NORTHERN PLANNER

Things have bee hideously busy recently. There’s been little time to do any exercisey sporty stuff, which makes me very grouchy (let alone much posting). That’s the thing about sport for me, it’s not about staying thin, or overt vanity, it’s more about how it makes you feel. You get used to feeling fit and having that energy.

And there are few problems that don’t seem a lot smaller after leaving the pool, or getting off the bike. But it doesn’t end there.

Straight after a good workout your muscles feel on fire, your lungs feel like they’ll burst, you can hear your pulse roaring in your ears. Then you shower and you have this lovely weakness, the muscles are quivering, and the hot water seens to get under the skin and penetrate right into the muscle fiber.

Once you’re dried off, in some comfy clothes, probably wolfing down some food – and tea tastes even better than first thing in the morning. There’s a lovely tired glow. Your body knows it’s worked, it’s pleased with itself and gently tells you to relax.

It’s a great time to think – your mind never feels quite as clear and active as after a good workout.