Never mind the gaps...

[MickGJ]

I've noticed some people get a bit hung up if they end up having to leave a few days between runs. I don't think it's a bad thing at all.

After all sorts of big talk about getting into good habits on Monday I took one look out of the door on Wednesday and thought "no way Jose" (and by the way a huge hats off to those of you bravely ventured out that day in the rain and the dark and the beastly mud and oomska).

By Friday morning all sorts of negative voices were beginning to sound in my head ("quitter!") so to quell them I rushed out while the sun was shining, wondering how my new found "fitness" would hold up.

And it was fine, a personal best even (not to get carried away here, that time would secure me the coveted 342nd place on Park Run).

What does this mean? I believe that sometimes, particularly for the older ones among us, it's no bad thing to give the old bod an extra day or two to let it get its act together.

BTW Brockwell Park was beautiful today, the low winter sun was hitting the trees at just the right angle to make them shine against the sky like jewellery on blue cloth. I thoroughly recommend a trot round it if you're Sarf London based.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

It takes about two weeks of not running before you will begin to notice any decrease in condition. A few extra days rest normally brings you back revitalised.