For no apparent reason, I decided a few weeks ago to start running to get a bit fitter. After a couple of runs, after which I felt terrible both times, I figured I’d enter the local 10km race which is in May. I’ve now been out over a dozen times and I’m able to run a lot further than before; the first four times I was out I couldn’t run for more than 12 minutes, whereas in the past 2 weeks I’ve doubled the amount of time I can run; for example, on Tuesday I went for 36 minutes. I’m not going fast at all yet, I’m clocking around 10 minute miles, but I figure I’ll get to the 10km distance and then stick with the distance and try to run faster.

The really useful thing about this is that it seems to have improved my balance somewhat. I didn’t think that running would be too much of a problem, because most of my balance related issues tend to be when I’m trying to change direction, or moving around without actually going anywhere, whereas when I attempt to go in a straight line, once I’m off it’s not a problem. Therefore, the running didn’t have me concerned. But the increase in my fitness and/or stamina really does seem to have improved things. I’m even wondering whether there’s a vague possibility that I might be able to play football again. I figure that I could have that as an aim and if I don’t manage to do it, I’ve not lost anything since I’ve not played for about 5 years. But if I could manage it…

On other news, I’m now 5 years without any alcohol and in April will be 10 years without any cigarettes. Man alive, that’s too much clean living. I shall have to find a vice.