Training Log Archive: Thraws

Took an ibuprofen the night before and hips/back felt better. Might have been placebo though? As usual, at the moment, wasn't sure how this would go. Started quick-ish but Steve took a huge lead. Struggled a bit on early hills, but overtook on descents and later hills too, which was nice. Was catching him near the finish but he was almost 30 secs ahead. I was the same sort of time down on last year. In terms of bigger 'marathon' picture, this was ok though.

Actual timings were Out 33 mins, Home 34 mins. Conditions almost perfect. Felt a little bit better than Tuesday.

Seven and a half of the 14 stages (or just over half the 140-odd miles) of the SBP completed. I'm too far from home now for daily excursions with the car so at some time in the future (half term?) I'll walk the rest over 4 (probably) back-to-back days. It looks very Kentish and good all the way to Rye and Dungeness. Today was dominated by Gatwick. Left the car at Kingsfold again then followed field and woodland paths to Charlwood under taking off (this time) planes, one every two to three minutes. The walk round the airport was through a pleasant country park, but it was weird ending up footing it under the 'transit' to the South Terminal building where all the passenger-customers with their wheeled luggage and temporary authority were being made to feel briefly important. Got a coffee then the train to Billingshurst, then a lift to Kingsfold. Worried about pedestrian access to the station in the world or 'motorways and tramlines' but it was fine (if tightly controlled).

C • Let down 2

Ballbuster training. And to check bike set up.

Bank holiday adventure. Tour de Pagham Harbour. Church Norton, Sidlesham, Bramber Farm, Pagham, then back round the Harbour littoral. Always wanted to do this. And the weather was perfect. Special. And a pint at the Crab and Lobster.