A necessary obsession

Half-time at the Emirates, United 2-0 up. So much for Arsenal. I'm listening to the game on radio. In any other year, I'd have made the effort to catch it on SkySports, but I've made a conscious effort in recent times to distance myself from the emotions that go hand in hand with supporting Man Utd. I decided I was investing too much time into following their progress and have therefore limited my viewing. Champions League games and end of season title deciders will remain compulsive viewing, but it ends there. Perhaps I'm a part-timer or second rate fan, but the simple fact is that there are too many other, more worthwhile pursuits I'm currently following.

Still, it's difficult to detach completely, exemplified by my feelings of outrage after Tevez did the damage at Eastlands a fortnight ago. Despite Utd making it through, it was a stark reminder of how difficult I find it to let things go. On a similar theme, I've relaxed my commitment to Pool. After playing Varsity last year, it was clear that to even maintain my form would take much effort. On Friday though, I produced some fine form and recaptured the glorious feeling one gets when clearing a table. It's tempting to hit the practise table to keep the form up, but that would inevitably eat into my training regime. I'm going to have to rely on raw talent, which will no doubt have disastrous consequences.

With the marathon, I feel this absolute approach, maybe even obsession, is not only justified but necessary. With so many things that can go wrong, I have to make sure I'm doing everything I can to shift the odds in my favour. Extra training sessions are a no-brainer in the face of the challenges ahead. It means reducing my commitment to other endeavours. So maybe I won't make Varsity this year, or am just a part-time Football fan. But ask me after my first marathon if it is worth it. I think I may already know the answer.