We were at a FAB party at Clive & Nat’s last night, during which time Pete & Cliff reminded me about the Mince Pie ten mile race this morning. Though I remember saying that I ‘might’ see them there, even then I was somewhat doubtful… I could list the reasons for my doubt, but it will make no difference since they will still harangue me for not turning up to compete!
Suffice to say that I wasn’t there this morning: I made it only as far as my folks’ place by the start time.
It had been raining all morning north of the Downs as I sat re-reading Michael Apter’s Reversal Theory, both reading and raining being factors in my considerable prevarication. However, in sight of the sea to the south of the both the Downs and the coastal ridge, the day was chilly and overcast but dry and optimistic… sufficiently so that I opted to wear shorts.
I had a vague thought about running to the finish line in Peacehaven, but I honestly didn’t feel that energetic, so I sufficed by running down to Rottingdean and along the Undercliff Walk to its easterly end at Saltdean.
The sea was heaving magnificently and I paused several times to take photos and then to take a longer video… which I would share with you if Google hadn’t bought YouTube and messed up my passwords in the process.
I then simply retraced my steps back up the hill to Woodingdean, all the while feeling guilty thinking about Pete, who would have competed having already run from Brighton and then, in the absence of my car, may well have had to run home again afterwards! Heck, he’s the one who should be writing the running blog!
I notice from the results sheet that out of a record 327 entries, Cliff came 95th (average speed 7.4mph) and Pete 66th (7.7mph). Good show boys!
For me, around 7 miles took me 1.17 (5.45mph), but this included all the pauses for 21 photos and an almost three-minute video, so I was running a smidge faster… and comfortably so, even though I took the Falmer Road in a relaxed fashion. After all, it wasn’t the day for racing!
There are only a few days left to submit your humorous incidents for the competition ahead of the deadline! Though if I hear one more person claim they’ve not had the time to spend five minutes writing a few words and sending them to me, I’ll be forced to, er, sob… publically!
What can I say: You can lead a horse to water but you cannot make him run? Your absence of mince pies was noted!