2nd January 2013. New Trainers and An Ugly Mug

I was taken quite ill last Summer: a frightening time and an initial diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis was a daunting scenario. It didn't turn out that way, a nasty viral infection turned out to be the cause. It was a wake-up call and I took myself in hand, lost some weight and worked on building up some initial fitness.
So, from being unable to walk 50 metres in August, I ran for a half hour on the 31st of December. I ordered some new trainers and they arrived today: they look good and run well. I'm heavy and flat-footed so I guess i need a "proper" shoe.
Before they arrived I'd spent a fair bit of the morning thinking about some "give aways" to potential/existing customers. My thinking went along the lines of "keep it subtle and understated". My running shoes-a pair of Nikes from Sports Direct (who are I understand worth millions) arrived today with a promotional gift.

A large (damn large) mug, making the one nest to it look a bit puny really!
Today's run was a light 20 minutes around Bantock Park in Wolverhampton,

It's pleasant, flat and has a well made up trail for a good proportion of its circumference. All in all I feel pretty good-some stiffness in my left leg but hey, where was I last August? Answer, wrecked, delivered a presentation from a wheelchair, couldn't drive and was in constant pain.......today was very good!