February 2013

[Sweder]

Time to step up the mileage and get into some proper marathon training.

Park Life
Saturday saw a return to ParkRun. Despite my legs still feeling the impact of those hard Andalcian streets I cranked out a sub 23 minute 5k. I wore my old Mizuno WH3s. They are so worn they've turned into bespoke minimalist shoes, feeling pretty good over the short distance. Happily my legs didn't coil up around my ears like overwound springs. I even managed a gentle half mile lope back to the car.

Year Of The Snake
Yesterday I hooked up with Lycra Tony's group for an early outing from Brighton Marina. Some of these guys are well into their marathon stride, already hitting 18 miles. Too rich for my blood. The peloton were looking for a straight Snake 12. I opted for 15, joining Cam to run the Snake route, doubling back to add miles through Rottingdean, Windmill Hill, St. Dunstans and along the cliff tops into a fierce headwind. I pushed hard along the coastal trail, seeking 8 m/m pace. It was all but impossible on the upslopes, the cruel westerly swooping down to check our stride even as our feet spun in slick mud. I finished at 7'20", sweating, eyes rolling like a knackered old horse under the whip.

14.53 miles in 2'20". A fair effort after the trials of Almeria and tribulations of a week traveling to and from London at all hours. I'll need to ramp it up steadily from here.

On, on!