It was already hot this morning when I went for my now usually run. I try not to worry about the time it takes. Improvement cannot be measured from day to day, but rather from week to week or even month to month. Running is a lot less of a problem for me than mowing the lawn—which I did yesterday and it made my knees boil.

This year, AlpsMan was on June 8th and 9th (see site)

One year ago exactly yesterday, P, aka Frimousse’s Mistress, had an accident on her bike on the cycle path by the Lake. Very gradually – with ups and downs – she started to run and cycle again with F, the physiotherapist-osteopath who is charge of her, and her friend Stef. And for a few days – probably the competators of the AlpsMan were a strong incentive – they decided to try for a triathlon. Not the AlpsMan to begin with, of course !

Yesterday, first time in the water. Water temperature 17°C (60°F)…

Getting on the podium is not a source of pride. It is an encouragement to persevere.

This morning a had my (now) usual jog – 4,5km (just under 3 miles) D+ 140m (460ft). One third is on a steep rocky path and the rest on a descending untarred lane and then on a small road. My son, « C », ran is first marathon when he was just over 15 – when I ran mine. It was in Switzerland because they don’t bother checking the ages of competitors. He’s been running ever since – except when E and K were young. And now E and K do run ! K was second (on the podium!) for his two first races. E was first twice but he twisted his ankles and he’s been advised to cycle for some weeks. E’s goal ? UTMB ! And his models Kilian Jornet and François D’Heane.

I had an operation on my right knee nearly 15 years ago. The surgeon said I wasn’t to start running again.

I don’t like walking for the sake of walking. And I find walking very unpleasant in the rain or cold. Therefore my physical activity was really minimal during all these years.

Late in the autumn I decided to try and walk everyday, on a small distance, near our house. Trying to walk briskly. And a fortnight ago I started a gentle jog. My aim ? Running 6km (3,75M) in one hour… And today it seems at hand.

Some will find it surprising but when I walk I think of my knees, of my feet. When running, I don’t ! I just enjoy the Nature that surrounds me.

Last Saturday E and his friend A, with François d’Haene on last year’s photo, went up to the pass at 2 o’clock in the morning to encourage François. They had cow bells with them – so they wouldn’t go unnoticed… François D’Haene was largely ahead. Alas… a few kilometres further he had to give up: sprain.

For my part, I had a short walk around six o’clock in the morning and I met some trailers. I would have liked to be with them…