When I’m not working in my Hypnotherapy practice I have been slowly increasing my running mileage as I’m preparing for runs of increasing length. So as I prepare for a half marathon in March I decided to go for a 10 mile run along the banks of the Thames – from Twickenham, down to Kingston and then back along the other side to Richmond.
It was a cold afternoon that Thursday and so appropriately dressed I headed out to begin my run. A good steady pace, took me down to Kingston, over the bridge and the journey back along the path that runs alongside the Thames. I had noticed that the water was high but didn’t take too much notice as I have often run during high tides.
As the level of the path lowered I noticed a large puddle had formed as the water had broken the banks. It wasn’t difficult to circumvent and so I did. I continued to run and later I found a considerably larger puddle. This time I had to stop and take stock. I managed to find a part where I could just about jump over it and so I did. I then reached higher ground. I continued to run, marvelling at the height of the water, which did seem unusual.*
Further ahead I noticed two people who were standing still. As I approached them I saw that the water had completely broken the bank and had encompassed the path completely. I couldn’t see around the corner so didn’t know how long it went on for. I knew that I couldn’t turn back because I would face the same situation in that direction.
I didn’t know exactly what was ahead, but there was no other choice other than to continue.
I ran through the water. It was already deep enough to completely cover my running shoes, and my running tights past the ankle. It was cold and, obviously, wet. And I kept running. There was no point in not just running through it. It went on for about 15 to 20 metres. I kept my pace and ran. As I came out I could see ahead that it wouldn’t be possible to continue running my intended route as it had all flooded. I was able to get to a car park and turn off so that I could run parallel for a little while until I had to head to a main road. Squelching with every step. It wasn’t ideal, but I had very few options at that point.
I had started the run and now I had to complete it, no matter what happened.
And that’s what we have to do sometimes – just complete what we’ve started, no matter what obstacles we discover. We can’t go back. And I discovered that I could do it, and that if I just got on with it I would get through it and find dry land again. I don’t know what I’ll find but I know I couldn’t have stood wondering at the first obstacle wondering about how long it would take.
The important thing to remember is that the water is rising no matter what decision we make.
* I think it had something to do with the super blue blood moon, but I’m speculating.
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