In for the long run?

Did my third run in the Royal Parks at lunchtime today.

It feels like I'm doing so much more training all of a sudden. Maybe the new haircut has helped? Definitely, doing the Royal Parks Half Marathon on sunday makes me miss this training ground which is right on my doorstep (as opposed to the gym which is a 10 minute walk from the office).

 Hyde Park is more pleasant in sunset than in the middle of the day. The traffic at Hyde Park corner were a little discouraging, but once you are in, its a quiet world. No keen bird feeders or roaring crowds...it is a place to chill out. The labyrinth of paths is easy to confuse, and with the shortening day, one cannot loiter, but to head back to base.... Green Park, the closer alternative and a runner's lunchtime favourite (as opposed to picturesque St James's), is a source of 'hill training' in the flat london. and now, with part of the park blocked off for new escalators for the tube station, one can almost imagine standing near the boards, overlooking the near-empty deck chairs...in a dreary lunchtime.

A new era, new gear? A visit to the podiatrist this morning is bringing this back to earth...it is the person (me - sometimes called 'athlete' in such visits, although I never seen myself to be one) that needs to heal, and all the treatment, gear, only makes minimal difference.

Am I in this for the long run? or am I going to hang up my trainers after VLM 2011? Initial visits were more about financial considerations...but now it is a bit more than that. Do I like the endurance for the love of running?  Injury happens when one exceeds the body's threshold...have I not pushed myself to the limit? Do I know where the limit is when I have never been a 'sporty person'?

When does one walk away? or not join in the fun? Is it always about chasing a PB? or enjoying the ride?

Ok. One more race this year, and then I will allow my injuries to heal.....