Monday, November 28, 2011

Flash!

As I rounded the corner into Vicarage Avenue and the warmth and comfort of my own home, I could see the banner held up by various Family members and friends which read "Well done! 100 miles run for Children in Need...you're our hero"...as I neared the group of cheering people , I felt a mighty pride well up within me as I realised that all the nights of running on darkened pavements in the rain, wind and cold had brought me to this unimaginable climax to a month of almost nightly runs of 5 miles.

I collapsed into the arms of my gathered friends and felt the warmth of the blanket wrapped around my shoulders and the steaming mug of hot chocolate thrust into my hands. this was the most wonderful and unlooked for achievement of my inactive and once overweight life!

Of course, the above description isn't entirely accurate...in fact everything except one fact is true ( assuming you cannot have false facts!)...Today I did reach and surpass my target of running 100 miles in November! I honestly cannot believe that I've been able to do it bearing in mind that it was only a few short months ago in May that I was overweight and unable to walk briskly for 20 minutes without becoming sweaty and out of breath ( well almost!)....Now I'm running on average 5 miles every evening ( with the occasional night off )

Reaching my target, I  felt like fireworks were going off inside my chest...my head...my legs...I took a photo of myself on my Mobile as I passed the point where the maps said I'd reached my goal...looking at the photo, it reminded me of the final scene of Flash Gordon...a moment when the hero is victorious..the moment for celebration has arrived...it's a scene in the film that ( wait for it!) has caused tears to well up on occasion ( I've seen it numerous times)...I love it when the good guys win! ...and looking at my photo gives me the same feeling!

So...in reality...I rounded the corner into the Avenue...I ran up to my front door...I went in..had a drink of orange squash and went to take a shower....and that was that.


 This is what it felt like (above)
This is the reality (below!)

3 comments:

Shachi said...

Very proud of you - here's celebrating for your achievement virtually - cheers :)!

Niall young said...

Shachi...thank you! :)

Devil Mood said...

Niall, this is your best post ever!!

I was a little disappointed that you did not have the hero's welcome but you should definitely feel like the hero inside. Besides, I think orange squash feels more refreshing than hot cocoa once you've been running :)

Heartfelt congratulations!!