This is a local saying, one often used by my late father, usually when there was something onerous to be done.
Tomorrow I have the long road...my first HM race. I haven't really told many about it, mainly as my focus will be on simply making it round. So, for this one I'm not fundraising or anything. I'll be dedicating it to my da, and my brother Declan, and hoping they can, in spirit at least, push me round the last miles.
Declan was killed in an accident in September 2007, at the age of 42. Da died in the following September, a year to the day. So, this challenging run - in September - seems fitting to their memory somehow.
Declan was no runner, but he took on the London Marathon after his friends teased him about being 'over the hill' at 40. The wager got bigger and he took on the challenge. He had never run the length of himself up until then. Downloaded a training plan, and 8 months later, finished the marathon in 3:56:46. I teased him "what kept you!". In all seriousness he replied, "the guy I was running alongside started to buckle at the knees at mile 20, so I stopped and pushed him round" I checked the results today. They both finished at exactly the same time. (Electronic records are great - out there in cyberspace, is his record.) After the marathon, Declan gave up running.
And then there is my Da. His September memory comes in the form of a hankie. He couldn't abide paper tissues! "Useless things!". Even on admission to hospital, he made sure he would only wear pyjamas with a top pocket. His hankie went into that pocket, and its my abiding memory of him in the hospital bed, always patting his pocket to make sure the hankie was there. He was right though, about hankies. They don't shred, and they are softer on your nose I'll have one with me tomorrow.
The other thing about my da was his sheer energy and willpower - "made of steel" his friends used to say. He never sat down. I remember him laying bricks for a large shed. Three of my brothers were mixing cement, and couldn't keep up with him. He was in his 60s, they in their late teens. So I'm hoping I can draw on his energy and willpower.
I'll need all the help I can get. I'm 62, and Type 1 diabetic. I've only been training for 6 weeks (after a few 10ks, and one practice at the HM distance). So, its going to be tough.
I'm hoping their willpower can get me round; that they are both at each elbow in the last miles. If you have a quiet minute tomorrow morning, send me a bit of energy too. I'll need all the help I can get - this aul one is for the long road!
Great North Run. I did it 🏅
Personal best in Ealing!
Do you use gels and how do you use them?
Can't quite believe this but I actually did it!