So...

It was all going so well... Five weeks after starting back again from illness I ran a comfortable hilly twelve miler. I was fine the next week and then bam...

My legs just seemed to pack up!

Now this could have been over training so I cut right back...but the aching was still severe and then randomly my wisdom tooth became inflamed followed swiftly by my throat. I suspected a combination of travel, training and infection was getting the better of me and so on return out came the tooth and in went antibiotics... Lots of very strong ones which due to the nature of the infection and a further complication I am still on!

I really felt like dropping out the other day. 20 minute jogs were a struggle... Then we went on the Club Rainbow treasure hunt and picnic.

Russel the boy in our group who has cerebral palsy never stopped smiling. During the morning he was helped out of his wheelchair for some walking therapy. He managed about 100m before he needed a rest but that was good enough for him and everyone cheered him on. He doesn't give up and stop enjoying life as much as possible every morning when he wakes up with his own personal challenges ahead of him just to get through the day. He certainly doesn't feel sorry for himself or resign to indifference. He wants to get on and do as much as he can despite how frustrating it must be.

So, Russel thank you for your inspiration and your smiles. Today I managed a very steady 45mins and tomorrow we will see. I am lucky, I won't be stuck on this medication forever. It doesn't matter that I might not make my goal time...it matters that I finish it. If I skip the SAFRA half next month it won't matter if I can still raise some money in December for these kids and their families. They NEVER give up and they are my inspiration!