The natural born runner

Are all GPS devices inaccurate?

We're running exactly the same circular route every day at the moment, sometimes one way and sometimes the other. Why then does my Garmin Forerunner 101 vary in the distance it says we're covering by about 5%?

It's not that important, but when you're trying to encourage someone who is trying to get into running and you know they have run a bit faster today but your GPS device says it's slower, it's not that helpful.

On the running in old trainers without insoles front, my plantar fasciitis is definitely getting better. I have to concentrate to identify any remaining soreness. I tell you it's working!

Today's quote from "Born To Run" is "a Natural Born Runner - someone who ran for sheer joy, like an artist in the grip of inspiration".

Now that's something to aspire to.

You live up to your own expectations

"this ninety-five-year-old man came hiking twenty miles over the mountain. Know why he could do it? Because no one ever told him he couldn't. No one ever told him he oughta be off dying somewhere in an old age home. You live up to your own expectations..."

Another quote from my book of the decade (so far) - Born To Run.

That's my goal in life - to be that 95-year-old hiking over mountains because I don't know any better. But for now it's just day 53 in my run a mile each day programme.

While I was in the shower this morning, I worked out that I have already lived more days than my Dad did. He died at the age of 54, my age now, but I am already closer to my 55th birthday than he ever got.

When I look at it like that, each day is a blessing, each run is an incredible blessing. I feel so lucky and privileged to have been given the ability and the freedom to just lace up my shoes and be in motion with nature and the elements.

Blimey, I'm coming over all profound!

So anyway, my expectations? To love life, the people and experiences I encounter from day to day, and to stretch myself physically, mentally and spiritually a little more each day.

How long for? Who the hell knows but it's a stunning journey while it lasts.

Day 52 - fun and play

Wet and cold today. I do love this country and our variety of weather, quite often all in the same day.

This is the 4th day that I've run with Nicky on her "Run for Lent" initiative. For me running is not about competition, it is about fun and connection. When running with someone else, it is a great opportunity to share and connect, and when I run on my own it is an opportunity to connect with myself and with nature.

Sounds a bit "woo woo" I know, but running is the closest I've ever got to a meditative state. Most of my best creative ideas come to me when I'm running, particularly when it's just me and nature.

But the key for me is running should be about joy, fun and inspiration. When I get to pain, suffering and struggle, I know that I'm doing it wrong.

Sunshine and frost

A glorious morning, still cold, but just gorgeous.

Headline on this week's edition of "The Week" magazine = "Is exercise a waste of time?"

Are they having a laugh?

Surely the inspiring performance of Amy Williams last night at the Winter Olympics will inspire many, many people to get up off their backsides and just go out and get their breath flowing and their blood pumping in any way they choose.

The older I get, the more I know the power of exercise, and I'm so thankful for learning to love the joy, fun, camaraderie and energy that exercise gives you, back when I was at school.

It's got to be more effective, more powerful and certainly less damaging than anti-depressants or the way most of us choose to positively alter our mood.

Day 50 - The wonderful foot

Apparently, "Leonardo da Vinci considered the human foot, with its fantastic weight-suspension system comprising one quarter of all the bones in the human body, a "masterpiece of engineering and a work of art.""

"No wonder your feet are so sensitive..... They're self-correcting devices. Covering your feet with cushioned shoes is like turning off your smoke alarms."

Both above quotes come from the wonderful "Born To Run" book I mentioned yesterday.

As I was working at home all day yesterday, I wore slippers (I can't believe I finally bought bedroom slippers!) around the house. I noticed this morning that my mild plantar fasciitis was slightly worse, so today only socks will grace my feet unless I leave the house.

I'm becoming more and more fascinated with the whole barefoot movement and think I'll do some research.

Anyway, 50 consecutive days of running. That feels like a milestone (pardon the pun) that is quietly satisfying.

And by the way, I can't believe it was trying to snow again during this morning's run!