2008 - a bit late

[marathondan]

Best running week this year. (That's not saying much, mind.)

Sunday - 5-ish in the afternoon (birthday treat me-time). The first mile felt as though my lungs had shrunk after a 10-day layoff. It was pretty warm though; happy to be home in under 45 minutes.

Tuesday - 6.30 am 3-ish, fuelled by a couple of great radio interviews, first with Jazz drummer Chico Hamilton, and then blues / gospel singer Jimmy Carter of the Blind Boys of Alabama. Apparently Carter, in his 80s and blind from birth, stage dives at every gig. He was pretty matter-of-fact about it. TdJ: Many Miles of Blues, Philadelphia Jerry Ricks (for the subject matter).

Thursday - a late night 8+, my longest run since my last half marathon back in October. Really pleased with this, felt in control all the way - the drivetrain took a bit of a pounding as expected, but the engine remained well in the comfort zone. On the mp3, the warblings of presenters Alyn Shipton and Paul Jones, and the respective tweets and squawks of Ken Colyer and Muddy Waters, provided a soothing and undemanding soundtrack. A lovely night to be out on the streets in a singlet. (Not a phrase you often hear from a heterosexual male.)

Cheque for the Wycombe half in 6 weeks has been posted - my usual Luddite protest against the £2 surcharge for online booking. Fingers crossed.

Next week: crank up the long run slightly; take the short runs as and when.