Getting down to it.

[stillwaddler]

Eeek, 10 and a half weeks until the Stockport 10 miler. I have been trotting out for a few desultory runs but felt galvanised into action this lunchtime, decided to do a few hill sections, trotted out to tackle the Fire station hill three times. This hill is steep and is just over a third of a mile long and was looked upon very fondly by me in training for the FLM, the Fire Station came at about the 8.5 mile point of the local 10 mile round – I was allowed to walk to the top of the hill and glug down some sticky sports stuff as a reward for managing the previous 8.5 without stopping.

…don’t look at the top of the hill, just concentrate on turning the ground under your feet, - pretend you are on a conveyor belt – use the same amount of perceived effort that you would on the flat… I turned all the hints on effectively tackling hills over in my brain as I struggled up, it wasn’t pretty but I completed the challenge and then added a bit of flat on to do just 2.5 miles, no time for any more today. Not bad for starters and at least I have put a little bit in the bank before a couple of pints of the black stuff whilst watching the footie tonight.

(Half way up this hill and at its steepest point lies one of the most interesting pubs in the town. It looks half derelict but has a wonderful selection of lovingly cared for beers. It also has an impressive open fire in the colder months, a very friendly pub dog and an impressive display of junk items, including the biggest display of blow lamps I have ever seen. Swearing in the pub is strictly forbidden by the landlord – he escorts people out who dare to flout his rules.)

[El Gordo]

I must come and do a race in the Manchester area sometime, SW. It being my old university town and all that. My housemate when I lived there worked in a grand old Robinson's pub called the Blossoms in Stockport. Good beer.

You must have enjoyed the football tonight. Good result for Man Utd. In fact, all the British clubs have got off to a worryingly good start. Must be time soon for my annual wager on Chelsea. It's a great hedge against the disastrous possibility of them winning the thing.

[Sweder]

Swearing in the pub is strictly forbidden by the landlord – he escorts people out who dare to flout his rules.)

The wonderfully eccentric Lewes Arms, home to beards, roll-ups and folk music, has a useful policy on mobile phones.
If you're caught using one in the pub you have to buy a round of drinks for those patrons present. All of 'em.

[Mid Life Crisis Marathon Man]

It amazes me these pubs with strict (if quaint or eccentric) rules manage to survive in these dog-eat-dog days. Good to see.

What's next for sw after Stockport? Got another marathon in your sights?

[stillwaddler]

Can't afford the training time, but will do the odd half. Off to St Petersburg in the morning - (horrifyingly early) don't think I'll be running there though, worried about looking too conspicuous :-)