Movember 2012

[Sweder]

And all you joggers
Who go round an round an round an round ...

Parklife, Blur

A return to Hove Park, home of Park Run, where joggers, runners, sprinters and walkers do indeed go round and round. 2.5 laps, 5 kilometres, 3 miles, 400 cheerful souls, an apparently infinite stream of sweaty humanity. I enjoyed myself, opting for a comfortably challenged yet not 'pushing it' pace. The result (by Garmin) was 24:01. Respectable. I say 'by Garmin' as my gun time will be around 20 seconds slower. That's how long it took to reach and cross the start line.

The Après Cafe hosted a cluster of familiars. Ladyrunner, Two Simons, both of whom have joined us on recent expeditions to Almeria, Mike Bannister, recent sub 3 hour (Amsterdam) marathoner and soon-to-be author, and Steve 'Stevio' Scott, recent convert to Ultra running. I spoke with Mike about a possible interview for The Plodcast. He seemed reluctant until I mentioned a free plug for his book. He's finished it - that is, written down, long-hand on note pads as he recovered on the beaches of Thailand.

I noticed a couple of twinges today. First up, before the run, a dull ache between the ball and heel of my right sole. Yes, 'PF' was my first thought, too. I'll keep tabs on that. Just as I reached the finish line my right hamstring klaxon sounded, fading soon after I reached the cafe and a healing bowl of delicious Mocha.