Chapter Five - November Rain

Now this can’t be right.  Several weeks in and I’m still feeling motivated.  I even ran up Scottish hills I had no need to do (ie on my own, and not in a race) in the pouring rain, and enjoyed (almost) every minute of it.

When put into context (I was in Scotland anyway for a conference, and running gave me a reason to get outside for an hour) it doesn’t sound too grand.  But six months ago I would never have done it.  What’s more, I came back on such a post-run high that I sailed through three hours of work that I had considered ignoring before I went out.  When I started this malarkey I was concerned about how I would fit running in around work, but it turns out that it actually makes me work longer, faster and better.  I was right – this can’t be right…

Another wonderful thing happened to me in Scotland.  I won a vacuum cleaner in a raffle.  Given that I was at the conference representing the Association of Healthcare Cleaning Professionals (the voice of choice for all matters relating to healthcare cleaning) this was rather apt.  As I lugged the blessed thing around Edinburgh airport, I wished I’d got the £100 John Lewis vouchers, but once home I changed my mind.  I’ve even vacuumed the stairs, and anyone who’s been to my house will know that this doesn’t happen often.

Top wonderful thing?  £60.01 raised by Jaz parkrunning with no makeup.  Personally, I couldn't see the difference, but people stumped up none-the-less.

This week I have mostly been wet, clean and happy.

PS – phrases you thought you’d never use…

“post-run high”

“enjoyed every minute of it”

“ran up hills … in the pouring rain”

“vacuumed the stairs”
"£60.01"

PPS – I know the lyrics of November Rain have nothing to do with the topic, but the title was too good to pass up