August

[Sweder]

No time like the present to start gearing up.
I took to my homeland hills this morning, grateful for the strong, cool breeze sweeping off the downs and the high cloud cover. By far the coolest run I've had in this country for a month, and most enjoyable it was too.

I checked my fitness levels via the usual yardstick - see how far I could run up Wicker Man Hill without stopping for a dry heave or two. Praise the Lord if'n I didn't get all the way to that lonely ol’ landmark without a pause. OK, a bit of shuffle when the going got tough, but hey - it's progress.

The fields south of Blackcap were littered with sheep and cattle, and, mob-handed as I was with my hounds, I took the direct, steep route to the Cap, again running without respite. A brief stop at the summit to fill the lungs and we set off to the east, that stiffening breeze now handily placed at our backs. I fair flew down the slope and was half way back up WMH before I felt the need to step on the gas. My pace remained strong to the top, easing only on the flat and gradual descent.

Home in a sniff under 50 minutes. The time though is less important; I felt good at the finish, stronger than I have in many weeks. It bodes well for August when my goal will be to take every opportunity to spin these old legs, especially on the long Sunday runs.

The countdown to the Jog Shop Jog starts here.