February 2010

[Sweder]

Another cracking belt across the east Brighton downs this morning. Sub-zero wind-chill, insidious sleet, soft, muddy fields and lively banter proved a winning combination, even in shorts and RC shirt. Unhappily I’d left my gloves in the car. I blame last night's pre-Valentine’s dinner Harveys at the Lewes Arms. Steak was also possibly not the best choice. Having crawled into bed well after 1am I rolled up a tad late despite skipping breakfast to save time. As I pulled on my muddy runners the Peloton was already cresting the first cliff hump east of Brighton. Chasing hard, gazing out across the millpond sea towards a pink blush horizon, I yet again thanked my lucky stars to be running in such a wonderful place. Good to see Gillybean, Tracey, Stevio (back with the front-runners) and Nigel amongst the brightly-coloured madding crowd.

The Quicks were chomping on a juicy eighteen-miler. I was tempted, but only for a moment. Frankly with no marathon on the horizon, I don’t see the point of pushing too hard and risking injury. Far better to hit a hilly fifteen hard, build on the strength gained in December and January and preserve my ageing pins.

I joined a group of fast-improving newbies, mostly Brighton Marathon entrants looking to build on last week's run. We hit the Snake at full pelt, keeping excellent pace - around five minute thirty kilometres - to the summit. At the top I took them along the switch-back and down into Rottingdean by way of the Reservoir, hammering out a good rythmn all the way to Windmill Hill. For once I flew up the muddy face of this debilitating climb, pausing next to the eponymous landmark to take on air and water as the rest of the group staggered up the brutal, slippery slope.

On the cliff-top run home I called for the leaders to 'give it some welly' - run as hard as you can - all the way home. The front three did just that. I grinned and tried to hang on, working hard, arms pumping, really enjoying the freedom of running hard on strong legs with two miles to go. Those legs, still giddy at being back on the turf, are working well with the bellows; I'm having a lot of fun out there. Another five miles on Tuesday (maybe ten; I'll see how I feel) then spin (hoorah!) on Thursday. I tried to sign up for Monday too but Bridge's House of Fun is, sadly, over-subscribed.

So, I’m feeling pretty pleased with myself just at the moment.
What could possibly go wrong?

Heard a decent FA Cup gag on the way home:
Rafa, Wenger, Fergie & Neil Warnock in a pub. Each buys a round.
Warnock goes up a second time but comes back with just one pint, for himself.
Fergie jumps up and roars ‘Bloody hell Neil, that’s not on! What are you playing at?’
Warnock looks him in the eye and says ‘But Alex, this is the 5th round, and you lot ain’t in it.’

23.3 kilometres in 2 hours 10 minutes (5:38/ km pace)
Monthly total: 72.8 kms
Year to date: 267.18 kms