Mere guests in the sky

Friday 14 March 2014


Nob off, there's a bit of coffee and walnut cake left 
and at least two date slices. 
I will beat you or die trying. 

Like so many lovely things in my life, I came to running through stubbornness and a drunken bet. Someone snorted rudely when I was invited to do the Great South Run, so I bought shoes, hired a trainer and spent many hours swearing, sweating, sobbing and stuffing myself with porridge.  I won the bet, though.

That was almost seven years ago.  I no longer drink or smoke or hate nylon, and my feet are like something from National Geographic.  I'm not noticeably skinny, either, since I refuse to give up cake.

I try and slog off every morning, wearing huge headphones that make my children shrivel with shame. Titchy ears, rivers of sweat and the need to mouth the words theatrically cause the discrete earbuds to slither out at every step.  So I must wear the comedy ones. I avoid running past the school bus stop at all costs, for very obvious reasons.  I listen to funny stuff, uplifting stuff, surreal stuff and scary stuff and never quite know what's coming.  I sweat spectacularly, and have that fair skin that turns crimson at any effort more than a languid tinkle for the butler; I look a fright.

But I don't care. It's like having a power hose coruscate the brain.  Everything is blasted into perspective; plots and worries iron themselves out; I have all the arguments I need, winning every one with elegant, stiletto-like remarks that leave my imaginary opponents (ancient school enemies, berks on the radio, the electricity board) beaten into shocked awe. I examine my life and give thanks for its imperfect colour and chaos. Very occasionally, the chatter becomes silence, and I feel an almighty peace.

When I heave, gasping, through the door, I turn on the coffee and wait for that glorious tingle to make its euphoric way into my mouth so that I grin like a child on Christmas Eve for a good 20 minutes.  It's the best time of day.  If you ever want me to agree to anything, catch me in that window - I'll sew on buttons, agree to drive a carload of children, meet your unrealistic deadlines.  I'm a maleable, lolling, sweat-soaked pussycat. 20 minutes, that's your lot.

9 comments:

  1. I'm so proud of you. My running days are over, but the Army spoiled me by formation runs and singing cadence. "I don't know but I've been told Eskimo pussy is mighty cold," is a favorite and I still smile when I remember it. Here are a few for you. I hear you can even buy them on CD & iTunes. http://m.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8226691797127537

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  2. Glorious. Have downloaded 'My old Granny, she's 91.'

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  3. How fortunate you can still run. My running days ended prematurely at junior school when the tubbiest of boys (I can still recall his name), sent me flying as he hurtled towards me in his own sad attempt at running. Perhaps that is why I've become such an enthusiastic walker today, dog on leash and ear buds to boot.

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    1. Oh nothing beats the dog walking. Best excuse ever to talk to myself in public...

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  4. Endorphins do wonders. Have your children wised up to this teensy window of loving mummyness?

    Apropos your last comment, (to mine), I am now officially in love with "feck" too, having laughed and cried my way through "Philomena", and the terrific duette of Dench and Coogan. Go see if you haven't.

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    1. They don't need a window. They have respectively perfected the dark arts of ruthless logic and dimpled expectation. I am helpless.

      I will, thank you! Need a film night.

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  5. Lucky you, to be able to run. My shin sprints and feet stopped my fun years ago. That "high" of endorphins is pretty cool. I had to laugh at your comment about winning arguments in your brain...those are the most satisfying kind.

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    1. Aren't they? And endlessly re-edited so I can deliver a crushing bon mot months later.

      So sorry about your feet, how annoying.

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  6. I didn't have you down as a runner. I imagined you draped on a chaise longue with a vodka in hand...

    I can see you singing along to Tintin's playlist although I thought Eskimo pussy would be well insulated.

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Please leave a comment if you can be remotely bothered - anything you have to say is valuable and I absolutely love hearing from you all. Elizabeth