Well, this is it, then. In a month, it will all be over. As so frequently, I would like to be able to make time slow down! Partly, of course, this is because it would be good to be better prepared: nearer my fundraising target and fitter. But also, I realise that this project has been fun! It's been a good challenge: demanding and hard work, but rewarding, too. It's given me the chance to talk with people (i.e., you) about a charity whose work makes a difference in my local area. I've needed to dedicate time to it, to make choices which haven't focussed just on my own desires and wishes. It has stimulated me to think about how best to achieve worthwhile goals. The running has made me conscious of my physical - and psychological - capacities and limitations. So I would definitely recommend such a project, even if it's not to be undertaken lightly.
Physically, I realise one cannot ignore one's age... OK, I don't think I've got one foot in the grave. But it has certainly been tougher than I expected trying to increase my fitness levels, and I'm far from satisfied with the results! It's frustrating, wanting to be able to run faster, further, and instead moving seamlessly from a painful leg to stomach cramps to back ache, or some other equally limiting trajectory. I've been doing some fairly long runs on recent Sundays, and it's fascinating observing myself. I set out, with a degree of trepidation. I find I can indeed still run, and bounce along energetically enjoying myself. Time passes, and I realise I have failed to conserve my energy for the distance I am attempting. I slow down. Things start to hurt. Bounce disappears and I risk injury as I plod onward. I think about getting back. I'm still more than an hour from home. I think I will never get there. I keep going anyway, my movements losing fluidity with every step. I arrive. I feel great. The aim for the next month is to learn to pace myself so that I might still be running at the end rather than barely raising my feet from the ground!
The donation from Caterplus has certainly made things look more healthy on the fundraising front; the total now stands at £1,325.88. That makes it sound a bit more believable that I might reach £2000 by the big day. On the other hand, the pool of friends yet to make a donation is, of course, shrinking as the total rises. Please help me spread the word further afield if you can!
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