January 2012

[marathondan]

Slidy Friday - back to the green for a late night tempo session. The mild spell and on-off rain had made the surface slicker than a week ago, although not quite back to quagmire levels. No moon or stars in evidence, but as ever the gentle glow of the suburban sprawl was enough to light my way well enough, so didn't bother with the torch.

Emma has taken delight in pressing the buttons on my watch and somehow changed the split display, so I wasn't able to view my splits en route, but afterwards was pleased to discover my offroad tempo splits in the 3.30 - 3.45 marathon pace range. Of course 3.45 is my target time for the whole damn 26.2 miles, so I will have to improve on that in the next 3 months - but that speed will come. I also kept up the pace for the short pavement journey back home, and unning on tarmac is like running on a moving travelator after muddy grass.

Was chased by a big dog in the pitch dark towards the end of the circuits; I spent some time fumbling with the headtorch which was wrapped around my wrist before finally illuminating the beast. Shortly afterwards his owner, some 50 yards away, lit up too and called the hound to order. Not too worried about rogue canines, so long as I can see them.

TdJ: Bullet for my Valentine - Your Betrayal