Blind inspiration

Every day that I am out running or driving down the road I see loads of people out pounding the streets.  All shapes and sizes.  Some fast, some slow and some holding onto a lamp post trying to get their breath.  I often wonder why they are doing it and what their goal is?  It could be getting ready for a 5km parkrun (that's a tough one) or a 10km or half marathon.  It doesn't really matter as long as you have a goal and longer doesn't mean more difficult - I struggle where speed is concerned but can go on for a long time.  Your target and time is relative to you, nobody else.
As you know my weekend training ground is Chatelherault Country Park.  A hilly, tough circa 5 mile lap is a good test and some people like running it anti-clockwise and others clockwise (my favourite).  I see many runners training for something but it's not often I get to speak to complete strangers and find out what they are up to - yesterday I was totally blown away.
On Saturday I was running round with my running partner Stuart.  It was snowy underfoot and you had to be careful so when we met a blind man with his guide dog we stopped for a chat - basically to make sure he was ok because the trail can be narrow and steep and slippy.  It turnes out he's a runner and will be taking part in the Manchester Marathon as a led runner this year.  OMG how amazing is that.  My mind went into overdrive, how can he run round Chatelherault with its uneven ground. He was walking with his guide dog because his running companion was injured but he will be back and running round the trails.  He was up to 20 miles and asked if we'd help him.  Absolutely.  So I hope in future blogs I will report on supporting Scott, a blind marathon runner.  It shows what's possible when you have a purpose.
My theme this week is inspirational people and it was sad to hear that Roger Bannister who broke the 4 minute mile in 1954 has died.  Back then, doctors were saying it wasn't physically possible to break 4 minutes and that he was risking death but he ignored that and smashed the record opening the door for many others to follow very shortly.  RIP Roger.
Back to the physio this week for some shoulder work and a massage on my aching legs - 4 days of DOMS was extremely uncomfortable but as my coach said, that just shows I need more hill work!  I also had the pleasure of running with someone today who will be running the MdS in 5 weeks time.  As we ran we chatted through all the important questions about equipment, nutrition, running strategy and the mental side of it all.  It brought back so many good memories and when we finished the run I realised Bobby hadn't broken sweat - a good sign of someone who is peaking at the right time for the adventure of a lifetime.  Have a great race Bobby.  A week full of inspirational people.  The world is full of super heroes we just need to look around.