21st January. The 'Poof's Way'.

The latest medical setback has of course had an unexpected softening side effect: a grudging acceptance of the importance of Gradual Adaptation or the 'Poof's Way'.

Too much 'proper' exercise of the injured joint in question will result in about a years recovery time, not enough and I'll be stuck with a painfully frozen shoulder probably for another year.

Similarly, completing the 112 mile bike section with a brutal no-train approach fuelled by fortified wine and a manly diet of sausage rolls for the marathon would probably lead to further medicalizations.

The 'Poof's Way' shares a basic element with the Franklin 'Way of The Termite' ie tiny mouthful by tiny mouthful until the house collapses.