There were a few days earlier in the week when I experienced what it might be like to try to walk when I’m older. This encompassed walking straight legged on the level, using my hands to help me get up stairs and coming down stairs sideways, ensuring that both feet were on a given step before tackling the next step. This was allied to a constant low level of pain, with occasional bright points which would elicit a gasp or loud wince.
It was Thursday before I felt like a gentle jog, although I didn’t have the time to get out.
Yesterday we spent in the garden so I had a general light workout and 8.30am today finally found me at Falmer, meeting Andy and Cliff for my first post-marathon run.
After yesterday’s glorious weather I was concerned that the day might be a hot one (not good for the London Marathon), but after a warm start there was a deluge of rain and the temperature lowered to a manageable level. Andy and I both started off in shorts and rain jackets, losing the latter after 15 minutes, whilst Cliff opted for pedal-pushing three-quarter length longs.
We ran to the north to Balmer Hill, then south through Balmer Farm to the A27 and, having crossed the road, continued to Newmarket Copse, the Falmer Road and back down into Falmer. It was 7.15 miles and our 1.08 time gave us an average speed of 6.3mph. Thankfully this slow speed was due largely to the stoppages, of which there were several… and whilst I won’t dwell here on the various excuses, it must surely be a sign of the advancing years of my comrades!