No more prep, race day tomorrow.

There comes a time when the training’s done and the running almost begun. Some last minute checks on the gear. Attaching numbers to vests and tags to shoes. Buying post run snack and pre run energy drinks.

One more sleep, if I can. Then an early train. The usual waiting and pacing before the off. But really there is nothing left todo. Just show up and run.

I am so grateful for all the encouragement and the huge generosity of every supporter. CUF do such great work in some of the poorest communities, thanks for helping change lives.

It will be amazing to run tomorrow, the cheer of the London crowd leaves a precious mark on the heart. But more than that, it is such a privilege to run with my brother (almost 50) and mum who is 75! Some how she manages to look almost regal, even after 26.2 miles.

Someone sent me this verse from the bible:

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us!

So apt for a marathon, just wish I could have lay aside a little more weight, then I would stand a chance of running a little faster. But it’s even more true of life. We have to leave some things behind and run the race before us.

If you have not yet had the chance to sponsor me, there is still time:

https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/marksearlelondon2018

Better with age?

Meeting up with someone I knew twenty years ago and he still looks the same. I am not sure I understand how that’s possible and I really don’t think it is fair.

Maybe we all mellow with age but some how it was far easier for me to be with him this week than it was twenty years ago. There had been quite a journey on his part. Pain and soul searching along the way. He had always been warm and genuine, as much as I ever new him back in the day, but now even more so he is someone who was easy to connect with.

Our conversation led me to a realisation that over the last twenty years I too have left many things behind. The old insecurities and distances that I used to place between myself and others have largely gone. Perhaps even though the last two decades have left me with little hair and a body that is less active, not that I really want to admit it, I am finally comfortable in this old skin.

Today I am more at peace with who I am and who I am becoming. Thanks old friend, I think things do get better with age.