March On

[Sweder]

Took part in my first 5k Brighton & Hove Time Trial this morning.
As expected it was a breathless, sweaty affair but it's a start. These time trials are spreading across the country. They're free, runners of all sizes/ abilities/ backgrounds take part, whippets and walkers alike. The organisers, all volunteers, offer a carefully measured course and repeat the trials every Saturday morning at 9am. Once you register you can turn up (or not) as you please, simply having to be at the start by nine o'clock. You get a numbered disc at the end which indicates your finishing position on the day and corresponds with your recorded time (published that afternoon on the TT website).

The course is a pleasant winding paved trail with one small and two large loops over undulating parkland. Runners mingled with morning strollers, dog-walkers and cyclists on a beautiful crisp spring morning. A retro Café sat between the finish and the tennis courts, laden with wonderful breakfast fare. Mrs S and S minor took advantage, waving at me from their comfy perch as I plodded round slowly turning pink. Encouraged by the presence of more than a few walkers/ slow joggers the girls suggested they might take part in future. This would be a welcome development as I've always felt my passion for running is a selfish one. It'll be great to share it.

I don't expect too much from these trials other than to add a hint of pacework to my running. It's fun though, and with a fair number of the Sunday group taking part a pleasant social occasion to boot.

Update
Finished 28th out of 65 in 23:51. The Remster came in 8th in 19:16
No doubt I'll be watching him dissapear over the horizon again tomorrow