Knocking the rust off

You know when something gets old as the rust starts to appear around the edges. Then gradually the rust spreads, until eventually it falls apart. How do you halt the spread, you can buy sprays, you can chip away, but unless you are very careful, the rust has overtaken your hard work and things do fall apart.

Well, my running has become rusty since Prague. I took a rest to recover, and the rust started to appear. I had a few runs, just light jogs really, but the rust had started to take over, and until about 10 days ago, I was in danger of falling apart. So, how do I stop the spread? The weight had returned, notably around that special male area of "Dummy Tummy", and I felt unhealthy. There are no sprays to clear this bodywork, just the appliance of hard work.

So last week, I recommenced training, rather than simply running. It was hard. Those first few runs did little to inspire confidence, had the rust taken hold? But, unlike the old banger parked on the drive, this old runner knocked a few spots away, and now I feel ready to re-apply myself to my goals. There is still some lingering around the edges, but another few days and I can start to apply the wax to the bodywork. By the end of next month I'll be shining new again.

You may not be able to turn back the path of time, but you can hold it in check a little - It just gets harder as we get older.

P.S. OK, that's Ecuador fallen by the wayside, so it's on to cheer Portugal next Saturday, and Spain tonight -