Climb every mountain & record breaking Valentines frolics

That was a weekend well spent. Due the Valentines run on Sunday I had to shift the long run to Saturday and thankfully 5 souls were happy (gullible) enough to come along for the ride. We clocked up 15 miles which was impressive enough but throw in 990ft of ascent (equivalent to sea level to the top of the tower on Leith Hill) and I have to say I was really pleased with everyone’s performance. There was a time when a 10 miler or half-marathon was a serious proposition and the few days beforehand were dedicated to being in the right physical and mental state to tackle it. But now the long run seems routine with virtually no prep being done; get up, shoes on, run around for a couple of hours and home for tea and medals (only without medals). Thanks to Jean for providing the water stop and telling us “it’s all down hill from here” at the end of Park Lane. Well, downhill apart from Prings Hill and the 160ft climb in less than a mile up to the A281 but she means well bless her.

This was followed by the annual Valentines Mud/Fun Run. Bog snorkling’s got nothing on us. James Baker once again led home the field by finishing the 3.8 miles in 20min 5sec! I’m pleased to say we had a record entry of over 280 runners and here’s where I get to say thank you to the team without whom it just wouldn’t happen. Special thanks to the key staff Jon & Mary K, Andy Spriggs and Chris Beaken. Thanks also to Wendy, Tee, Trish, Jean, Philip, Gordon, Maggie, Mari & Richard, Jo, Bas & dogs, Dave, the Rustington footy contingent and anyone else who I missed for giving up your Sunday morning in order to help out and once again provide a quality event for the runners. Photos and report should be up on the website by Monday night, although those of a squeamish or delicate nature might not want to look too closely at the filth, and hopefully we will get a slot in the WSCT this Friday. Let's hope we get some quality gurning.

I won’t be around at all this week but I look forward to a return to Sunday ‘normality’ with the 16 miler on the 18th.

Weekly mileage: 27.4 miles
Long run: 15.1 miles
Weight: Didn’t bother, but my strides are getting looser
FGI: 9
Quote of the week:
"I think people can handle 150 to 200 miles a week. But something has to give somewhere. If he's a student, how's he going to study? He may be at the age of chasing and courtship, and that's an important form of sport and recreation, too." – Bill Bowerman

See you Sunday,
N