It was a gloriously sunny morning but I found it difficult to motivate myself into my running gear… such that it was 2 minutes to midday before I finally made it out. Since there seemed to be a wide disparity in temperature between sun and shade, I reluctantly opted for my longs, thinking that I would probably only take a quick spin around the local woods.
Additionally I wore two layers plus my jacket, gloves, hat and, of course, for those of you who have seen me out running, my ubiquitous shades. These latter are usually to keep low hanging twigs out of my eyes, but today they were needed for their proper purpose as the sun was strong and low in the sky.
I quickly realised how warm it was in the sun, but just when I was contemplating stripping off a little, I ran through a patch of shade and quickly changed my mind.
Unsure of where I was going, I chose a different path at the end of the road and ended up running out along Folders Lane and, using a dog leg to Fragbarrow Farm, ended up on the Sussex Border Path heading South. Here, the jacket came off, but nothing else.
I opted to run down little twittens through Ditchling village and then, surprise surprise, found myself on the track to the Beacon. It’s like a magnet to me!
As I ran up so I found a couple who were madder than I… they had their three sub-five-year-old children, including a two year old and they were slowly walking up the track. This is not the steepest track I run up, but it’s not far off, so they were doing well indeed!
I made it to the top of the Beacon in 59 minutes and watched in awe as a glider made a steep turn and quietly whistled past overhead.
I started back and found the family group almost at the top… apparently, given a choice of what to do, the eldest boy had chosen to walk up the Beacon, possibly safe in the knowledge that there’s an ice-cream van at the top. Either way… BRAVO!
I ran on down the hill to Sporting Cars of Brighton, turned right and then left onto Spatham Lane. Despite the extra distance, this is quicker going and the houses are pretty enough to balance out running on the road. By the time I had reached the other end I was wishing I lived nearer to the Downs!
I ran down through the country park and across the Common before making it home in 2.02. 11.1 miles, 5.45mph, knackered! I can hear the sofa calling gently to me!