August 2009

[Sweder]

2nd August

A much brighter start to this summer Sunday. High thin cloud and strong sunshine greeted our gathering, vested torsos bathing in the glow, caressed by a most tender, whispered ocean breeze. I'd risked ridicule, donning the Vibram FiveFingers for their first Jog Shop Joggers outing. The ribbing was mercifully as gentle as the wind, good natured and laced with more than a dash of curiosity.

In keeping with the manufacturer's advice I'd decided on a truncated out-and-back session, a return trip to the Wire being an even 12 kilometre blast across the cliff tops. Last Sunday had drained too much from my undercooked legs. I needed a confidence booster, to finish a run with plenty in the tank, ideally feeling strong and capable of more. This is the start of the long road to Connemara by way of Almeria; nothing can be won at this stage but plentry can be lost by way of macho over-indulgence and resulting injuries.

Most of the regulars were heading inland for a 20k snake but I wasn't remotely tempted. Joined by Janet and Terry I held course, cresting the tough climb out of Saltdean and staying steadfast on a due east setting as the others wheeled away into the hills with cheery farewell cries. After a brief pause at the Wire, officially a metre shy of the full six klicks from the Marina marker, we set off at a leisurely pace. We talked about keeping it steady and finishing strong and that's how it worked out. Chugging easily over the hills we chatted away and I felt my running strength returning, seeping into muscle and bone as if emerging from hibernation. My feet felt terrific. Running free, cool air between my toes, the intimate touch of whispy grass and soft turf a rare pleasure, I'm coming to very much enjoy my time in this new footgear.

We did finish well, upping the pace as we hit the drop to the finish three abreast. I plan to repeat this over the next few Sundays, to build on that feeling of strength, before carefully upping the distance. I'll be travelling a lot through the autumn so I'll save my long runs for November when the cool(er) air and damp conditions should come to my aid. I'll probably be back in the Mizunos for those but hey? Who knows? We'll have to see.