It’s been a very charitable few days. Christmas seems to have brought out the good in people, and I, for one, have shamelessly exploited it. So this chapter is dedicated to all the people who have responded to my pleas for support, sent by the medium of Christmas cards.
I’ve been touched by the generosity people have shown, even when accompanied by strangled exclamations of surprise; nay, amazement. You see, for many of my friends from the past, I’m remarkable only for my sloth, and my determination to avoid exercise at all costs. The Liz Jones (Barnes) they knew is a whole sack-full of couch potatoes, who shudders at the very thought of breaking into a sweat, and who can’t even spell “run”, let alone do it. How we do change when confronted with our own mortality.
I’m not the only charity trail-blazer. My good friends Russ and Joe have been raising money too – Russ by running 78 miles in subzero conditions, and Joe by busking likewise. Looks like Project 65 (Russ) and the Desk and Chair Foundation (Joe) will be seeing a bit of Christmas cheer as well as Age UK. Add to them the Wise Man who raffled a star, and it’s all looking warm and cosy.
Runs this week have been mainly short and slow (indeed, two of them turned into walks) but a crisp cross-country in Middleton Woods proved the perfect start to my Christmas break. Short hill session tomorrow, then parkrun Leeds on Christmas Day. Bring it on, Santa.
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