Yes week two of MLC Man's fourth triumphant return has been marked by a rather special occasion. Today commemorates 1000 days since I took that first tentative jog nearly three years ago. Of course only a number slut like me who records everything diligently in a spreadsheet would be able to mark an occasion such as this, and tis true that I didn't realise it was day #1000 until I actually recorded today's humble 5km in said spreadsheet. But there it is, and a cause for pause for thought it is too.
Not that there's actually much to celebrate. If I was so shameless as to tell you what I've actually run in terms of kilometres you'd be singularly unimpressed. As I am
But, at least I'm hanging in there. And I'm hanging in there because I still enjoy it, despite all the frustrations that have gone with it over the last 1,000 days.
I think the enjoyment aspect is sometimes overlooked in the incredible details that are involved with running (as spreadsheet freaks know only too well). But I read a very wise bit of advice by a runner/physiotherapist/coach who, when asked about shin splints and how you know when to run through them and when to stop running, simply said "We forget that running should be enjoyable. I don't have a problem with someone running off shin splints. You are the only one who can say when you should stop running, and that's when the pain causes you stop enjoying it."
Nice, simple advice.
So anyway, day number 1,000 came and went without fuss or fanfare, and with virtually none of my running goals achieved. But in truth, the goals aren't that important. As long as I keep running the goals will be achieved. The time frame doesn't matter so long as I'm still having fun. And the longer it takes, the more of an achievement for me it will be anyhow.
So, I'll continue to record every kilometre in my laptop, and I'll happily ignore the fact that I've covered many days, but very few kilometres, and just get on with it. Coz it's fun. And deep down, that's really why I run - not to meet my silly synthetic goals formulated in ignorance, but to have fun running.
Yeah.
Who knows what the next 1,000 days will bring? So long as I'm still having fun, I really don't mind if I don't reach my goals - the only really important goal is to have fun with it. And thus far, I am
Man I need a beer. So why the *&!% am I drinking coffee???
July. Just July.
