Happy new year???

4.5 miles in 37:45
Route: DfES - Home 1

Apologies for not making an entry for almost 4 weeks. I'm afraid the knee problem that I described in the previous entry has forced me out of action and, while this didn't actually prevent me from blogging, it took all the fun out of it for me.

I rested my knee for a week and a half after my last entry and went out for a run back in Lowestoft on 27 December. I got as far as the South Pier (that's about 3 miles) before I had to stop - it simply wasn't getting better and I didn't want to risk a serious problem. I have an appointment to see an osteopath tomorrow morning, where I hope to get some expert advice.

It's been a miserable Christmas I'm afraid. I had loads of great runs planned and I haven't been able to do any. Not one. Being unable to run has affected me more than I ever thought it could. I hadn't realised how much I have come to rely on it to keep myself in good shape - both in body and mind. Of course, the copious amounts of sausage rolls probably didn't help either...

But let's think positive. After the prolonged rest over xmas, I completed my standard run home from work tonight without too many problems. My fitness was appalling, but that's something I can work on. The important thing is that my knee was ok - not great, but ok. Other highlights of this evening's run were seeing a drug deal going down in a doorway in Camden (such a lovely town), having to take my long-sleeved running top off because it was too warm (in January!) and nearly taking out a flyer-girl at the top of Carnaby St (you can all thank me for that one).

Now then. Three important goals for the next few weeks:

1. obtain and follow expert advice on my knee;
2. work hard on my fitness - finalise a training plan and stick to it;
3. eat well - read up on nutrition and improve my diet;

I also need to start thinking about the next phase of sponsorship - I've raised about £1000 until now, but have to hit the magic £1500 to seal the deal.

There's a long way to go and I've lost a lot of momentum. Going to need good will-power to get back on track. The real work starts here.

It feels like my marathon bid is on a knife edge at the moment. Let's hope I come down on the buttered side.

Life's a beach - Lowestoft beach that is!