October 2, 2005

October 2, 2005
I’m wracked with doubt again.
I really went for it on Friday, or thought I did. I ran from Canary Wharf to Tower Bridge, crossed the bridge, passed the mayor’s landmark offices and HMS Belfast, coming back north over London Bridge and then east again to Singapore-by-Bow.
Sounds a lot, and it is. I was cream crackered.
But 7 miles at this stage is a little disappointing. I had hoped for 8, but the ruler of truth when I measured it out at work on my computer screen said 6.9.
I sought solace by breaking my 4-day fag boycott.
Naturally, I got the justification I needed by first calling my running buddy, the Doctor, and satisfying myself that he was still puffing.
I need to find another 3 miles from somewhere in just one week. I need to find another 45-50 percent.
Talking to the Doc and others, I get the sense that I will still probably finish the 10 mile course next Sunday, helped along by the crowd. 1 hour 45 mins is my aim.
But I’m under no illusion that it is going to be anything other than a mare. “Just do it,” as the advert says.
As for running the London Marathon next April – that’s just flipping ridiculous.
I keep putting it off but for how much longer?
There are pressing lifestyle issues that I keep meaning to confront, not least the cigarettes.
I learnt today that Uncle Manolo had become the third of mum’s siblings to be diagnosed with cancer. It’s of the sarcophagus, so we’re hopeful that it will be successfully cut out. Still.
My attitude to fags is similar to my attitude to drink and food. I’m a refined glutton.
It’s who I am.
This time last week I was living the life of a bon viveur, in gastronomic heaven, ordering £50 wines in a 2-Michelin star restaurant in a shabby chic 5-star Spanish hotel. I still haven’t got round to writing about my 4 nights in Andalucia – Mrs. Spanish Bill’s 40^th birthday present. But I will do. In the meantime here are some photos.
This time next week I could be running easily my longest distance yet --  10 straight miles.
So many contradictions, so little time.