As long as you've got your health

I started running in 1995. In the subsequent 20 years, I've only had some minor, acute injuries - not from running - that have prevented me from doing my regular exercise, which, these days, comprises of two one mile swims and two runs - one 5 mile, one longer - each week.

Once I'm out, I usually enjoy the running, although, on the longer runs, the prospect of spending a couple of hours in my own company with no electronics can be a bit daunting. As far as the swimming goes, I always feel amazing afterwards but I must admit I find the lengths a bit boring, especially since I lost my lap counter and I need to keep count as I traipse up and down.

Of late, though, I've been grumbling to myself a bit less. The Minx's apparently trivial but chronic foot injury has stopped her exercising and that's really frustrating for her. Another friend has been diagnosed with a degenerative disease, which I can hardly bear to think about.

As with so many other aphorisms, "as long as you've got your health" has taken on a deeper meaning for me as I've grown older. Indeed, when I was young I know I took my health completely for granted. I've taken this photo of my foot, today, because I've had a recurring twinge, which, having consulted my super-fit friend, Steve, is probably down to a tendon which, I think, is aggravated by long drives. It's come and gone over the years but, thankfully, it's never really prevented me from running. 

One day, I guess I won't be physically able to exercise or at least not exercise so much. For now, then, I'll do my best to enjoy it while I can.