January 2012

[Sweder]

Welcome, 2012.
New years resolutions go in one year and out the other. Generally I'll try to run a little more (wisely) and eat & drink a little less.

Here's to a great running year for all.

[Sweder]

Opened my account with a torrid flog along the Jog Shop New Year's Day 5 miler. After two days on the ale, wrapped up just before 2 o'clock this morning in the company of stone-age rockers The Contenders in the warm bosom of the Lewes Con Club, I almost missed the start. The frantic dash from my car to the starting point at Black Rock all but finished me off. My tardy arrival was greeted with good-natured jeers and cries of 'hurry up' from the modest assembly, around thirty hardy souls including Simon Ho, Jason, Paul the Goat and Austin Powers. Lycra Tony and Sam Lambourne waited patiently as I tried to pin my thumbs to my vest through my hurridly affixed race number.

Our out lap took us along the undercliff, splashing through chalky puddles whilst dodging wobbly toddlers learning to ride their new christmas bikes, before climbing up onto the cliff tops at Rottingdean. The return slog, into a buffeting headwind over slippery mud trails, took a monumental effort. I was pleased to finish without troubling the paramedics.

[Mid Life Crisis Marathon Man]

...was pleased to finish without troubling the paramedics.

Good to hear matey. Apart from Almeria, what race goals have you in mind this year?

[Sweder]

Apart from Almeria, what race goals have you in mind this year?

Brighton Marathon in April. It's about time I ran my 'home town' 26.2. I have a place secured, just sorting out my fund raising plans; I'm hoping to fund ten families on scholarship for the CWD FFL conference in October (that'll cost around GBP 3200.00).

Otherwise P2P 2013 is on the rosta and budget permitting I would dearly love to give that bastard in Cape Town another go (Easter 2013). I have several clear ideas about how to improve my showing in that one.

[marathondan]

Long term planning: I like it!

[Sweder]

Quick update. A couple of modest outings this week but not this morning. I'm suffering from a strange (yet perhaps familiar) injury. Lounging on the sofa over Christmas I started exploring my left foot (as you do) and was disgusted at the build up of hard skin around my heel. I started to pick at the petrified flesh (apologies if you're reading this over breakfast) until a sharp pain let me know I'd managed to tear into 'live' skin. Over the last few days the offended area has become extremely sore. I've run on it a couple of times but that's made it worse so I gave it a miss today, deploying Sudacream and vowing to leave well alone unless armed with a suitable podiatry tool.
Normal service etc and so forth.

[El Gordo]

Brighton Marathon in April. It's about time I ran my 'home town' 26.2. I have a place secured, just sorting out my fund raising plans; I'm hoping to fund ten families on scholarship for the CWD FFL conference in October (that'll cost around GBP 3200.00).

Good man - sounds like a great cause. Don't be shy about publicising the JustGiving page. I'm sure there are a few here who would chip in.

[Sweder]

Another return to running to report, this time slightly more successful than last week's aborted effort. Following several days whining about my poorly heel I plucked up courage and headed for Hove Park. My first ParkRun of 2012 was completed in a sedate 23:40. It felt a lot quicker; that is to say, it felt like I'd put in enough effort to clock a better time, but perhaps that's to be expected at the tail end of the Season of Supreme Gluttony. My wagoneering has barely had time to register on the Blob-o-meter; better things (and times) lie ahead I'm sure.

On Sunday I took to the Brighton hills for the first time in what feels like forever. The Jog Shop group are setting off at 8am these days, an ungodly hour that leaves no time for luxuriant pre-run breakfasts taken on the terrace in one's smoking jacket and slippers. Instead I wolfed some hastily scorched toast washed down with strong black coffee, filled a water bottle and set off at high speed.

It was good to see a few familiar faces huddled above the Marina. Natalie, looking as ever like she could do with a few hot meals; Adi, ruddy and smiling, Lycra Tony (kitted out in hideous bi-polar leggings, one leg purple, one cream), Jonty the affable Saffa, the effervescent Claudia and a lady with an alarming shock of white hair who I always assume to be Scottish but who is quite clearly not. Tony reminded us gleefully that we have thirteen weeks before our spring marathons, a statistic that saw a few of us absent-mindedly stretching as if to imply we might have actually done some training of late.

I learned that the peloton were headed inland for their first taste of the east Brighton hills this term, a long pull up Telscombe Tye. The regulars were planning to separate here. The super fit vets would take on a seventeen mile trek at high speed, Adi’s middle group two miles less over the Snake/ Rottingdean course and the Newbies setting sail back to the marina by way of the windswept cliffs. Both long routes were too rich for my undercooked legs but I figured I might tag along to the top of the Snake before nipping off home via East Brighton Park.

