I'm not sure if this running Saturday Night Long is for me. I resolve to get up early and do a long one. The baby screams the night away so I give myself an extra half-hour in bed. I then get up and go.
And it is hard. I feel that the slight cold I had yesterday has developed. I struggle. Having quit an early morning run after 5km a few weeks a go, I can't do it again, so I get on with it. Up through Hayes and on to Keston Common.
As I cross the common a group of people stare at me (It is around 6:45am which is unusual) They watch me run. Then as I approach Keston Villiage Hall I see people with running numbers. I ask them what race they are running.
"London to Brighton comes the proud answer"
I'm interested. It's a little project I have planned for my 40th Birthday in a few years. (UPDATE: I've just googled the race and it looks like it is run by some barefoot enthusiasts. Maybe they were admiring my zero-drop vivos?)
As I enter Keston Common again I see the tail end of a mountain bike group I used to ride with. I think the last rider recognised me.
I continue upwards to the Wilberforce Oak. It is a beautiful view down in to the Vale of Keston. A long downhill is followed by another uphill towards the airport. I get to the edge of a ploughed field. I know there is a footpath across having run when it was grass field. Running in the tire tracks of a tractor is hardwork.
I run up past the airport, up and down some big dips. I go 5 minutes past the half way and turn back
The pace until now has been slow but finally I do pick up some speed. Then I fade. The last few miles on the roads and up Pickhurst Lane is a battle Eventually I am home and within 30 seconds of my target time of 3 hours.
One more big, big run and I can slow down. It's crazy really, I could take it easy and enjoy this marathon but I have set a target of breaking the 5 hours I did last time.
23.2km 2:59:31
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