Friday 21st April

Just over a week to go and I’m not going to be fit for it. Infection into the lungs and chest is really tight when I try to run. Only manage 3.75 miles today before breathing becomes a real issue. If running with legs crossed was difficult, running anaerobically is impossible. Finally succumb to the need for antibiotics.

Saturday 22nd April

No running – just lots of R&R. Go to the cricket club to watch Junior play in a pre-season friendly. A few of the spectators who I haven’t seen since last season come over to introduce themselves – they say I look a wee bit like a fat bloke who used to go there, and ask if I’m related?

Sunday 23rd April

Do 2.5 miles, just to keep active, but don’t even think of going further. Coughing acts as airbrakes, but at least it’s clearing my chest a little.

Tuesday 25th April

Meet up with Envelope Stuffers Anonymous to help get the URSC Newsletter to the masses, so I don’t get home until mid evening, - sans dinner. Nevertheless, the “biotics” are beginning to have an effect, so I go out for another 2.5 miles, but don’t try to go further. I don’t feel as bad as I have in the past week or so, but the old back injury is beginning to give a bit of jip.

Wednesday 26th April

Mulligan’s done us proud with his piece in the Snoozeletter (although he doesn’t give me a “picture credit”). Much hilarity around work, as my work colleagues see this “finely tuned athlete” (did Mulligan mean “finally - a tube of an athlete”?) hobbling around swallowing voltarol, and codeine like it’s going out of fashion. Some start to speculate what they’ll spend their refund on when I have to pay back their sponsor money – FAT CHANCE!!!! At least the “biotics” seem to be doing their job even if the painkillers aren’t – YET.
NO RUNNING!

Thursday 27th April

The serious bit - Perhaps I should explain the causes of the current predicament: About 18 years ago I had an accident in which I suffered a double fracture of my lower spine. I have also had two less serious but still nasty neck injuries. These have caused me trouble off and on ever since (I believe it’s called Arthur-itis!). Now just happens to be one of those times. It was the lower back accident that finally brought an end to my sporting adventures (such as they were), and subsequently caused me to put on so much weight. I have made a number of half-hearted attempts over the years to lose this, but this is the first time I’ve actually had a realistic target to go for and I’ve actually succeeded in losing weight. Despite my whinging (overstated) and whatever the outcome on Monday, I will be grateful to Mulligan and my team-mates for asking me to partake in this venture. Any pain and illness I’ve had, I would have had anyway (ok, I could have done with a few less soakings and freezing nights), but all in all I feel so much better than I did 2-3 months ago. One or two people have commented that I have been very unfortunate with injuries over the years (there are many more breakages, strains and torn bits that I haven’t listed here), but I consider my self VERY fortunate that despite those injuries I’m still able to take part in things like this. I’m still able to run (slowly), and I’m still able to joke about it. There are some who have had injuries, albeit worse than mine, who can no longer take these things for granted. It sounds melodramatic, but I know some of my own acquaintances 18 years ago when they heard the news thought I would be in a wheelchair. At times the pain has been almost unbearable, and at the moment I really am struggling, but I WILL GET ROUND ON MONDAY! It might take a bit longer than I hoped, but I’ll get there. Thanks to all those who have supported me in this, by sponsorship, an email, a PM on a message board, a kind word in my ear or by responding to this daft diary. If you turn out to watch us and everyone else running, walking or crawling around the Belfast marathon course on Monday, spare a thought for those who would love to be able to take part, but can’t.

And don’t forget,

Send us your money for the Parkinson’s & Alzheimer’s Charity!

Pledge your support on the FRU homepage now!

Over and Out
Grumps