An hour in I had cause to review my plan. We bid farewell to the Quicks, Chris 'Austin Powers' Mallinson having caught and passed us to zoom off into the distance. The newbies had already turned for home and I was now hunkered down at the back of a small but perfectly formed wedge of lopers; Jonty, obviously in fine fettle as ruminated on the best films of last year whilst gliding along in apparent comfort; Mrs not-so-Scottish lady, Claudia and Adi with whom I discussed his recent interview with celebrity runner and Tony Blair's Minister of Disinformation Alistair Campbell (a piece due to appear in this months’ Runner's World). I ventured that Herr Campbell was probably a decent sort, being a keen footie fan and a decent runner and all that. Adi countered that I probably wouldn't want to work with him, which is possibly a fair point.

On reaching the perilously steep, heavily-ploughed farmer's field I let the legs go, thundering downhill at alarming speed as the rutted, flint-encrusted ground flew by. The heavy impact mashed my quads as involuntary tears succumbed to the biting wind, streaming across my face whilst I fought manfully to maintain my balance. I was mightily relieved to reach the levelling off point, chugging up the steep climb on the far side to slump against the gate, sucking air for all I was worth. It’s hard to remember a time I’ve felt less in shape at this particular juncture.

The Snake herself offered another reminder, if one were needed, that I've not tested myself on this course for a while. Happily the threatened overnight rain had stayed away, the sticky trail yielding a smidgeon of grip. Halfway up the long and winding track a small and unexpected pulse of energy had me pushing on, leaving Jonty in my wake as I struck out for the last corner. I wanted to get there ahead of the others to pay homage to the spot where Camilla had scattered Moyleman's ashes. Just then a shape appeared alongside me. Jonty had responded and was kicking on, way stronger than I. Within a minute he was thirty yards ahead and it was all I could do to hold him to that. As we reached the marker, a tiny pile of white stones sheltering from the spiteful wind under a bobbing gorse bush, I raised my arm in salute. Hello old friend. I laughed as I thought about what he'd say to me if he could see how horribly unfit I was. Something about losing the lard and shifting my arse no doubt.

Adi turned left at the top, heading back down to take on Rottingdean Reservoir and Windmill Hill. I was happy to wave him away, my sore legs keen to get back to the car and ultimately the warm embrace of a long hot shower. I wondered how I'd get on through the park, the final mostly downhill mile offering the chance to open up and finish with aplomb. Not too badly as it turned out. I let go, the rutted sloping track rising to meet me, my arms, fully extended, waggling like those of a runaway tightrope walker. By the time I'd reached the football pitches Jonty and the ladies were out of sight. I'd covered twelve point four miles in a hair under two hours (not counting a couple of drink/ recovery stops along the way). A decent first long run effort of the year.

This morning my body felt like I’d fallen out of an aeroplane. My planned recovery run turned into a gentle walk with the hounds, every step producing a gentle rumble of complaint from some joint or other. My hips and groin ache but general decrepitude aside I'm pleased to be back on the trail. Same again next Sunday I think.

[Mid Life Crisis Marathon Man]

Brave effort big fella. Are you on the wagon now?

[El Gordo]

Great stuff, Sweder. Love the detail and the enthusiasm. Sounds like you don't need much to get you fully back on track.

Had you mentioned Moyleman's ashes before? Sorry if you had -- I'd either missed it, or just forgotten, as I am increasingly wont to do.

Good to see you up here on the wagon. It ain't so bad.

[marathondan]

This morning my body felt like I’d fallen out of an aeroplane.

[...]

Same again next Sunday I think.

I think that says it all. Great to see you stepping up to the plate in your inimitable fashion.

[Sweder]

Brave effort big fella. Are you on the wagon now?

I am *polishes halo* and as EG says, it ain't so bad. That said I suffered a couple of horrible instances of delirium tremens recently. Watching the weekend FA Cup action I could have sworn I saw Paul Scholes, Owen Hargreaves and Thierry Henri playing! I switched over to the politics show only to hear that Eric Cantona is running for president of France.

This cold turkey can be brutal.

[Seafront Plodder]

Ah, but as the latest Nanny State orders are for everyone to have 2 alcohol-free days a week, you are probably breaking the law.

I used to have a beer 3 times a week, but have upped it to 5 to be in line with government orders, sorry... 'guidelines'

[Mid Life Crisis Marathon Man]

The real question is: how will the Harveys Brewery survive? This on top of the GEC might be too much for them .

[Sweder]

Following a couple of gentle midweek runs I crammed a 9.66 miler in this morning. My Sunday plans were scuppered by an almost forgotten commitment to play a golf match, an occasion that, almost three months after my last competitive outing, is almost certain to come as a cruel disappointment to my playing partner.

