The waiting is the hardest

I’ve never really been in a race before – the only times I can legitimately say I've run with others have only been training runs in the army – but it feels like that at the moment; standing at the line, the eager anticipation and anxiety; waiting for the timekeeper to shout “Go!”; egging time to move on, to fast-forward, so that life can too.

This morning’s run was 25 minutes around my local park, mainly fartleks. The air was very fresh after a night of showers, and all I had for company were little starlings and squirrels. After warm-ups, I gradually increased the number of faster sections as I went along and I think it showed in the loop times: 5:30, 5:00, 4:30, 4:10. My left knee was grumpy all the way and didn’t ease up at all, so I left it at that.

I thought through possible interview questions and answers in my head as I ran, which is a bit silly and presumptuous, considering the closing date for the job application at the school I really fancy is the 14th, and I haven’t yet been contacted about an interview. For all I know, they could put my resume in the bin at the first stage, which would be crushing, considering I’ve already gone all out to make sure that if I do get interviewed, I would impress. If they decide not to interview me, my efforts would have been for nought, but I’d rather use the time I have now and be prepared, rather than be called up and stress over not having time to do any preparations. Call it an investment. Wise one or not, I don’t know.

I need new running goals too. Last year, at this point in time, I re-started running after a half year of hiatus, and satisfied myself with how quickly I worked back to fitness. I aimed to exercise consistently over the colder and darker months, so that when the warmer months arrived I would have the benefit of being fairly fit already. I am now at this point in time. Running 8-minute miles, sub 2 hour marathons, 30-minute runs 3 or 4 times a week, seem so ordinary now. I’m getting a bit lackadaisical about running and it’s gradually becoming more and more of a to-do.

At the back of my mind I think if my job situation is clearer, I can move on with the other aspects of my life, like running. Everything is in a state of flux at the moment, involving a bit of plodding through, but that’s okay. Pigs are plodders. I can handle that.

Have a good week ahead, everyone!