Where did it go?

John Cleese (c) Independent.co.uk

I know that at the moment I am not the fittest person in the world, but I had no idea I was quite so unfit!

When I was at university it was normal for me to run 8 miles a day, and played rugby three times a week, so I was reasonably fit.

Walking round Manchester every day means that I still walk approximately 8 miles a day so I thought that I was at least reasonably fit. This year, rather than set myself resolutions (which I invariably break within a week or two), I decided that I would set myself some reasonably easy targets that I hope to maintain or achieve by the end of the year. This year I want to get fitter, loose a little bit of weight and to cut down smoking......(I know it's a filthy habit, but I genuinely am addicted to the nicotine, and whilst I want to quite completely I know that it will be difficult......I only smoke about 8 a day at the most anyway, but I would like to get it down!)

SOOOOO and the reason for this post......Saturday morning came round, and I had some books to drop off with a friend so I thought I would have a quick jog, to start my fitness regime. Having been out to my friends in the car, a couple of miles I thought, and I would be back before you knew it.......

......instead at 2 miles out, and just about half way there, my calves starting to seize up. But I was over half way there....can't be much further.....I thought. Unfortunately I had forgotten that once I got there and dropped off the books, I would have to jog back. Well after just under 8 miles, and an hour after I set out from home, I returned..............my calves locked solid. Not only did I warm up I had also warmed down.....or I thought I had.

So since Saturday I have been hobbling around, and stinking of muscle rub. Slowly I am getting movement back, but it really wasn't a professional look. I am told it looked something of a mix of John Cleese's funny walks and someone walking with a filled nappy (I am still not sure how they know what that would look like!)

Whilst I can live with the pain and discomfort, and am more than happy to be ridiculed (not a hugely uncommon thing!) I think the thing that upset me most was the fact that my friend was out so I still have the bloody books!