This is heavy, Doc

I wanted to do an entry today to my future self, as I got a few things I’d like to say to that dude that may help him. People say you should look after the future, so I think it’s important you take care of you in the future, don’t you? If you’ve no idea what I’m on about, then either walk away slowly now or read on…

Hi Future Andy – how’s the training going? I’m just starting the schedule that you’re probably way into right now. It seems a little daunting at the moment, but I really don’t know just how tough it’s going to get. Currently, it’s just a spreadsheet with a bunch of numbers. To you, it must be a record of past successes and pain to come. So what good am I to you now? Well, quite simply I’m here to remind you why you started doing it.

Bottom line: you want this marathon. Ten years ago was another place, another lifetime, another you. You like a challenge and it’s about time you had one more big one. You don’t have anything to prove, but you remember that feeling last time, don’t you? The one where all the training, all the doubts, the pain, the frustration, the worry all morphed into one big vat of sheer pride and delight as you crossed that line. A moment was born, and was yours to keep. It’s about time that moment had a sibling.

So, no matter how hard it is where you are, keep at it. Whether it’s the relief of a light Monday 5 miles, an unthinkable Wednesday 10, or the dread of a Saturday spent seemingly endlessly on your feet, it’ll be worth it in the end.

Oh, and if Future-Future Andy is reading this – having already done the marathon – go away and stop being so smug. We’ve got some running to do…