A new force arrives on the track & “Is this a Jogger I see before me?"

“Is this a Jogger I see before me….or art thou but a jogger of the mind, a false creation?”

Oh do be quiet Will, what do you know about running? Before today’s run I worked out that as I passed the cricket pitch in Byfleets Lane on the return leg it would be the equivalent to going over Tower Bridge in the “Virtual Marathon”. It’s one of those iconic images that we’re all familiar with on the telly (the bridge, not BBH Cricket Club) and it still seems a little unreal that I’ll be there for real in April (touch wood).

I have to say I struggled for the first time today especially along Strood Lane after we got off of the A281. Thankfully Trish was on hand to help pass the time; I must also say it was a gutsy effort from her to complete her first 13 miler while putting up with my delirious babbling. Well done & thank you. Thanks also to the days provender, Ann.

By my reckoning it was 13.3 miles today with just over 750ft of ascent. In comparison the Barns Green ½ is only 630ft so I was pretty pleased to take 20 minutes off of my 06 BG time. Next Sunday is a new route courtesy of yours truly, I know how you all missed doing Hammerpond on the 12 miler so I’ve incorporated part of it into the 14 miler just to keep you all happy. No need to thank me.

The speedwork session this week was livened up by 2 events. First we had Eileen “Hollywood” Quinton being filmed by the BBC for a forthcoming programme. We were promptly inveigled into “performing” for the cameras and I’m pretty sure that our showbusiness lap was the fastest lap of the night. I just hope they got my best side, “Teeth and t*t’s everyone!”. Rumour has it that Dame Helen’s coming down next week to coach us on how to run whilst wearing a tiara and carrying 2 Golden Globes. Steady there, that’s enough of your smut Jen. Thanks for the donation by the way.

The second event saw the birth of a new group of uber-atheletes. Running sets of 800’s on your own can be pretty gutting but this is a problem no longer as we now have Z-Group, hurrah! I must thank Zoe for providing guidance and encouragement to all of us track newbies. She was taking no prisoners and secretly I think she quite likes it. “TRACK, out of the way Keith!”.

Weekly Mileage: 26.7
Long Run: 13.3
Weight: 96.9kg
FGI: 7.5

Quote of the week:
I always loved running... it was something you could do by yourself, and under your own power. You could go in any direction, fast or slow as you wanted, fighting the wind if you felt like it, seeking out new sights just on the strength of your feet and the courage of your lungs.
Jesse Owens

See you all Tuesday,
N