Urban Diary
I set off on my run
in the mid afternoon sun. As I close the front door of my house, I listen to two
voices inside me: one comes from my mind, the other one from my body. Together
they either help me achieve my goal or make me give up half way through. My
marathon is in almost four weeks’ time and I aim to complete seventeen miles
today. I plan to “break the wall”, that invisible, mental construct that defeats
runners of all ages, genders and abilities. Last year as I trained for the same
event, the Brighton Marathon, I came across certain features in my personality to
which I had not paid proper attention before, resilience and stubbornness being
two of them (mind you, the latter has been known to me for several years). The
“wall-breaking” moment brought about changes in the way I saw running and the
elements I needed to work on in order to succeed.
Today both voices
are in agreement: you can do it. Still, I look for mental and visual stimulation.
Being well acquainted with the route I will be covering makes my physical effort
less demanding.
Massed and compact
front lawns announce timidly the arrival of spring. Small, buttercup-coloured
daisies stand out amongst the lush green, a green that is the result of heavy
downfalls (including Storm Doris) in London in the last fortnight. With the
temperature in double figures, but certainly not in the teens yet and a weak
sun bleeding orange rays I take the first step.
Up and down I go around
my urban jungle. After a while the route becomes flatter and my pace steadies. As
if in direct contradiction with my surroundings my energy levels rise as the
day slowly dies. By the time I reach mile fifteenth, the sun is but a spark
behind the buildings on the high road. I get home submerged in darkness. I check
my mileage and I feel pleased about reaching my goal. For some strange reason I
think back on the buttercup-coloured daisies, springing up amidst the lush
green of people’s front lawns.
© 2017
Photo taken by the blog author
Next Post: “Thoughts
in Progress”, to be published on Saturday 11th March at 6pm
(GMT)
Well done - even thinking about a marathon is a huge achievement. (There was a moment, towards the summit of Kilimanjaro, when I knew I couldn't do it. There are some mountains I simply can't climb. It wasn't such a terrible lesson, though it felt grim at the time. But I am in awe of anyone who hits that moment and doesn't just sit down and let the world run by.)
ReplyDeleteI think it is great that you are able to look at yourself and see your qualities, both good and bad. We all should do this, it can really help us to grow.
ReplyDeleteA moment can sure show us what we can do and what we need to do to get done what we want.
ReplyDeleteWow. I am awed. Well done. Stubborn has some very real benefits.
ReplyDeleteI tried running when I was younger but I'm built like a quarter horse, not designed for speed or long distance running.
ReplyDeleteWay to go!
ReplyDeleteI can't believe the Marathon is almost upon us again. Not only do I wish you well for the big day, I also congratulate you for the way you think about it, plan it, and put it into practice.
ReplyDeleteMucho animo a este maratón y buen entrenamiento, no dejes de hacer lo que creas que puedes hacer.
ReplyDeleteUn abrazo.
Good luck with the marathon. It takes a great deal of endurance.
ReplyDeleteI am impressed by your determination, which is my preferred synonym for stubbornness.
ReplyDeletegood to be stubborn sometimes. :)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful description! I can imagine the spring... And good luck with your marathon.
ReplyDeleteHi ACIL - congratulations on that run ... and such good luck with the rest of your preparations ... I guess mind over matter for a marathon ... keep on running ... cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteWhen it comes to preparing to run a marathon, (WOW!) that resilience and stubbornness will serve you well. Keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteI used to love to run, but not for long distances. I loved the exhilaration of running fast. Now, I mostly walk slowly. :)