January

Every year seems to follow the same festive pattern — too much chocolate, too many sweets, and definitely more than one Christmas dinner (surely I’m not the only one). Add in a few skipped gym sessions and fewer runs, and suddenly the number on the scales isn’t exactly a surprise. Five extra pounds? Honestly, I should have seen that coming.

If that were the only reason to feel a little grumpy in January, I could live with it. Unfortunately, my post-Christmas motivation to get back out running didn’t last long. During a lunchtime run, less than 100 metres in, I stepped off a curb awkwardly, rolled my ankle, and heard an unmistakable pop. I limped back to the office feeling thoroughly sorry for myself and somehow made it through the rest of the day.

The next morning, I paid a visit to the local minor injuries clinic. An X-ray confirmed no break — just a sprain. Relief, at least.

So, onwards and upwards. I’ll be swapping running shoes for swimming goggles and spending more time in the gym for now. Cycling and running can wait until the swelling subsides and my ankle is ready to function again.