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Spanish Stroll
07-02-2009, 02:30 PM,
#1
Spanish Stroll
The farcical false start has been well documented. I was running with Antonio when we ran into the back of a wall of shrugging Spaniards. I congratulate Simon, who had run a full 2 miles before being stopped, yet still managed to pull out a sub 1:30 from the restart. In all there were 6 PB's that day. Big Grin We Brits of course thought the whole thing hilarious. Only in Spain eh?

I am a virgin at the 10K so my official finish time of 1:08:15 is a PB. My legs had just about recovered from the previous week’s only training run and boy was I looking forward to this race? The buzz of the preparation, the nervous chatting at the start line brought back many memories of my brief marathon running career which came to a halt for no apparent reason back in 2005. The longest taper in history was over.

For me it was all about finishing, and doing so without a walk break. My woeful lack of preparation led me to doubt I could do that, but in the end, somehow, I did. My thoughts were with El Gordo for some of the race as I plodded along. He should be here; he belongs here on this weekend, and is the reason any of us are here at all - and for that, I know we are all grateful.


Almeria is a beautiful city, so permit me to direct you to Niguel’s report for a superb narrative of the place. I can’t write like that but he says all the things I would have said if I could. In addition we are lucky to have Antonio as a genial host. Nothing is too much trouble, from booking rooms to sorting menus with much more in between. Gracias friend.

Our annual pilgrimage to Molly’s on Sunday night was as ever, a raucous affair. Drinking the place dry of Guinness, my continued fight with the ciggie machine, Claire’s attempt at bar-surfing thwarted by her inability to stay upright on the bar stool (thank you to whoever caught her!) Niguel swaying from side to side muttering something about needing food. Darryl emptying his camera battery taking pictures of the ornate ceiling, talking in german to a family of Spaniards….

The following morning (late) we all met at the usual seafront ‘CafĂ© De Paris’ to plan the day. It was still raining and there was no way I was going to slide down 5 miles of mountain, so I opted instead to impress Claire with my legendary navigational skills. Armed with a town map we proceeded to get hopelessly lost! I reckon we did another 10K that day, albeit at a more leisurely pace. Great fun.

Monday night started in earnest at Molly’s sans Guinness, yet this time Antonio had arranged to take us to El Quinto Toro for some quite superb tapas. Marinated pork, goulash, something potatey and delicious, all washed down with lashings of good local red wine and great company. Somewhat later that evening in that very bar, Sweder, Darryl and myself indulged in a prank that can only be described as whatever-possessed-us-to-think-that-that-would-be-a-good-idea. I humbly apologise to the good people of Almeria and just hope no photographic evidence emerges!

My ramblings are almost at an end, but I cannot go without mention of Claire’s race. Her preparation was even more inadequate than mine, consisting of one solitary run of 3.5 miles the week before. It wasn’t really therefore that much of a surprise when she decided during the week leading up to the race to pull out. Still, we did need an official photographer since Mrs Sweder couldn’t go.

I suppose female logic did play some part in her night-before “I’ll run if it’s raining” decision, figuring that if she was going to get drenched, she may as well get drenched without getting cold! I expected her to struggle or even pull out, it even crossed my mind when I heard sirens during that race that they were heading in her direction.

I bumped into Gary at the finish where he told me that he’d seen her run into the stadium, finishing sub 1:30. Later I learnt that at around 5K she’d heard a loud crack from her left foot, and had spent the rest of the race deliberately running through large puddles to ease the increasing burning sensation in her toe. At each water station she’d taken a swig from the bottle before pouring the rest over her shoe! A truly determined and gutsy performance! Eek

Grateful thanks to all my fellow travellers for a superb trip, Sweder and Niguel of course, but also many of whom I’d met for the first time: Ladyrunner, Gary, Gillybean, Simon, Steve, Jeremy, Terry and Hootsboy. And I finally got to meet the lovely Ana!


http://www.facebook.com/editphoto.php?ai...=764922432
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09-02-2009, 01:10 AM,
#2
Spanish Stroll
With the wakeboard zipped up safetly for the winter; running seemed to be an easy option. Not so..... Training schedule and planning was at best patchy and excuses created too numerous to list.

After a comfortable start chatting with another contender we returned to the relative warmth of the stadium ready to set off once again half an hour later.

This time nerves kicked in. Tried to visulise the course as if through augmented reality. Didn't make it any easier though. Main goal in mind 'just to finish'. First couple of k's spent running with locals who like me had done very little prep; and we enjoyed the escort up the course by the local police who rarely could take vehicles out of 1st gear and reviving their engines when they stalled.

Cheer from SP soon arrived 2 k in front descending down the hill on the opposite side. Have to admit nearly gave up then! Spotted Simon and ladyrunner making excellent time on the 1/2 marathon soon after.

A big heart felt thank you for all the encouragement to all in our group Smile SP has previously mentioned individually - for your patience and kindness to a complete novice. Great to meet with you all ........ a big thank you to Antonio and friends in Almeria for organising a memorable event.

"Good timber does not grow with ease; the stronger the wind, the stronger the trees"
J. Willard Marriott

Guess will be applying the above quote to the next training schedule.
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09-02-2009, 06:25 AM,
#3
Spanish Stroll
Welcome, Down In One, and congratulations once again on a superb acheivement on those slick Spanish streets.

That name might take some explaining . . . for those not present Wink

The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph

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09-02-2009, 09:16 AM,
#4
Spanish Stroll
Down in one .... Wrote:Cheer from SP soon arrived 2 k in front descending down the hill on the opposite side. Have to admit nearly gave up then!

Yeah I have that effect on people... :p
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09-02-2009, 09:32 AM,
#5
Spanish Stroll
SP was 2K ahead of someone Eek ?
El Gordo

Great things are done when men and mountains meet.
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10-02-2009, 12:42 PM,
#6
Spanish Stroll
Seafront Plodder Wrote:The longest taper in history was over.

Excellent report, and a quotable soundbite as well, SP. Congratulations!

And welcome to Down in One. Do watch out for that strong wind, though -- since even the strongest timber can sway after Guinness. Allegedly.
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10-02-2009, 01:23 PM,
#7
Spanish Stroll
Guinness? Strong wind? Are you mixing metaphors here?
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02-09-2009, 12:25 PM,
#8
Spanish Stroll
What's happening big fella? Still running?
Run. Just run.
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03-09-2009, 11:07 AM,
#9
Spanish Stroll
Mid Life Crisis Man Wrote:What's happening big fella? Still running?

Eek Bloody psychic you are MLC. New thread to follow shortly.....
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