Many of you will know the common weather related adage of “Red sky at night Shepherd’s delight, red sky in morning Shepherd’s warning”. Until this morning I was not aware that it originated from the Gospel of Matthew and, even more surprisingly, it has some basis in truth. Particularly for those of us that reside in the UK.
I set off this morning under the a glorious but portentous red sky. Most of the talk on this forum is that the first two week 6 runs, sandwiched between the 20 & 25 minute non-stop scuttles, are the most arduous. I completed the first of these much maligned ambles on Wednesday. It was tough physically and mentally. Thus, I was consumed with apprehension when my eyes met the crimson streaks that lit up the horizon.
I managed to strike a reasonable pace and there seemed to be less twinges than normal. Getting in to my stride early enabled me to disappear in to a philosophical reverie inspired by the aforementioned meteorological prophecy. So, who is my Shepherd on my C25K journey?
The most obvious answer would be the dulcet tones of my podcast buddy. Offering stop and go commands; guiding me along the path; and provided occasional warnings and encouragement. However, this seems more the role of the Shepherd’s, and human’s, most faithful friend, the Sheepdog. Man’s companion is only there when the sheep need motivating and moving with skilled efficiency. They aren’t there when I need raise my aching bones from bed or when I need to resist that cool, condensation dripping, bottle of beer. So, no, my C25K coach is not my Shepherd.
With this question still rolling around my rapidly tiring brain, I reached the end of the first 10 minute run. That went quite well. Nice easy pace; the longing for the time checks wasn’t too demanding; I feel good. Maybe the prediction of this run, and the signs that accompanied this morning, where wrong. With this creeping sense of confidence I completed my final walk break and set off for the final 10 minutes.
Suddenly, my legs started to feel heavy and my breath short. I’d not even reached the 5 minute marker and I think I might not make it. Even when that strained for comment from my coach stated I’d reached the half mark I was close to stopping.
Then, the epiphany struck (full of biblical references in this one!). It gave the strength to carry on. I was slow but I was moving. I was drawing strength from my Shepherd and I knew I was going to do it. 60 seconds remaining and, amazingly, I sped up. 30 seconds to go and I’d broken out in to a trot. I’d finished. I was there.
And, when I really needed them, my Shepherd was there. The encouragement, the advice, the uplifting stories, the struggles overcome.
Yes, when the sky issued the warning my Shepherd stood up and threw that blanket of warmth over me. The thoughts that burst in to my head in that moment, before I might stop, were knowing that always had the support I needed.
For my Shepherd is you. This one is for you, my friends, and I thank you.
a few words from the little old pot bellied running machine
Week five day three woohoo
Why do fools fall in love? 
W5R3 & Red Jacket Energy!
