Season 2016

[Bierzo Baggie]

Last week I signed up for the Alto Sil which is in 2 months time. I’ve mentioned this race a few times over the years and somehow I’ve managed to enter and complete each one of the last 7 editions. Only for that reason can I take part this year (the “event full” sign came up on the internet just 9 minutes after entries were opened). The dozen or so sad cases that have finished all 7 are guaranteed a place at the start line. Just as well, as my computer is a relic from another era and in no condition for any virtual scrap for race numbers.

 
This year I will have to train. My middle aged body can not get away with this self-abuse any more. A hundred old injuries and other niggles are coming back to haunt me. Everything aches. And I’m losing speed faster than a moped on a 1 in 5.  
 
So here’s the plan from one who has never exactly been the man with the plan.
 
Wednesday: Run around in circles for a least 20 minutes, as fast as possible. In the dark. By myself. This is not fun.
 
Friday: Swim. This is the nearest I will ever get to a massage. The only time I ever paid a stranger to massage my body was 27 years ago in Istanbul. A very friendly Kurdish guy had persuaded my younger, more gullible self to shed my clothes and enter his local “hamam” for a hot bath and a good pummelling afterwards. Meanwhile the bastard nicked my wallet. Swimming is as good as a massage and there are lockers where I can leave my possessions.
 
Saturday: Monte Pajariel. Shortish run with some technican terrain.
 
Sunday: Longer run at lunchtime, at least until mid-February when the hunting season finishes. This means missing Sunday lunch which in itself is an act of terrible subversion. I mean, I could be smoking crack cocaine all weekend in some hideous den of iniquity but as long as I made it back for Sunday lunch all would be forgiven. But running … now that’s just sick!
 
This weekend.
Saturday: Monte Pajariel; 38 minutes, which included 15 minutes steep climb and 10 minutes over happy, skippy technical terrain. Not bad at all.
 
Sunday. After a light lunch of quail eggs on toast, a banana and a pint of lager I hit the lonely Morredero road that today was not so lonely. Ridiculously warm weather. I even wore shorts which must be a first for January. Parked up just above San Cristobel which is the last village on the pass. My chosen route was on non-technical trail with spectacular views across to the Montes Aquilianos. The descent was mostly along the road. Did this route with snow about this time last year but in these abnormally mild conditions I was much faster this time. Back at the car in an hour and a half, so far so good…

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