A rare glance at my biorhythm chart today told me I've been on this planet for an astounding 30,280 days. It prompted me to work out another couple of facts, i.e. how many of those days have I actually been able to call myself a runner, and how many miles have I run since I began in April/86? The answers were equally astounding; 10,590 days and 37,828 miles - an average of 3.57 miles per day. For 29 years. Someone recently asked "What would be your number one tip or piece of advice to give to a new runner?" I answered in just one word - Consistency.
The above figures should prove my point.
Somehow, last Saturday, I managed to pick up a niggling little ankle injury as I ran back over Bycliffe Hill during an eight mile run. So I've been limping a bit. And moaning a lot. Sunday was an appalling day weatherwise, so I may not have run in that stuff anyway, and today I'd to attend the funeral of a close neighbour - Iwan (John) Sinicki, a grand old man who, in spite of living through a disrupted childhood, then the horrors of a war-torn Poland, lived to the ripe old age of 93.
The above figures should prove my point.
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| Where skylarks sing, by the sparkling dam at Cupola Corner |
I hadn't intended limping along to the cemetery for the committal, after a service in Almondbury Methodist Church, but finished up following the procession a quarter of a mile or so to the grave side, and was glad I did. It was a warm Spring day. The sun shone bountifully and during the 'dust to dust', as flowers were strewn into his open grave, a song thrush sang and a blackbird briefly joined in too, adding a touch of sweetness to the dark suited solemnity.
I'd like to think they miss him too.
I'd like to think they miss him too.
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| R.I.P |
Now that John has departed only nine people remain in our little block of houses below Castle Hill, and I'm now promoted to eldest - which is a little worrying. Might be time to start writing a few notes to spice up my Eulogy.....
Don't make any plans just yet. We want to read about your running adventures for a long, long time to come :) .
ReplyDeleteHa ha, if I live as long as Iwan (John) I've another 10 years yet, though I'd like to get farther than that! Must keep on taking the pills.....
DeleteCheers!
A very nice tribute to 'Iwan (John) Sinicki' RIP
ReplyDeleteHope your ankle 'niggle' is ok now - look forward to reading more about your runs, especially as Spring weather should be more settled I hope.
All the best Jan
Thanks Jan. Ankle still niggling this morning - so went back to bed. Very annoying....
DeleteCheers!
Ha Ha Ha I would say I've always been a runner and I really hope I'm still running if I'm lucky (or unlucky) to live as long as you. I haven't added up the miles of late, but I did reach 100 000km back in Septmber last year!
ReplyDeleteTo a new runner I recently told her to run every day... but I also told her to know which days to turn home early, your body will tell you when to rest. make it a habit to head out.
My mother-in-law is 92 and still walks up stairs no problem, but she is tired and keeps saying she wants to go to sleep... I always say: don't mourn the dead celebrate their life.
Hi there Coach. We were trying to celebrate John's life, with a hearty rendering of 'Lord of the Dance', but our Minister was too straight-faced, serious and mournful in his reading of the eulogy. It felt such a relief to get back out into the sunshine and hear the birds singing, both of which, as a keen gardener, John loved.
DeleteI'm still not running. Common sense tells me to rest, but I find that hard. The offending Rt ankle still isn't strong enough to allow me to go up and down with toes on the edge of a step - if you know what I mean.
Hope I'm still as agile as your mother in law at 92. Might have burnt myself out by then....
Cheers!