It’s been a while. I used to run but my last half marathon was in 2010. In recent years I have let it go, but a week or so ago my son took me on a walk in the Isle of Purbeck in Dorset. We walked 8 miles from Corfe Castle to Swanage on the coast and returned on the steam engine that runs between these two towns. About half way along the walk, we dropped off one hill ridge before crossing a road and climbing back up to Ballard Down. The climb was steep. 210 steps cut into the chalk until reaching The Obelisk at the peak. For me this was a wake up call. It should have been easy, but I struggled having to take regular breaks to catch my breath.
I love spreadsheets! When I got home I drafted a training program. Then after my first run, I looked for an event as a target for my fitness efforts. The Bournemouth half marathon was just 8 weeks away – perfect. After my first week I have shed 1/2 kilogram. Its slow and its humbling. My 11 year old son came with me on Wednesday for the hill repeats. He did 4 repeats in the time it took me to do 3.
Nearly a year ago my wife was diagnosed with cancer. It was caught early so it was successfully treated under surgery followed by a course of radiotherapy earlier this year. On the first day of radiotherapy we were sitting in the waiting room in Poole Hospital. She was so anxious. Then a friend who was a radiotherapist popped in to support her when she saw her name on the roster. Immediately my wife’s anxiety dissipated.
She is now clear, although it has been a struggle. Catching a virus immediately after the radiotherapy caused heart failure, but that is now on the mend with the help of a cocktail of medication. The picture above was taken on a recent walk, which would not have been possible just a few weeks ago.
So, I am running for a cause, Macmillan Cancer Support. This is a link to my Just Giving page for anyone who would like to support this worthy cause.
Stephen's Wildlife 