It's no dress rehearsal

It's no dress rehearsal.  Of course I am referring to life.  I've always known this but was reminded about it this week when I attended a funeral of a friend who died way too young at age 62.  Funerals offer you the opportunity to reflect on not only the person who has gone, but also your own life.  Rob was a fascinating character and hearing his boys relate stories about their childhood, the adventures they got up to and their father's influence on them was heart warming.  But it also brought home the message life is no dress rehearsal so make the most of each day.  Tell your loved ones that you love them and look out for your friends.  You never know what people are going through and Facebook and Instagram do not portray the real person.  Only the person or the life they want the world to see is on display.  RIP Rob.  You left behind you legacy and your kids will all do you proud.
Training never seems important when something like this happens. But life still goes on.  The planet still spins.  I've been building the running and have had no reoccurrence of the ankle or hamstring injury.  In addition I've been doing regular weight sessions and plenty of yoga.  My body shape is changing especially my legs which is encouraging but last week they suffered DOMS as walking up and running down Tinto twice took its toll.  All week I've been working them with the massage gun, stretching and yoga.  My mileage is up to 12km now and with a 50km trail race in 5 weeks time, I need to up the mileage but avoid injury.
Today I did Tinto x 2 again with Beth.  It makes such a difference having someone with you as you both push each other to get the best results.  Once again it was totally clagged in so there was no view.  The wind was howling so much than on my second descent my hat went flying off but fortunately I managed to get it before it disappeared.  Power walk up and run down. 1hr and 3 mins for the first up and down and 1 hr for the second so I was pleased with that.  No doubt my legs will be tired tomorrow as I tackle a 12km run in the morning.  On my schedule for next week are a few runs where I pick up the pace on the 2nd half of the run to introduce some speed in my legs - you can't just have one speed you run at.
I've enjoyed the superb performances in the Commonwealth Games and whether para or able bodied athletes, they have all worked hard at their training plans to get the best performance possible.  They are so inspirational but then, so are you.  Take it from me people will see you swimming, running, cycling or in the gym and think "wow, that's amazing.  I wish I could do that." Based on the comments we got on Tinto when people saw us doing the 2nd ascent you could see that they had never considered it possible.  Maybe in weeks, months or years to come they will step up their activity, get out of their comfort zone because they saw someone who inspired them.  As I listened to stories of Rob's adventures I realised the impact that someone can have on so many people without either intending to or realising it.  It's like the ripple effect after a pebble has been dropped in a pond.  It's no dress rehearsal so live your best life and look after your family and friends.