One of the nested reasons for keeping at this running thing is so that I’m fit enough to keep up when there is an opportunity to run with my friends.
Cliff, Mark and Andy were running in a Longman 28 mile run from Falmer today and Mark had cajoled me into joining them, at least for a short distance. I started at Jack & Jill, their half-way point, and ran back along the top of the Downs towards them, passing the front runners as I did. The leader looked on pretty good form but the guys weren’t actually that far behind… er, well, maybe two miles or so, which I suppose is enough.
I didn’t quite manage to get to Blackcap before Cliff came into view and I turned around and ran back to the Beacon with him. Mark was 20m behind that whole way and he finally caught up while Cliff was eating Scotch Eggs and chocolate brownies at the refuelling station. I then ran with the two of them back across to Jack & Jill.
When I reached their turn point Mark suggested that I run with them a little further until I found Andy, who was only behind on account of being in recovery from the flu… we reached him before we got to the top of Home Hill. I then turned round and ran back to the turn point with him and then, for moral support, back up to the top of Home Hill again.
And then, obviously, I ran back down to the car.
Overall I felt as if I was on good form… idling along on a sunny day with friends who have run ten miles further than you will do that every time!
My efforts amounted to a run of 10.5 miles in 1.51, an average of 5.67 mph… you can see the route on Strava at ttps://www.strava.com/activities/252009307
I returned to base for a quick shower and then Kim and I went to Lewes for a relaxed walk and something to eat… it was a glorious day! We even managed to drop in on my folks on the way back… they were on good form too, despite being somewhat more than ten metaphorical miles ahead of me!
