Jumping In Puddles

It was good to catch up with members of Team Atko at Al & Ali Graham's wedding at the weekend. It was the first time a lot of us have been in the same place at the same time since Ian's send off - so it was an emotional day.

I like the way the blog keeps us all in touch with how training is progressing (not a lot, did 10km in total this morning, 5km ootside with Christina and then 5km on the treadmill at the gym). Having spoken to a few troops at the weekend, the bloggeuses and bloggeurs seem to agree that this is a good place to come for a laugh and a bit of a think. Team Atko should have a strong team spirit, and the blog is where the team spirit is being built. Irrespective of whether you're a "large runner", a "git", an experienced athlete or a complete novice with bits falling off your anatomy - we're all gonna get round one way or another.

There have been lots of interesting comments about music. As you may or not may not know, I'm a bit partial to some tunes, and it has been suggested that, maybe, I'm a bit outspoken as to what (in my opinion) could be considered good or bad. It was pointed out to me by some patient souls at Al & Ali's wedding, that considering the number of songs Fluff and I mauled in the Lounge Bar of the Pembroke over the years - who am I to criticise? In my defence, I would point out that both Ian and I did know that "Live Forever" by Oasis had more than one verse, its just at the time, Ian couldn't remember what the words to verses 2, 3 and 4 were, and I was playing something by Radiohead. I think the blame can, once again, be laid squarely at the door of Heineken Export.

Anyhoo, I don't use the ipod when running outside. This is because I like to be able to hear the border-hopping French lunatic approaching so I can brace myself before I bounce off the bonnet of his Megane. I feel a bit safer on a treadmill, so I use it there, and listening to the ipod means I don't have to talk to anyone. The social skills haven't improved any. So, I thought I'd let you know what is on my playlist, just in case any of you have a burning desire to visit itunes and find something you may not have heard before.

Running Tunes
Flux - Bloc Party
Phantom of the Opera - Iron Maiden (remember that Lucozade advert?)
Holiday - Green Day
Scotchguard the Credit Card - Les Savy Fav (no, I haven't made this up)
No Cars Go - Arcade Fire
Fell in Love With a Girl - The White Stripes
The Pretender - Foo Fighters
All My Life - Foo Fighters

Stretching Down Afterwards Tunes
Friend of the Night - Mogwai

From that, you can get a good idea of how much time I spend stretching after a run...... Drives Christina mad that does.

Whilst most of the music I listen to reminds me of Fluff, because it played such an important part in our lives, certain songs always make me think of Ian - check out "Given to Fly" by Pearl Jam, and Hoppipolla by Sigur Ros. They always put a lump in my throat.