Training Log Archive: Thraws

Got the rail replacement buses via Havant to Petersfield and walked back on a completely new route. West Harting, East Harting, Treyford Hill, Chilgrove, West Dean (coffee and coke at tea shop), Lavant, home. Started very relaxed but got brisker for familiar final section. Beautiful day for it. Wish I could sort left little toe out. Otherwise pretty good.

Event: London City Race
 

Again, entered this because Lu did (it being on her manor, 'n'all), but also because I've never done it and actually fancied a bit of urban-O. Can't deny the setting and sights were superb, but I wasn't in the best prepared state after a trying journey on yet another diverted, slow and ridiculously overcrowded train. Nice to see old O friends, though, after quite a substantial break. Biggest handicap was ability to see micro-detail on the map, which meant I occasionally resorted to running 'to have a look' rather than plot proper route. Missed a small alley leaving 5, which annoyed me. But lost about 7.5 mins altogether at three controls (12, 13 and 15) through being unable to devise a way past bridges or avoiding fences or football hooligans (St Thomas Street). Perhaps I was rushing. Might have managed a decent position if I'd slowed down a bit? Tower of London, the 'Gherkin', Lloyds building, Leadenhall Market, Lower Thames Street, Southwark Bridge, Borough Market, London Bridge, Tower Bridge, Bermondsey. Not sure if it's worth the hassle though. The crowds and traffic are pretty dense throughout, and it's a miracle I didn't knock someone's coffee 'to go', 'street food', or phone out of their hand.

Bit of a nip in the morning.

Perfect cool windless conditions first thing.