KEEP THE FAITH!

Without doubt when we learn about the premature deaths of fellow runners particularly those we have admired for their ability and their longevity,  we are forced to query the legitimacy of all our efforts.     You may recall when I asked those 11 year olds why they were running a marathon around Nelson track at their age,  one said because it was a challenge, the other said to keep fit.  To me that epitomised what it's all about.  The racing is the challenge, the training is geared to that goal and the bonus, the extrinsic  benefit, not the end in itself, is keeping fit.       We have to cling to the belief that as long as we are careful and cautious, setting realistic sensible goals  in our approach,  our running is beneficial to our physical and mental well being in the short and long term. Keep the faith! But also keep using the lip balm and the moisturiser! That includes you girls!   I hope you are all managing to at least tick over in this difficult period . Having taken to the treadmill yesterday and with the forecast indicating sunny intervals for today I ventured out late morning hoping the gritters would have had time to do their thing.  The roads this side of the valley were  worse than ever but thanks to N.Yorks efforts found a good stretch of road up to Denton village for a reasonable hill session.  I spoke to a griitting driver at lunchtime and he told me they had been working throughout the night and would continue. So with liitle or no snow in Ilkley this afternoon conditions in the town tonight should not be too bad  but only on the road. Good luck!  Take care!