September 2011

[Sweder]

I survived the Lewes Downland 10 this morning, running in a 60 second PB (1:25 and change) in the hottest recorded conditions in these parts at this time of year. Trust me, oh ye of little faith, it was bloody hot. What breeze there was evaporated in the sun-drenched valleys, the merciless sun sapping my energy as my legs grew wobbly over the closing miles.

Parallels with the 2007 race, my first attempt at this undulating beast of a ten miler, don't end in the glare of strong sunshine. There's a Rugby World Cup on the go for one thing. England & France have again both qualified for the knock out stages, albeit in both cases the passage has been far from straight forward.

Then there's my decision to ship a barrel load of beer yesterday, first at my beloved Lewes FC and later on the thirsty walk home. Thirsty Walk? Is she on Newsnight? Anyway, I'm home now, a broken man, hamstrings like piano wire, feet battered and bruised and a honey-do list that needs attention. So for details of the course I present, without apology, my 2007 race report.