Best feet forward

THE annual demise of winter has recently witnessed the mass re-emergence of another hibernating species — the seasonal runner.

Having packed away our training shoes last November, we’re now back in force, augmenting the depleted ranks of the hardy infantry who continued to pound the pavements over the cold winter months.

Everywhere, grizzled veterans of previous campaigns (myself included) are gradually thawing out; coaxing idled limbs from their winter dormancy. Others are running for the first time, familiarising themselves with the joyful penitence of this most natural activity.