42. Running through the puddles

Mile 39 – Smooth and easy, although very cold.

I’m sure you have all been at the start of off-road races at this time of year, fully expecting to end up covered in mud. When you reach the first big puddles there may be people in front of you who are trying to keep their new trail shoes clean and dry by creeping around the edges, clinging to the brambles and barbed wire for balance. I am guilty of being the one to run through the middle of the puddle, heralding a chorus of complaints as I soak them. Sorry if it was you. There is little point trying to keep dry: there will be a bigger puddle around the corner, plus the middle of the puddle often has the firmest ground underneath, especially where it is part of a stream.

I have tried a few types of footwear over the years and it’s not the season for barefoot running. Goretex waterproof shoes keep your feet warm if you are running through the dew on the grass, but an ankle deep puddle can leave you with a shoe-full. I prefer porous shoes while wearing waterproof socks, you can go a bit deeper with those and perhaps keep some feeling in your toes.

During this cold spell I have been walking a lot and I think we can officially say I no longer have a problem with mobility. Armed with my walking boots, I left Sue behind and walked up Wolstonbury Hill three times this week. There were puddles aplenty and I must admit to having worked around the edges.

On Saturday I set out early; I would say before sunrise but the sun didn’t really rise at all. It was much colder: even the trig point was shivering.

Healthwise, I’m feeling fine, as the hill walking suggests – I could not have imagined doing that two weeks ago when I had hurt my ankle. The cold weather triggered a violent outburst of red, blotchy dry skin on my forehead at the start of the week but lashings of aqueous cream sorted that out. This Wednesday we will visit the consultant, probably leading to some more tests as well as finding out what treatment is next.

My hair is starting to grow in earnest now and it is beginning to hide the white patch on the top of my head. However, there is a way to go before I’ll be able to comb a parting.

Socially everything was on hold, unless you count the gas man coming to service the boiler. We postponed a planned lunch with friends because of the cold weather, then we proved we were right to do so by going out for a Full English at a garden centre. Even with blankets on our laps and a heater pointing at us, it was freezing, and the toast was cold by the time we got to it. I think Sue said something about it being someone’s stupid idea, but I wasn’t really paying attention.

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The shelving business has been busy at Tim and Sarah’s new house: all installed now and without me drilling into any pipes or electric cables.

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One dark, moody night, frustrated by the isolation, I (virtually) braved the crowds to photograph the sights of London.

As for Sue, she is seeking inspiration for her own ways to cope.

Thanks for reading and take care.