This week didn’t quite go to plan. After last week’s high of hitting the 10K milestone, a huge confidence boost and proof that all the training is paying off, I was buzzing to keep the momentum going. Then, out of nowhere, a cold crept in and knocked me flat. One day I was running double-digit kilometres; the next, I was struggling to walk up the stairs without needing a lie-down.
At first, I tried to convince myself I could still lace up and head out. “It’s just a sniffle,” I thought. But my body had other ideas. Every time I sneezed, I took it as a sign from the universe: this week wasn’t about miles, it was about recovery.
When Progress Feels Fragile
It’s strange how quickly your brain starts to panic after a few days off. I caught myself thinking that missing a single run might somehow undo all the progress I’d made like one skipped session would erase that 10K.
But that’s not how it works. The miles I’ve already logged, the effort I’ve put in, and the strength I’ve built don’t disappear because of a few days of rest. If anything, it’s the rest that lets all that work sink in. Recovery isn’t the opposite of training, it is training.
A Small Win In The Pool
By Tuesday evening, I’d wrapped up work for the week and could already feel a cold starting to take hold. Having missed my Monday run, I knew I needed to do something before I ended up glued to the sofa all week. So by Wednesday, I decided to give Aqua Fit a go, partly to keep moving, and partly because my wife had been keen for me to join her.
It was her idea, and since she’s supported me through early alarms, sore legs, and endless running chat, I figured it was my turn to return the favour.
I’ll admit, walking into that pool, I was definitely the only bloke there. I half expected them to hand me a swim cap and a “Good luck, mate” card. But honestly? It was great fun.
There I was, splashing around to upbeat music, following the instructor’s moves, or at least trying to. With two left feet and zero coordination, I was a full beat behind everyone else and probably looked like I was fighting off an invisible octopus. Still, it was a proper workout. The only time I broke a sweat all week, in cold pool water!
It felt good just to move again, loosen up, and laugh a bit. Doing it with my wife made it even better. I can definitely see myself doing it again (though I might still keep that bit quiet at work).
Mind Over Miles
This week ended up being more about mindset than mileage. It’s about learning patience, keeping perspective, and reminding myself that one quiet week doesn’t undo everything I’ve achieved. The marathon journey isn’t a straight line, it’s full of peaks, dips, and detours.
Last week I proved I can run 10K again. This week I proved I can rest when I need to. Both matter just as much.
Here’s to recovery, resilience, and rebuilding, ready to hit the road again next week.
💜 Why I’m Running
Every mile I run is in memory of my sister, Rachel, who died of meningitis when she was just 18 months old. I’m training for the 2026 London Marathon to raise money for the Meningitis Research Foundation, helping fund vital research, awareness, and support for families affected.
💜 £22 could cover the cost of one helpline call, so someone doesn’t have to face a meningitis diagnosis alone.
💜 £50 could provide Baby Watch leaflets for 730 red books — helping parents spot the signs early, when every minute counts.
💜 £100 could fund research to better understand meningitis and protect lives for generations to come.
If you’d like to support my marathon journey and help save lives, no matter how much, you can donate here: Every step counts, thank you for helping me make them matter.