No laughing matter

I haven't blogged much about my running this year. In preparation for running Edinburgh on May 23rd, I have had some difficult runs, mentally, physically and logistically, but overall training has not been going too badly. Part of that preparation is a half marathon (13.1 miles) in one week's time.

Today, in perfect cool afternoon sunshine, I set off to run 12 miles at my planned marathon pace. After 1.5 miles, I stopped, took a shortcut, walked/slow jogged, and came home after only a few miles. Yes, I had an excuse ? some pain and discomfort in my chest/stomach that seemed to go if I walked and come back if I ran. I don't know if it was bad diet, bad preparation or muscle soreness for a different reason.

Now I don't mind having a bad day but I have really been kicking myself at giving in so easily. Next week I can?t just stop 1.5 miles in because things aren't feeling right, nor can I do the same in Edinburgh. Eddie Izzard wouldn't have done this - he would have walked or hobbled the full route however many hours and ice creams it took him. I?m blogging this openly today in the hope that this is the last time for two months and a day that I have to write about such a failure to achieve what I have set out to do. I will start fundraising in earnest soon and from that moment on I can?t afford to let anyone down. Nor will I.

But I don't like downbeat entries if I can help it. Today's photo shows the Sport Relief socks I wore to run in. I eschewed the Sport Relief events today with the excuse of more important and specific training running, but whereas I failed, many many people will have donned these socks and run one mile to six miles in events up and down the country. Those who did, you should be proud! Today, you are a better man/woman/child/dog than I am.