March On, March On

[Sweder]

Despite a continued whinge from my right calf I went for the Double Snake this morning, and jolly nice it was too. Pretty chilly out, but dry; in fact in some places on the high points of the Downs the ground was cracked after a week baking under a strong Sussex sun.

We managed two loops, though not strictly in accordance with Moyleman's plotted route. It felt weird to be flying up the Snake only six miles in, the two of us warbling away like a couple of old-timers, barely bothered by the two mile ascent. Second time around the story was a little different and certainly more familiar; heads down, focused, breathing hard, elbows pumping, not a word between us. We were linked by some telepathic bond, each determined to maintain the pace so long as the other did. At the summit we elected to carry on through East Brighton Park, missing out the double-back, dropping a mile or two off the route. During one pit stop for gels and water we encountered an inquisitive pair of newborn lambs. My heartless greeting 'Mint Sauce! Mint Sauce!' did little to deter them, so I snapped a photo as their mum looked on.

In all somewhere near 21 miles in 3 hours 20 on what we've decided was our 'mini-Stinger' route. We had four major climbs (or 'stings'); a three-quarter mile muddy track up out of Saltdean onto the Downs, the Snake (twice) with two miles of meandering ascent, and in between a first time assault on the path from Rottingdean back up onto the downs. We also ran Windmill Hill in reverse, a weird yet satisfying experience, I can tell you!

My leg had started moaning again by the time I chugged home, but there was still plenty fuel left in the tank. Provided I can rest up between runs and repair whatever damage I've done I'll be right as rain for Cape Town. Except there is no rain; in fact recent reports are of 27 degrees and strong sunshine. Oh well, I'll just have to douse myself at each water station.

Finally, by way of treating myself, I popped along to the Jog Shop to procure new road runners for the TOM. I plumped for the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 7 (with Hydr-flow soles and full-length MOGO midsole . . . apparently). I've a new-found respect for Brooks, having lived in Adrenaline ASR hybrids for the past month. As expected the GTS 7s slipped onto my feet like they were made to measure. I'll rack up a couple of eight-milers in them over the next couple of weeks then wrap them up for April 7th.

I'm starting to get excited.
For now I'm off down the pub with my son to celebrate St Paddy's Day in the appropriate manner. My trip to Antwerp is postponed thanks to a track fire in Wandsworth and the subsequent cancelation of all Eurostar servies for 24 hours. (sigh) what's a boy to do?

[SIZE="1"]Here's looking at you, kids.[/SIZE]