I run, so you dont have to
I’ve read everyone else’s tips on how to ‘slay the dragon’. Here are mine. I haven’t seen these anywhere else, so hopefully they bring something new. Please forgive me if anything below sounds harsh. I will try to be as gentle as possible. The truth is, it is a harsh race, and there are some harsh realities that come with it…
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While I was learning Swahili in Kenya, I would take the opportunity to practise speaking with school kids that ran alongside me. They would be on their way to or from school, barefoot mostly. They had no idea that they were doing this mythical, legendary thing that the whole running world talks about. They were just a bit tired and wanted to get home for dinner. Sometimes they would run, sometimes they would walk. They were not training for the next Olympics, there was no plan, it was just a part of their daily life. Most of them would not grow up to be involved in running, or any other sport. But, being fit and strong enough, most could, if they had the opportunity.
That is what I want for my kids. For them to be in a position to have as many choices and opportunities as possible. Being fit and strong helps. Running a bit, every day, is the best single way of achieving that.
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I need something to focus on. I decide on the Quarry Incline Challenge. A bloody big incline around 240m long and 31% gradient. You can see it from everywhere in town, once a track to pull slate up and down the quarries.
I do not want to run the National Cross Country champs this year. I don’t want to do the 3 and a half hour drive. I don’t want to run around in the mud. I’m tired. I’d rather stay here with my family. But the problem of being an athlete/ coach, is you have to lead by example. I wouldn’t be very happy if one of my athletes said they didn’t do a race that had been in their schedule for months, because they couldn’t be bothered.
Monday morning, I am a daisy that has been crushed under a pile of bricks. Getting out of bed is herculean. I am sneezing and aching and everything hurts. I try to convince myself it’s all in my head. My head tells me to fuck off.
If you look at my race results for 2019, it has been a disaster. No legit Personal Bests anywhere, two atrocious road marathons, 2 failures to make the GB team, and even a few DNFs (Did Not Finish) next to my name.
Thankfully, the results aren’t what I remember. Well, of course I remember them, but they are not as important to me as all the adventures I’ve had. It has been an incredible year for adventuring, both in running, in life, and in running life. Silly.
