A Happy New Year to all KOS visitors. For anyone who has missed my previous blogs, I am in training to run my first ever London Marathon, which this year sees a change of sponsor from Flora to Virgin. I hear Mr Branson intends to run on 25th April along with the rest of us so don't be surprised if you see Virgin trainers in a sports shop near you soon!
Next, I need to say a big thank you to Sir William Cubitt. Why? Well, Bill was good enough to create the treadmill back in 1817. Initially used on inmates in prison as a way of reforming them, the treadmill has now become a staple in even the most basic of gyms. When it's below zero for the umpteenth day in row and the ice is glistening on the frozen roads, the sight of a treadmill can actually generate tears of affection.
OK, I'll admit treadmills are rarely set in amongst the most spectacular of scenery. Apart from the occasional well toned female passing en route to the cross trainer you either gaze at the wall or try to decipher what's on the wall-mounted television by moving dangerously near the edge of the treadmill belt to see around the person who's on the cycle in front of you. That said, the treadmill offers the opportunity to get miles under you belt when the weather suggests venturing outside is not the best option. It also allows you to push yourself in a way that road running doesn't always do.
Who hasn't played mind-games with treadmill? With five minutes left on the clock you dare yourself to up the speed....14.5..."Oh hell"...14.5...."How long is five minutes?"....15.5...16.0..."If the clock doesn't stop now I'm gonna fly straight off this machine and crash into the back wall".
I hope everyone out there had a great Christmas. I'll tell you what, that Santa bloke really knows his stuff. No sooner had I signed up to run the marathon than Father Christmas decides to replace all the usual presents (alcohol, chocolate and slippers) with incredibly 'useful' things like running shorts (x 2 pairs), running socks (x 3 pairs), cold weather running tops (x 2) and new trainers (x 1). Somehow I think others are taking my attempt seriously!
Soon after tearing into the Christmas goodies under the tree and boosted by the plethora of new gear I did the unthinkable. I donned a pair of shorts and running top, supplemented this with a ridiculous Mickey Mouse hat and length of tinsel and set of for a very brief circuit of Hereford city centre. Fortunately there were very few people about but, I did worry that the elderly lady pensioner who drove past me would end up in the hedge as she tried to contain her laughter!
Although praising the virtues of the treadmill, there is nothing like a run out in the Herefordshire countryside and armed with hat and gloves (why do gloves never keep my hands warm? and why do I look such a prat in a bobble-less hat?) I completed a fifteen miler on New Years Day to welcome in the 'Teenies'. Thankfully, despite one too many the night before I felt good and relatively pain-free. I hope this continues.
With less than sixteen weeks until the big day staying injury-free is the name of the game.
Until next time, check out the photos and enjoy a laugh at my expense!
Even better, if you can spare a few quid to help me towards my £2,000 total for Macmillan Cancer Support, please visit my JustGiving site here
Ian Sockett
