The other, or better side of Christmas is upon me now. How is it that one single day of the year can be so utterly problematic?
A fairly solitary 2 weeks has passed. I decided that amidst the seasonal stress I would indulge in a rigorous period of training. The first few days I committed to pounding the streets and parks of south London. Up at 7am and run about 4.5 miles, everyday. This was to be coupled with three trips to the gym for weight training per week. Disaster! My cheap and cheerful gym is shut until Jan 7th for refurbishment. This was not good as my stress/anger release would have to be dealt with in some other way. With this in mind, I upped the stakes and doubled my running time. After around ten days though, this had to stop. My fallen arches played up and a series of persistent cramps and what feels like a broken toe have forced me to take it easier. I am still running, but at a much gentler pace and about 3-4 times a week.
Only new year to get past and it will be back to the weights again, joy of joys.
My main pursuit in the new year will be to finance the boxing training. Until then, and alongside, I will maintain my running and badminton, and reading. Books currently on my kitchen table are:
The Fight, Norman Mailer 1974
Shadow Box, An amateur in the ring, George Plimpton 1977
Fiesta, the sun also rises, Hemmingway 1927
On Bullfighting, A L Kennedy, 1999
Unlicensed, Random notes from boxings underbelly, Jon Hotten 1998
Muhammad Ali, His life and times, Thomas Hauser 1991
So plenty to get on with.
