Tuesday 13 January 2009

Is it Ok to PANIC?

At what point is it perfectly acceptable to panic? At the moment of realisation, at the dawning of comprehension or when it’s too late to do anything about it?
I am not quite sure where I am on that scale but there is a burgeoning sense of panic starting at the pit of my stomach and rising. It is causing a slight jittery feeling and making me feel, well frankly nauseous for much of the day and no it is NOT the Winter Sickness Bug – would that it were.
I am becoming concerned about the fact that I have committed myself to run in The Flora London Marathon and my training seems to be going backwards. When I started I was able to bumble along quite happily running 6 miles in an hour but despite training – throughout Christmas – I have got steadily slower. In fact if I continue this way I will only just be finishing when they start next years!
I try to get the thought out of my mind but like all semi-apocalyptic contemplation it won’t go away. It manifests itself in my dreams, interrupting traditional nightmares from being chased by unspecified horror to the realisation that the horror is the least of my worries and the problem is I will never get any faster and said horror shoots past leaving me somewhat deflated in it’s wake.
The thought stalks my day, turning the innocent school run into a potential half marathon circuit if only I weren’t in my car; my coffee break into a test run of trying to drink and keep moving at the same time - a feat I am assured is easier to do when the liquid you are drinking isn’t scalding hot.
Good grief even the washing is turning into a marathon but that’s possibly because it’s now on epic proportions as I was too lazy to do any over the holiday and now we’ve run out of sheets, towels and other minor necessities such as school uniform, pants and socks.
I suspect that my worries are unfounded or maybe even that I am not actually focused on the things where I should have concern such as the fact that I promised to raise £5,000 for Epilepsy Action as part of the marathon ordeal.
Perhaps the real issue of the day is fact that I have yet to start doing my tax return…excuse me I think I need to PANIC!!!

12 comments:

Westerwitch/Headmistress said...

Eeeeeeeeek - when is the Marathon how long have you got? Deep breaths and plan a training strategy . . or find someone who can help you plan one.

The washing you will get through - just keep plugging away at it.

The tax return . . . PANIC . . . then get yourself an accountant. A good one will save you a fortune on tax and will therefore be affordable.

Ivy said...

Sign yourself up in a runners forum they might know this problem and have useful ideas and a training plan for you.

Pondside said...

Give in to the panic. Full blown - but only for a little bit. Then sign up for a runners' workshop or call on some other experienced runners and pick their brains.
You can do this - you'll be heroic!!!

Pipany said...

Let's not discuss tax returns, there's a dear Tattie! Spoken by one surrounded by paperwork as it's her first one!!!!!! How about imagining the taxman is on your heels and then go for it? Just a thought! xx

Elizabeth Musgrave said...

I say panic now and then run! You can do it I am sure of it - loads of time, you just need a plan, bound to be some running sites which could help.
And yes about the tax return. I am doing mine on Friday. It will be fine when I get going but considering I am an accountant I would always rather do something else other than my own return.

Iota said...

Sometimes we need a bit of panic to get us going... but then you have to calm down and think calmly. I think the advice in previous comments about getting advice re the running from a club or a website is good.

I hope you're going to have an online donations page, so we can all chip in.

Iota said...

Oh... just seen it on your sidebar.

menopausaloldbag (MOB) said...

I can't say anything of use that hasn't been said already. Good luck, and don't worry about the washing - no one died because they didn't change their bed sheets - unless you are in hozzie of course and the last patient had MRSA or summat equally horrific!

Anonymous said...

I admire you, I really do. As you know I am epileptic and would love to be able to do this.

CJ xx

Anonymous said...

I'm doing it too - and panicking! Going with the idea that it doesn't matter how slow I am, as long as I get round.

Fancy joining me at the back?
x

Milla said...

yes, it makes sense to panic. In fact it would be very strange not to be panicking.

Anonymous said...

Oh Tattie -you're a gem. You make me feel better. It's a parallel universe here -anxiety attack this morning because I committed yesterday to putting some things in an exhibition, some pieces I have yet to start! I thought I was the only one who had to still complete a tax return - and yes I'll get an accountant to help, but I have to prepare everything for the accountant.The shower arm/nozzle sinks depressingly towards the wall as if it's all too much! I wondered why I was all at odds with things this morning, and yes it's O.K. to panic. I should be sorting tax papers now,or handstitching a textile piece,but I just get in a state. Soon, I tell myself...soon. Oh! Also I went "backwards" with my swimming prowess. The instructor told me the lower half of my body was sinking these days. Believe me, it's not just the lower half!

Go on you know you want to...

LinkWithin

Blog Widget by LinkWithin