Keep sweeping the cobwebs off the moon

I finally managed to get my knee problem recognised by the NHS, when I changed doctor a while back.  I recently had a second appointment with a consultant, following X-rays and MRI.  The news was not good, the condition is considered degenerative and untreatable.  When I asked about running, the reply contained phrases like "there comes a time...".

While I have no intention of denying what is happening to me and taking up chanting, whacky diets or any other fashionable fringe behaviour, I do intend to run until it becomes impossible.  I will continue to modify my training to minimise impact and maximise what time I have left.  I will also make damn sure that the quality of what running I can manage is exceptionally high.  Not that any of that was of much relevance for a while after the diagnosis.  Surgery for another body malfunction (also misdiagnosed by my old GP) prevented me from doing much after the Rainow Five.  I didn't even manage a walk further than sixteen miles in 2016.  I'll just 'Keep sweeping the cobwebs off the moon'.¹

Glad I wasn't out when this oak broke.  Frightening when I think how many times I have run under this large branch!!

Now I have recovered from that, I commute by bicycle, around forty miles a day, and walk for three miles in my lunch break, to keep fit without stressing the knee unduly.  This also helps with my general mental well being, but leaves me with very little spare time in the week.

Review of stats. suggests that events and routes are what interest people most.  I intend to continue the blog.  Hopefully I will manage a few events though they will have to be short ones.  I will also report on some longer routes, even if they are only walked with a 'runner's eye'.  On average I am managing to run less than once a week.

When I can run, five miles seems as easy and natural as when I was running regularly, so the keep fit strategy must be working.


¹ For non jazzers , 'Keep sweeping the cobwebs off the moon' is a wonderful jazz age 'accent the positive' song.  My favourite version is by Lee Morse.  I have to admit that while the cheer is infectious it is tinged with a sadness that the performances belong to a distant past.  Rather apt in the circumstances.