Oh Boy…
On a positive note I beat a personal best this morning (by 0.05 of a mile).
12.35 miles up hill and down.
But why, why, why do I put myself through this?
With legs still tied from Friday’s hill repin’ madness I set off this morning with a route clearly mapped out in my mind. Over Juggs Lane – up to the top of Kingston Ridge – to the start of the YBR – down Heartbreak Ridge (best way to do Heartbreak Ridge) and UP THE SNAKE – before turning east along the tops and down to Kingston Church then back home along the road.
I did it. It was tough. Head winds, freezing rain squalls, and I swear more uphill running than down. For a change my head was in the right place – in fact my head added an additional mile on to the route to ensure that I toppled my personal best – a personal best that had been in existence since the infamous run with Sweder when we finally broke his knees.
The problem this morning was my legs… by the last 2 miles I had perfected a perfect mix between the lolloping gait of Quasimodo and the warped body of Sméagol. It is surprising how fast you can run on all fours. When I rounded the corner at the Swan and forcibility insisted my body take a small detour to break that record – there was anarchy like I have never experience before. Technically I ran the last half a mile home, but when asked by a little old lady if I was alright as she passed me on the home straight… I knew things were not looking rosy.
There were however some highlights. For all the weather up there, the Downs were radiant, dark and moody – lovely. As I topped the Snake I was able to wish Moyleman a happy Christmas and ask that he watches over us all as we run into and through 2015. My new running shoes were great (first big run) – no blisters and comfy feet. And I arrived home to find the house full of friends, sausages rolls and lemon cheesecake – brilliant.
I was quite pleased with my pace; although there is a lot of room for improvement I managed a total pace of 11 min/mi and average moving pace of 10 min/mi. Elevation gain 1,500 feet.
This is me at mile 4 – I dare not show you what I looked like on my return.
An afternoon of drinking with friends is on the cards now... you'll find me slumped in the corner with a half a stout in my hand...
December ('tis the season)