   
14.1.2012 9.66 miles elevation map

My performance will not be enhanced after this mornings' draining session. I felt sluggish before I started and to be honest that was as good as it got. I took the Lewes Downland Ten route, up over BlackCap, left into the western Lewes hills looping around to head home via my usual route. The tracks proved incredibly slippery, last night's hard frost melted into sludge by a weak winter sun. I slip-slid my way slowly, heavily, for mile after bone-chilling mile, listening to BBC Radio Five Live preview the Premier League football. A succession of people associated with Liverpool FC appeared in my headphones (via 5 Live) to proclaim their 'unconditional' support for convicted racial abuser Luis Suarez. The spurious claim that it was 'one man's word against another' was repeated by the LFC MD and a number of fans and former players including none other than John Barnes. It was risible, as Mark Bright thankfully pointed out, mostly because the player admitted to calling his opponent 'negro' seven times in a two minute spell. Liverpool seem intent on painting their man as the wronged party. If we're truly in an age where people are lining up to defend a man's right to call another man 'negro' we have surely taken a wrong turn somewhere.

On a happier note Thierry Henri and Paul Scholes have now each scored more goals than Fernando Torres and Andy Carroll in 2012. In the year 2011 Torres scored more goals for Liverpool than he did for Chelsea. He was transferred at the end of January. My own Mighty Rooks are rapidly becoming the draw specialists, managing to throw away 1-0 leads in three out of their last four matches. On wednesday the club announced the suspension of the manager, Steve King, with 'immediate effect subject to an internal investigation'. Rumours are rife but it seems the former Farnborough Town firebrand is on his way.

I lumbered home, tired and weary, looking forward to my lovely hot shower. Sadly sharing a house with three women and being the last one into the bathroom meant there was no hot water left.
Woe is me.

[Bierzo Baggie]

Hi Sweder,
Just to comment on the Luis Suarez debate. "Negro" in Spanish can be translated as "black guy" and certainly doesn't have the implications that the word might contain in English. Notice that from the dialogues between Colombians and Brazilians of all shades who live in my own neighbourhood.

"Neegro" in English sounds offensive. It might sound like some reference to slavery. "Negro" in Spanish with the short "i" sound is just a reference to colour. Context and tone is everything but most of the time it's no big deal. Would be interested to hear Antonio's opinion on this one.

Glad to read that you're back on the trails!

[El Gordo]

Hi Sweder,
Just to comment on the Luis Suarez debate. "Negro" in Spanish can be translated as "black guy" and certainly doesn't have the implications that the word might contain in English. Notice that from the dialogues between Colombians and Brazilians of all shades who live in my own neighbourhood.

"Neegro" in English sounds offensive. It might sound like some reference to slavery. "Negro" in Spanish with the short "i" sound is just a reference to colour. Context and tone is everything but most of the time it's no big deal. Would be interested to hear Antonio's opinion on this one.

This is all to do with the relationship between Manchester United and Liverpool, and not much to do with the subtlety of language. If it had happened in a match between West Brom and Norwich, there would have been no complaint and no tribunal and no crazy punishment or teeshirts, and half a forest of newsprint would have been saved. That's my opinion.

[Sweder]

I agree to some extent with EG on this and readily accept I find the whole Scouse Victimhood approach a bit of a smokescreen. What surprised me was that the BBC devoted a good half hour of air time to it today and that the club simply say 'it's one man's word against another'. It isn't - Suarez confirmed what was said. Mark Lawrenson, certainly no United fan, condemned the whole T-shirt support thing at Wigan as 'ill advised'. Had Suarez said what he did to Chris Samba perhaps Liverpool would have told him to apologise and move on. Once he'd regained consciousness, obviously.

I totally accept the different cultural connetations of the word and that in South America it crops up in daily parlance, possibly in Spain, too. So do many things now unacceptable in Britain. When Lewis Hamilton took to the track in Spain a few years ago some Spanish fans dressed in ape masks and wore t-shirts with 'Hamilton's Family' written on them. Perfectly OK in Spain but that'll win you a trip to court in London before you can make a monkey chant.

Of more interest to me now is the pending case against John Terry. From what I've seen Suarez v Evra was handbags compared to the tirade of ugliness spat towards Anton Ferdinand.

[Mid Life Crisis Marathon Man]

Weren't you going to get some road miles in Sweder? I seem to recall you saying some tarmac training ahead of the spring marathon might be a good idea. Given the state of your hill trails at the moment, maybe now's the time? Bit of an issue with the hounds, of course I suppose.

[Bierzo Baggie]

I totally accept the different cultural connetations of the word and that in South America it crops up in daily parlance, possibly in Spain, too. So do many things now unacceptable in Britain. When Lewis Hamilton took to the track in Spain a few years ago some Spanish fans dressed in ape masks and wore t-shirts with 'Hamilton's Family' written on them. Perfectly OK in Spain but that'll win you a trip to court in London before you can make a monkey chant.

Yeah, I suppose you're right but I was talking principally about language and the context in which it's used.

And remember that Britain/England has got a pretty dark history when it comes to race relations. Ask Cyrille Regis about the bullets he used to receive in the post. I think we forget what a nasty place English footie was in the early 80s.

But anyway, I was talking principally about language and in a multicultural Latin American context (Columbia, Cuba, Ecuador...) it just doesn't sound like any big deal. Suarez pisses me off more with his whining and diving.