Four days to go...!!

Only four days to go and the last minute worries are beginning to kick in. There are transport worries, accommodation worries, weather worries, injury worries, logistics, safety, fundraising, packing and all manner of other details.

Injuries are always a fear this close to an event. Firstly, there's no time to recover, secondly, a niggle can play on the mind as the run starts. I move very slowly in the morning after getting out of bed. Knees, ankles and hips are very stiff. Even getting out of the car can be a trial. Every step is potential to pull something, tear something or tweak something.

And all the rest? Well, it'll be all right on the night!! Probably sit down tonight and make a plan, make a list and make a deal with myself not to worry. Yes, we want it right but actually everyone will muck in and it will indeed be alright on the night.

Cornwall here we come. Four days to go until "fourdaysrunning".

Four runners, four PBs

The place: Paddock Wood, the event: the annual half marathon, the result: multiple PBs!!

It was a beautiful day. Cold and crisp, sunny and warm, and still, very still. The scene was set for personal best times. Mine was a feeble 2:24 and needed sorting. I was aiming for 2:15 or better. Jim was ready for sub 1:40, Matt had just done a very hilly 2:08 so could go sub 2 and Marianne was improving all the time with a 2:37 recently.

The best part about Paddock Wood is that it is flat. Very flat. Apart from the normal issues of minimal muscle use compared to hilly trails, most people would take "flat" any day!! The crowds were out in force, especially around some noisy pubs and the plentiful water stations. It was set to be a day to remember.

What of the times? Jim came in at 1:37, Matt 1:46, Marianne 2:32 and I achieved my aim with a 2:10 to make it a proud day for us all. Thank you Paddock Wood Half Marathon.