2006 - August

[Sweder]

Having read 'Looniness' (thanks SP) but not '26.2' I can't offer comparison.
All I will say is don't judge a running book until or unless you've read 'Feet In The Clouds' by Richard Askwith. I've read it twice now, and I still can't decide if I'm inspired or daunted by it. A bit of both I suspect. What I do know is I loved it almost as much as I enjoyed BB's race-by-installments epic - read it at http://www.runningcommentary.co.uk/forum....php?t=971 - one of the most enjoyable threads I've found anywhere on the joys of running.

I do know how Andy feels though.
When you've been through the 'back to running' agonies a few times you expect the 'magic' will return, wait for the mystical 'sign', some affirmation that your hard work is paying off. When that doesn't arrive - or, as in this case, takes longer than expected - you wonder if it will. Its a bit like a top striker going through a barren spell; all he needs is one goal, a 'shinner' or one that bounces in off his arse - anything to make him believe that he will score again. We need a wee sign, a glow, a tiny rush of endorphins, the feeling that, yes, I'd actually quite like to do that again . . . anything to tell us our efforts are making a difference.

It'll be hard for Andy carrying all that extra lard.
But all the more satisfying when the moment arrives.