Who’d have thought it? You know those stretching things that people do before exercising or running that people like me don’t bother with because it makes them look silly? Well they’re necessary. Short run number six yesterday & I’m hobbling around now because it’s cold outside & I didn’t warm up at all, let alone properly. I also didn’t stop running when the pain started so I deserve to have an extremely tender right calf. So, a few nights off & in the mean time look really silly limping around.

The theory is to start running very gently and see where it takes me. Half a mile at a time maybe every other day and slowing to a walk when the need arises. Trying to get further than last time and not beating myself up when I falter. So far so good but the back-to-work January blues are also kicking in so obviously it’s new toy time. John Lewis sadly didn’t have a Nike Amp+ (boo) so I settled for a case to keep all the bits in. There’s even room for my very Ali G-esque ‘Run-365′ silly hat ( a £3.99 impulse buy) and at £20 rather than £60 I’ve made £40 on the deal. Cool.

Following what I consider to be bordering on abuse at school during the ‘cross-country season’ running has been my least favourite activity – I can’t increase pace to the end of the road without panting for breath; it’s very embarrassing. I do however need to achieve some level of fitness and self-esteem compels me to stay below 12 stones; I’m currently at 11st 12lb so the end is nigh.

It occurs to me though that something I’m so bad at leaves much room for quick improvement and I’ve recently discovered Nike+ to appeal to the geek in me. Add to that the fact that I’m a complete brand whore means I get to buy a pair of Nike Air Zoom with space in the sole for the Nike+ widget. A quick re-purpose of the G1 iPod Nano (black, 4GB) and I’m in business.