Five loops of the village this morning in bright sunshine amounted to a half marathon. I haven’t run this far in some months now, so was quite anxious at the prospect. I actually tried to talk my way out of yesterday until Fionnuala gave me a pep talk, ‘encouraging’ me to lace my trainers up and hit the roads. Thankfully it was a warm, dry day with a slight breeze to cool me on certain sections of the route.
Some might think running the same route five times in a row would drive you insane, but I like the routine. It helps my pace and concentration levels, plus I’m never far from the house in case something goes awry. I see the same horse, the same cows, the same man out mowing his lawn and can drift along, eating up the miles with each passing lap. Lockdown can feel like Groundhog Day over and over again.
I go back to work tomorrow. It’s only a four hour shift but it’s a break from the routine. The lockdown has been extended until 28 May in Northern Ireland so it’s unlikely the office will open properly until early June at the earliest. There is talk of professional sport starting up then as well, albeit behind closed doors. It’s unlikely the schools will open again until September, so the kids remain at home learning online.
One of my dreams is to run ten loops of the village, a marathon distance. I ran half that today and felt I had a sixth lap in me, so it’s not beyond the realms of possibility. I dream of that day, just as we all dream of a return to some semblance of normality. Until then, we will continue to drift in ever decreasing circles, struggling to keep our head above water and spirits up. Wherever you are in the world reading this, I hope you are keeping safe and well.
Black Thoughts 
Wow. Fantastic.
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Thank you 😊
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Nice! I’m just off for my run, but promise it won’t be a half marathon! Just a shuffling 5km x
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Hope it went well 😊
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Quite respectable pace Mr. Black! Congratulations. I’m glad the weather and your wife’s encouragement worked together for you today. And a belated Happy Anniversary on seven years of putting forth your best self. You’ve had amazing accomplishments in the two years I’ve been following you. Well done!
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Thank you Sir 🙂
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Good to hear you’re running so well!
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One tries 😉
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Ha!
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How are you? Over the lurgy?
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Just! Thanks. It’s taken ages but am now better. How’s you?
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On the whole, good. Although cabin fever is starting to set in. Glad you are feeling better. Don’t give up on the book. I’m your first customer, remember?
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Congrats on the half marathon. That’s awesome.
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Thank you 😊
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That’s excellent, Stephen! I hope work goes well tomorrow.
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Thank you Shae. I’ll blog about it later 🙂
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I look forward to it!
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I walk at least two miles around the track when I am at work, which is 8 times around. I don’t mind it, really. I let my mind wander, or get immersed in a podcast or playlist. I started doing this after accidentally walking into traffic because I was so engrossed.
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Good for you. Keep it up 👍🏻
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Wow, that’s a good time/pace.
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Thank you 😊
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Once you get over 5 laps you may forget how many you have done! I once ran the Fife 50k, which was 14 laps of around 2 and a bit miles. As you suggest it wasn’t so bad, as there were drink stations at either end of the lap, so you could rehydrate as and when you felt like it. But that was ‘topped’ by a 24 hour race around a 400m track. You definitely needed counters then. Every 2 hours a bell would ring and you turned around at the start/finish line to go round the other way. Maybe you’ll have to try that next time, perhaps after every 2 laps? You’ll notice different things going the other way (like the horses head instead of tail). 😀
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Ha Ha. I think 26.2 miles is my limit but thanks for the offer 😂
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Congratulations on the accomplishment, it’s amazing what we can do with the caring and honest people in our corner cheering and cajoling as required. Good luck at work today.
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Thank you Deborah. I survived…just 🙂
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What a run congrats!!
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Thank you. Do you run?
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Only if I’m being chased 🤣(No, I am no runner)
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Ha Ha. I understand 😉
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Well done!
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Thank you Amanda 😊
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