Feb-bluary 2012

[Sweder]

Today's recovery run turned out to be another extended effort, though this time music rather than stored energy drove me on. I strapped on my portable DAB for some Planet Rock love and was rewarded with the following 'Connection' playlist:

Call Me The Breeze, Lynyrd Skynyrd
Junior's Wailing, Steamhammer
As The Crow Flies, Rory Gallagher
The Weaver's Answer, Family
Soul On Fire, St Jude
Throw Down Your Sword, Wishbone Ash
Dallas 1pm, Saxon
The Rain Song, Led Zeppelin

I singularly failed to pick the connection, kicking myself when the DJ revealed the answer. They all contain character names from the Alien quadrilogy, the odd one out being, yes, (Sigourney) Weaver of Life. Sigh.

I should have turned back somewhere around the Rory Gallagher track but that live, cranked, driving blues kept me bouncing along and before I knew it I was halfway up BlackCap. I'd convinced myself I'd seen enough snow this year but my inner child still let out a whoop as I plunged ankle-deep into the crisp crust lying sheltered from the cruel sun behind thick hedgerows. Elsewhere warm fingers had spread their healing touch, white TinTin tufts turned translucent grey. In places only puddles marked their passing.

I don't listen to much Wishbone Ash but always enjoy their stuff when it pops up on the radio. This track has a real epic feel. It built to a crescendo just as I crested the slush covered rise heading back to the stables, the patchy white fields rolling out before me framed by distant white-capped hills. I storyboarded a film clip in my head as the music swelled, a close-up on a runner's back on this very section, camera dollied back to reveal the sweeping vista, finally (presumably on some kind of giant boom arm) arcing up above the scene to show the extent of the trail and the countryside beyond. One day, when I win a modest sum on the lottery or some distant, obscenely wealthy ascendant is revealed, I'll film that. I know just the couple to help me too

As good as Rory & Wishbone Ash were my track du jour was the Rain Song. It's Jason Bonham's favourite Zep track and it's certainly in my top three. What a beautiful piece of music. Goosebumps.



In terms of recovery the only twinge of note was the usual one; my right calf. Ever since the 2007 Steyning Stinger, a race I prize as my best, yet undoubtedly responsible for everlasting calf-knack, this errant muscle kicks up on occasion, reminding me of my vulnerability and the need to stretch. I was one of those nagging voices banging on at EG to get a deep tissue massage, blah blah blah. Well, physician, heal thyself. Time to call the mighty Bridge and nip that bastard in the bud.

5.9 miles in a shade over an hour.
Next: More Seafront Plodding.