Mubeenadonna vs Runner 'Been

I've always loved Football. Not quite my first sporting passion (Snooker prevailed in the early years) but definitely the one that has sustained the test of time. Playing, watching, debating and dreaming: my love for this game is undeniable. As is the fact that I am actually useless on the pitch. The odd moment of brilliance notwithstanding, of course. I have produced rare moments of magic in an otherwise shambolic career.

A few months ago I gave up all such high intensity sport to focus purely on running. However, I pondered whether my new found fitness levels would turn me into the type of player my fans dreamt I'd become. So I ventured to ISOC Football last Friday in a bid to find out once and for all. Ninety minutes later and I had my answer: all the fitness in the world will not overcome my incompetency. Despite snatching a win with two late goals, it is apparent that the time of Mubeenadonna is well and truly at an end.

I need to dedicate my efforts and limited time to those pursuits which I can excel at. I believe in Runner 'Been; having achieved so much already and with no obvious end in sight. Why bother with half-hearted efforts? Moreover, Football puts so much strain on the legs and I felt more fatigued on Saturday morning than at any point since Birmingham. No more, thank you. It's strictly running from here on in.

Make no mistake, my passion for Football remains strong, but I am resigned to purely a spectator role. I belong on the roads where I can perform at a decent level. I refuse to submit to mediocrity. However, it's more than just a case of choosing running because I'm better at it. Sure, that is no doubt a factor and adds fuel to my motivation, but with running there is an everlasting sense of peace and accomplishment attached; even to basic 10k runs. The best feelings I've had with playing Football have always expired by the week's end. Running stays with me constantly and, to a large extent, shapes my mood and outlook on life; mostly for the good. Why would I ever compromise that? I won't put running at risk for anything. Runner 'Been is here to stay.