Out of the Woods

Well, after all the dreaming and planning this fairly big Challenge of mine it is finally underway. The project was a year in the making and I have been accused of being totally insane on a good number of occasions.

Today is Day 5. Of Daf's Mini Tri Challenge. There were times when it seemed impossible but after the first few are now in the bag, I am starting to feel happier about the whole thing. The first couple of days were sunny and pleasant but then on the third day it was a little colder and it rained. The weather on day 4 was seriously bad and though I put my bike shoes in the airing cupboard over night they were still damp earlier today but I consoled myself by thinking about the guys doing the Giro D'Italia that I watched for the duration and it seemed to rain most of the day, most days, as well as climbing into the snow up huge mountain passes. So my efforts are humble in comparison. 70 Mini Tri's to go.

All of my efforts are a way of celebrating the fact that although I am approaching my 75th birthday I am also in pretty good health.... maybe a few pounds overweight but otherwise quite sound. All this is for charity www.justgiving.com/Daphne-Belt

This poem comes from my struggle last year to get back to fitness after a fall out running that left me in plaster for a while. We all have times when doubts fill our heads but like the weather recently things do change and its possible to focus again and move forward.

Out of the Woods 

Into the woods in fates dark sight

A less than easy path to take

Hidden there through fear and fright

Shadows sew a fiendish mistake

The cause and blame are mine outright

Acknowledged and unwelcome keepsake

Doubt careening uncontrolled, finite

What way, what way, what way retake 

Secret emotions held in tight

Slipping behind all standards fake

What ill disease has brought this blight

False impressions outward make

Terror tearing past contrite

In disorientated confidence quake

Lost and helpless lonely plight

What way, what way, what way retake 

Menacing phantom stands in limelight

Is it real this tight coiled snake

Despairing search up in starlight

Or can I from this nightmare wake

Take courage dragging soul to fight

And from the embers fire make

Take strengths firm hold to make all right

What way, this way your path remake 

Summon less feeble spirit bright

Come destiny flooding a smoother lake

Forge back the darkness push back the night

Pull back, the empty reserves forsake

All cowardice in banishing excite

Responsibility is mine for pity’s sake

Out of the woods and into the light

Pride in this victory is wide awake