Doctor in the House

6.2 miles in 48:11
Route: DfES – Home 4a

I’ve been watching the Channel 5 medical drama House and it’s not half bad. I’ve never seen it before, but caught the new series by chance last week. I watched it for a bit because I wanted to hear the much talked about Hugh Laurie American accent (it’s bad, but not that bad), but soon I was caught up in the plot and this week I find that I have an affinity with Dr House.

I’ve no idea what the plot history is, but it seems poor old House has a gammy leg too. Apparently he has recently had surgery to fix his problem, but is now struggling with the pain of recovery and rehabilitating his limb through regular running!

Ah House, House, Housey House. I know how you feel. Except for the surgery bit (though let’s not rule anything out).

Also, it seems House can be a bit of a grouch. Now, usually I’m as nice as pie, but the other day I was unreasonably harsh with someone. I was running down Carnaby Street, minding my own business when an overly optimistic street vendor tried to hand me a copy of the London Paper. This is a free paper you understand, handed out to commuters so that they have something to read (or more correctly to throw away) on the tube. I’m afraid I was quite rude and shouted at him “DO I LOOK LIKE I HAVE TIME TO READ THAT RIGHT NOW?!” It seems the stress is getting to me.

The good news is that the knee is feeling a little better today. I have been out running twice this week and although it has been weak and a little painful, it’s nowhere near as bad as it was last weekend.

I am a little worried about my fitness. Tonight’s run wasn’t the easiest and I should be cruising 6 miles by now (I was a month ago!), but fitness is something I can work on and I still have a little time left.

I am planning for another run tomorrow evening and then hills on Saturday morning. Then, it’s the final long run on Sunday – a 20 miler whatever the cost. It’s my last chance to do something big before I need to start tapering back (although I will probably do a bit more in the week still as I have had so much time out for injury/illness).

In other news, the fundraising effort is going really well. Thanks to the amazing generosity of my friends, colleague and family, I have broken the £2000 mark! Special mentions go to Helen Williams at the DfES and the amazing Michael Ertan (my barber!) who have both pledged £50. Thanks also to the PSHE, RE and Citizenship Team at DfES (Curriculum Unit’s second least favourite team, behind the Geography Team), Jo Bewley (Jo Bewley!) and the extended DfES Curriculum family – the celeriac loving Barbara Tucker, Angela Norris the hardest working G7 in the Department, Esther, Ed and the PE team who have promised cash as soon as I find my sponsor form!

An extra special mention to my best mate Andrew who, as well as supporting me all this way, has now come in with a massive £100 donation!! The man is a legend and the fact he pushes sugary soft drinks on children is no concern of mine….. (tee hee – sorry mate!). Seriously though – he’s a true friend. Bad at pool, golf and downing beers, but a true friend.

I’ve set myself a final fundraising target of £2600. The fast trackers among you will have worked out that equals £100 for every mile of the marathon. Wouldn’t that be a fantastic thought to take onto the start line?

I’ll leave you with some words of wisdom from this evening’s episode of House. Upon being asked if he was sure he wasn't imagining the pain:

“It’s my leg. We’ve known each other a long time”