Happily Ever After

Life in The Rural Retreat with a beautiful wife, three cats, garden wildlife, a camera, a computer – and increasing amounts about running

Earlier posts can be found on Adventures of a Lone Bass Player, where this blog began life. Recent entries can be found here.

I Should Be So Lucky

by Russell Turner - 18:06 on 14 March 2022

The Running Gods are definitely toying with me. Yesterday I cancelled my booking at the Dunmar Hotel in Alloa, confirming that the half marathon there on Sunday will be my second successive DNS. This morning I creaked down the stairs on feet that seemed to have objected to even the unremarkable 30min walk they’d taken yesterday. A few hours after that I learned I’d got a place in this year’s London Marathon.

As forecast, social media is filled with miserable runners whose life is incomplete because they didn’t get a place too, despite years of trying. A few conspiracy theorists even claim there are no ballot places available at all because of a deferment backlog and that Hugh Brasher and chums are strutting around with huge wads of cash distorting their pockets.

I, and a few others, are proof otherwise (although, until I receive the promised further info email tomorrow, I won’t be convinced that there’s not been a mistake).

Much rethinking of plans will have to take place. Matchgirl is scheduled to be in Shetland on London Marathon weekend, but if she changes that she’ll be unable to accompany me to God’s Own Country a fortnight later when the Yorkshire Marathon is run. York or London – a tough decision. At least I know what our pre-race show will be: the digital Abba show will be up and running by then. I’ll also have to reconsider my training plan and short term goals: London Landmarks is fixed in the diary but Edinburgh Marathon may be downgraded to a half or even abandoned altogether. My feet, and how much training I lose, will decide.

I undertook another short amble today, lengthened slightly by the frisky unaccompanied terrier who joined me for a few minutes then disappeared while I searched for an owner. My hope is that gentle strolls will stop my legs from seizing up and help work the kinks out of my hurty heel while I wait for Mr Physio to inform me that he’s well again and ready to ponder my disabilities.

The London Marathon training plan will begin in mid-June, which means I’ve three months to become fit, healthy and injury-free. Can it be done? We’ll see.

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