Training Log Archive: Thraws

Beachy Head to Exceat via Birling Gap and Seven Sisters CP. Lovely day for it apart from the stiff headwind which cost, I'd estimate, a minute or two. Ran hard out the start whilst we all established our relative strengths (and who knew the way), then settled near the lighthouse and reminded myself there were three legs to run today. Was in a bit of a battle for 8th at BG (out of 14), with a big gap behind, so just focussed over the hills on keeping the leaders in sight and not doing anything daft. About 3 mins off the pace at the finish, although actually timed myself at 51 dead and 5 mins down!?

Saddlescombe to Adur crossing. Felt fine at the start. Knew what lay ahead and wasn't fazed by it. I got overtaken pretty soon on the first hill by the Horsham runner, and by a very fast later starter later on, but otherwise just ground out the hills and tried to let gravity work on the descents. The head wind was a problem again, and a real nuisance down to the river, where it meant you had to 'run' rather than float. Ah well, it was the same for everyone, though I thought I might have got under 39 mins. Worked hard on the leg as I knew the third one wasn't too scary and I'd be digging in for most it whatever.

Harting Down to Queen Elizabeth CP. Was relaxed and confident at start again. We seemed to have got ourselves inside the cut-off and were going well, taking heart from all the earlier starting teams we were now hauling in one after the other. I passed another before the road crossing, then just got on with the job, knocking the numerous small ascents off one by one and passing the Winchester girl. I got to QE in 29 mins, which was the time I'd done when recceing, so knew 42 mins was realistic and would be a good time. Passed another runner on the tough hill, then another on the 'new' hill through the trees, but as I started to descend my left calf tightened. After that it was a case of just keep going and hope you made it to the end before forward movement at all became difficult. The growing traffic noise on the A3 was a relief. Made it, just.

Yet more transport misery. Punctured on the way in and walked last half-mile.

Got train to Shoreham to fetch car after work yesterday, so decided to walk in today to collect bike. Good workout for ankles and hip.

And finally, all my transport modes back in the right places.

Again, no choice. And this time there was a weather warning for rain and high wind ... Bah!

No choice. Didn't have a car.