December 2008

[Sweder]

Seven days into the new month and my first run. It feels like a month ago that I last got out. Still, it was worth the wait, brushing off jetlag with a quick scamper across frost-dusted hills under a strong winter sun. My lungs, under-used and clogged with the remnants of foul lurghie, spluttered reluctantly into life. I took a longer-than-usual (off the clock) break at the summit of Blackcap, gasping for air as a group of elderly hikers looked on in apparent concern. I held a gloved hand up to indicate I wouldn't need medical attention before stumbling back down the slope on the homeward leg.

For all the struggling I posted a decent time, my second consecutive sub-43 minute outing and a PB this year for the course. Must be the enforced taper at work! I nearly barfed up a lung when I got back in the warm but it's great to be back in them there hills.