March - Maddening Hares and all

[stillwaddler]

What a horrible day, grey and sluicing down with rain, still at least it was warm, well warm-ish, but I felt decidedly cheated as the weather had been so glorious all week - whilst I was stuck in work of course.

Munched through my toast and honey, drank another cup of tea but still the rain batted down. Nothing else for it but to get out there and give it a go. Stuck my Garmin in a freezer bag so that it stayed dry while it was on top of the bird table picking up satellites.

Packed my bum bag, SIS gels, mobile, inhaler, lip salve, Gatorade, tissues, cuddly toy (not really). Strapped it on, selected a baseball cap. I don’t normally wear a hat unless its really cold, but I figured this might keep the rain out of my eyes, and it did just that, so might make it a more regular addition to my kit list. Added my rusty Aldi running jacket, no longer waterproof, but keeps the wind out nicely.

Velcro-ed on the Garmin and I was off. No plan really, just to get through 20 miles in the best way possible with a half time trip home for a quick pit stop. I splashed through the puddles, leaping to the inside of the pavement a few times to avoid being washed away by the waves created by passing motorists – b****rds, I swear they aimed at the puddles. I ran, I ran with a rhythm that has so far alluded me on this marathon campaign. After 9.7 miles I fetched up at my house for a pit stop and the luxury of putting on a dry pair of socks, out of the door once more, past caring about the weather but still feeling chipper. 10.3 miles later I was back, the last couple of miles had been slower, my stride was shorter and my legs were tired, but I was OK. I had walked up all the hills I encountered and had walked to take the gels. Mr SW looked amazed that I had finished and told me that I looked far too fresh for someone who had covered 20 miles, he said he was impressed – WOW!!! Best of all my breathing was fine. I took all the advice re- inhalers and it worked. 10 minutes quicker than my last 20 mile encounter

Watch out Brighton, I’m on my way and I aim to get round.

Sunday of course, was a glorious day!!