Guest Post: What now??? ...by Pat Walsh

 ** What now **

There are more chapters in this Covid crisis that we can count. Every time we feel there is light, then another curveball comes along. Chapter 271 in the Never-Ending Story that is a Pnademic. I didn’t spell it wrong, I just don’t want to write it …

I feel like a runner at mile 20 of a Marathon who has heard they have moved the finish line a few miles further up the road. It was tough to this point and what is ahead of me now.

It was looking like, after a nervy winter, we would be back in glorious pasture, like the lambs in the fields come Springtime, and running and racing to our hearts content. 

And now a new variant ffs. I do think Ebenezer Scrooge who is a cold-hearted miser who despises Christmas from the famous Charles Dickens novel has come back to life and joined NPHET.
🥰

Fear not, we must stay positive.

It is the start of December and this year is nearly over I’m glad to say.
Famous last words but surely next year can’t be any worse.
We must continue to train as it is vital to keep our physical and mental health intact.
Don’t let it get you down. It isn’t easy on anyone but we must rise above the negativity.

“They might try to stop us going to the Panto but they cannot kill our sense of humour.”..... 'Braveheart'
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Positives 🏃

We are NOT back in Lockdown, we are free to travel and meet our friends for a run. 
The Supply Chain crisis that has hit some items, still has not hit the sales of coffee and muffins. The Horsebox Coffee spots are all open. A good coat and a woolly hat are vital bits of training equipment. More important than fancy Nike shoes.

The races of 2022 are being advertised and yes it is good to enter them and get a goal to aim for. I have entered some and I am hopeful.

A mile of running is a mile more than sitting on the couch.
Fresh air is vital every day. Exercise somewhere nice and scenic. Let the scenery enter your spirit.
Turn off the News, it is bad for you.
A walk or a cycle can be a suitable substitute for a run.
Enjoy your food but don’t go daft and spend all of January suffering to lose it.
Keep up the stretching and some strength work. Lifting a can of beer does not count as a bicep curl.
Watch comedy programs and films. Laugh out loud.
Run because there may not be much else to do.
🏃

Make plans with friends to stay running together, as support for December was always important with the deluge of food and drink that is about to hit for the next 4 weeks. It is always easier to go if you have made plans to meet. We don’t let one another down so we are more likely to go. Plan Plan and make more plans..
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Folks, maybe I am full of platitudes and spouting the same nonsense for the last 2 years, but what choice do we have. Don’t let it all overwhelm you and get too much to handle. Don’t be afraid to reach out if you need help. The nights are long and this can be a tough time of the year on everyone anyway. Don’t imagine it is brilliant for everyone else. It isn’t. You can message or contact me anytime.

Just keep going please. 
#pwr #keeponrunning