Day 80 – Tired Legs and Unexpected Naps

Heavy Legs and Light Ambitions

After the longer run yesterday, I woke up today with legs that felt like they’d spent the night reconsidering their life choices. Walking to the bathroom was less a movement and more a negotiation between willpower and gravity – and gravity, it turns out, is a very persistent negotiator. On the schedule this morning was a 35-minute base run, intended to ease the muscles back into action gently, like a friendly nudge from someone who wants you to jog but doesn’t want to get punched for suggesting it.

I set out early, as usual, in the half-light of morning where only runners, foxes and questionable life decisions roam. The run itself was uneventful, apart from the ongoing commentary from my legs, which could be summed up as “are we really doing this?” Still, the base pace did its job. Things loosened up over time, albeit in the same way a stubborn jar lid eventually gives in — with a sense of begrudging resignation. By the end, I was grateful for the short duration. There was absolutely no hint of “I could go a bit further” today; it was more “thank heavens we’re done” followed by an internal standing ovation.

Sitting Down, Whether I Liked It or Not

The fatigue didn’t clock off after the run. Instead, it came with me to work, acting like a clingy sidekick with no sense of boundaries. Usually, I prefer to stand at my desk for most of the day, largely thanks to the aftermath of a car accident a few years back. Sitting for extended periods isn’t just uncomfortable – it tends to set off a chain of aches and stiffness that make me feel about forty years older than I am. But today, the legs had other ideas. Within the first hour, it became apparent that standing upright was going to take more effort than I could muster, so I reluctantly pulled out the chair.

I ended up spending much of the day parked, trying to ignore the creeping guilt of not being as active as usual, while also attempting to avoid the “sitting too long” stiffness. It’s a delicate balance, like trying to nap on a tightrope – and with about the same level of success. Still, sometimes you just have to listen to your body. Mine was shouting “sit down, for goodness’ sake!” and eventually I obeyed, albeit with the quiet resentment of someone giving in to a very smug toddler.

The Mysterious Case of the Missing Hour

Dinner this evening was a glorious moment of comfort – hot food, full belly and the sense of accomplishment that comes from surviving Monday on tired legs. I sat down after eating, just for a minute, I told myself. Just a quick moment to relax before getting on with the evening. The next thing I knew, it was an hour later, and I was waking up from what I can only describe as a surprise nap!

These 5 am starts are definitely not for the faint of heart. While I’ve become used to dragging myself out of bed at that ungodly hour, I can’t pretend it doesn’t catch up with me. It’s like lending time to the morning with interest – and eventually, your body collects. Tonight’s nap was just the latest reminder that rest is as important as the miles, even if it sometimes sneaks up on you uninvited.

Here’s hoping tomorrow’s legs feel a bit more lively – and that I manage to stay awake through the entire evening without a surprise visit from the Nap Fairy.

If you'd like to support my London Marathon journey, you can visit my JustGiving page here: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/saul-kay?utm_term=aj8xMk8kn.