Jog Shop Jog 2008

[Sweder]

Not sure it was skillful but it was certainly enjoyable marshalling out there today

What a fantastic day for the Jog Shop Jog - a misty, chilly start, sun burning off the early shroud without ever getting unbearably hot, a good turn out - somewhere between 150 and 200 hardy souls. I chopped up around 16 Mars bars (each into five segments, chilled in my Guinness fridge over night) and they all went (I had two to keep my spirits up ). Great to see so many familiar faces flying past at eleven and a half miles. Considering you'd all just battled up the W barely a mile before you all looked remarkably fresh. Ladyrunner, you were unbearably spritely - those sessions with Gary after Hove Park are paying dividends. Sara (of Great Wall Marathon fame) came by a few metres behind the leading lady. I offered what I thought was encouragement. 'You're right behind the leading lady!' I beamed.
'Yeah, she just passed me' came the scowled reply. Gillybean was pretty hard on herself having suffered on the last climb out of Kingston. What you might not have realised GB was there were hoards behind you and they were looking pretty rough I can tell you.

It was one of those days when you wished you were running - even in my rusty condition. Sorry to miss out on the finishing line festivities. I got a call from Mrs S. She and Pheebs were at a dance comp in Chichester and P's blood glucose monitor had gone on the fritz. Emergency replacement required I dashed off to play the White Knight, not figuring on Arundel being closed for bridge repairs and a 45 minute detour via Bognor Regis . . . :mad:

Well done to Sam and his team - another excellent (if tough) race. I love seeing the faces of the 'visitors' - those runners checking out our local plod to see what all the fuss is about. They're the ones in running club vests from Maidstone and the like, eyes glazed, waxen faces drooping in the sunshine as I hailed them with a cheery 'only seven and a half to go!'. One lady, wobbling on unsteady legs, asked 'are there any more hills?'
'Just a couple' I grinned.
Yep, just the two really. The Snake at a sdhade under two miles and the heartbreak of Rottingdean Windmill

Next year? Perhaps. Churlish as it may seem in these uncertain times to decry pressures of work, next October is looking decidedly busy.
If I can't run and I'm in the country I'll marshal; anything to support this terrific race.