Medio Maraton Ciudad de Almeria 2014

[Sweder]

Survived the race despite an ugly and persistent lurghie that flared up to close my throat at 4am. I jogged round with Antonio for much of the course, taking it easy, enjoying the views on this entirely new circuit. Warm sun radiated out of a mostly clear blue sky as a cool breeze kissed my brow. This was just peachy.

After halfway I checked in with Antonio. He was doing OK, giving hope to my cunning plan to trick him into a sub two hour run. The plan fell apart when, some way short of kilometer eleven, my companion was not to be found. I checked my pace - ten minute miling - and realised his much-feared discomfort must have made an appearance. I plodded on, somewhat unsure of what I should do. I'd set out to run a two hour race, so why not try to judge that from here ? I sailed on serenely enough, calculating time and distance, adjusting my pace, feeling groovy. Right up until the point where, at 17 kilometres, the course leaves the seafront and meanders back up to the Stadium. I always underestimate the incline here, and so it proved today. Despite my best efforts, including a kilometer at 8 m/m pace, I missed my target by sixty seconds.

Reunited with a successful* band of runners in the sports hall I was invited to loiter for the awards ceremony. The organisers, at Antonio's behest, presented me with a rather swanky wood-mounted silver plaque, honouring my tenth consecutive appearance at the event, a sort of 'life-time acheivement award'. I was delighted to share the moment with my fellow runners, not least Antonio himself, without whom etc and so forth.

This afternoon has been about rehydration, eating multiple courses of delicious local food, catching up with old friends and toasting those unable to be with us this year. Tomorrow a trip to Cabo de Gata beckons, with paella and cerveza in our communal sights.

   

"Absent friends"

*Santi 1:37, Simon 1:39, Moylebird 1:40, Ladyrunner 1:47, Andrea 1:54 Sweder 2:01, Antonio 2:17