races, and has a fabulous family just like him. Well done Ben, proud of you! Keep on doing what you do!
Lovely to see so many people today, and although I felt rough for the middle bit of the run, I didn't mind as it was great to be there. 10 laps done (nearly 33 miles), got to join Ben and Team Ben for his last lap, and Sarah, Jon and Ollie for the last few laps, so a good day out on the towpath. Not sure too much of the last few laps conversation can make it in here (as that would lower the tone, and we must maintain standards), but the words bobble hats, swords, and clowns are the words I have selected as being acceptable, but the context shall be left for your own interpretation. Let's just say, I shall never look at those miniature bobble hats on Innocent Smoothie bottles in the same way again.
Thanks Rik and Team Phoenix for another fabulous and this time Christmasy run (and aid station! and Jenny for the fudge extravaganza!) and to everyone for a fab day.
Day 16: Monday
The week started off quite well running wise. The marathon the day before at Sikhs in the City seemed to have sorted out my cold, and I did a nice Christmasy few miles through the city, finishing off with a spot of Christmas shopping.
Day 17: Tuesday
I spoke too soon. I don't don't sleep a wink in the night, had an awful cough, ended up with a migraine, and then panicked I'd taken too many painkillers what with all the cold and flu tablets I'd been taking and the migraine medicine, so then couldn't sleep even more for worrying. I didn't go to work, and thought the running streak was over, which made me more upset, and made everything worse. I managed to get to sleep in the day, after figuring out my medications were actually OK, and slept for 6 hours solid. When I woke up, I felt like a new person. Sort of. Apart from the sneezing and snot, but at least no one was hammering a nail through my skull anymore, I didn't have lights flashing in my eyes, and I'd stopped feeling sick. Managed very late in the evening to keep the running streak alive, with a very slow 5km around the park, which actually made me feel a bit better, so proves that running is the best medicine.
Day 18: Wednesday
Another 5km in the dark and rain....
Day 19: Thursday
Followed by another 5km in the dark and rain....
Day 20: Friday
And followed by another 5km in the dark and rain....
...did I mention? It's always raining. It's awful. It's always dark. It's so cold. Awful awful, awful.
Better put the bobble hats on.
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