Mind v Matter

Over the years, the usual plan has been to commence training after Christmas.  Lie back and enjoy the chillier winter wind of the Island at a distance rather than in the thick of it.  For 2012, the plan was to experiment (though this may be my swansong attempt) to maintain the fitness level over the winter months.  How's it going?  So far so good, two rounds of WWL and Syd Quirk half finished.  Truth is, Christmas festivities have taken an early toll with extra enjoyable wining and dining (and less whinging about the weather!) having a markedly greater appeal to the mind than any small matter of walking and the puritanical "my body is a temple" stuff! So the hard grind to keep fit is compromised by Christmas  cheer.  Who would describe Christmas as anything other than a welcome intervention?  I'm sure even Paula Radcliffe has a day off.  But carouseling has to be enjoyed so dam it!  But the weak mind has clearly to reassert itself fast and soon to recover lost fitness from festivities, so it's off to a bleak and always windy Ronaldsway for the Winter Walking League 10 k on Sunday.  12 (really!) laps around the route is hardly likely to allow mind to win over matter guaranteeing only a high boredom factor.  Almost everywhere appeals more than a Ronaldsway industrial estate on a cold December Sunday when one could still be tucked up in bed!  Ho hum it's got to be done and the mind might win over matter - and the wind.  I''ll let you know if it works! John