Until a few months ago, one of my usual 'get-fit' routes was to follow the farm trail to Southleaze and cross the M4 motorway on that concrete arch bridge. For some reason it was decided the bridge must go, inspired partially by the new housing developments taking place on Swindons Front Lawn.

Yesterday I went that way again out of curiosity. A new bridge has been installed but I wanted to see if it was accessible. It was. Not by cars anymore however. The bridge has steps on one side instead of a steep embankment, and the south side no longer has that curved approach path. That's all been torn up, and the track leading from the road now ends at a field. Which, incidentially, is also what happens the south side of the bridge. There's a long gravel path leading down to a grassy field, and you have to cross a potentially muddy area to reach the old track.

That's progress I guess.

Progress on Personal Fitness

I can still sprint a respectable 100 metres. True, I'm not likely to challenge Mr Bolt (my legs just aren't long enough and my athlete to pensioner ratio isn't getting any better) but hey, I can still do it. Unfortunately, this 'get-fit' stuff isn't doing much for my endurance. I reached the top of a long rise gasping and sweating exactly like the unfit individual I'm trying not to be. Is there an easier way to get fit? What's the point of trying hard to stay healthy and active in later life if you die of a heart attack through exertion?

Same time tomorrow then.