Back to the scene

Despite feeling a little tired from last night, I decide to do the run back from Lewisham.  I was going to run through the Beckenham Place Park woods but decided it would be too muddy.  Instead I decide to run back through the golf course and along part of the route that made up the Beckenham Relays last night.

I feel tired on the run but as you become more experienced you are able to flog a dead horse.  The hill up to the finish of the relays I feel like I run at least 3 times slower than last night when my team mates were cheering me home.

I pass the start with the word "START" still chalked on the ground.

The final bit I have to really push myself though in reality stopping isn't an option as I have to get home.

8km 50:40

Beckenham Relays

I'd got the wrong day for this.  I thought it was tomorrow.  If I knew that then I would have not run this morning.  Still it's good to meet up with the rest of the club.  I am put into a team with Peter and Michael.  I am given the glory (last) leg.

Michael complete his lap and passes over to Peter.  I go for 3 wees and a warm up.  Eventually Peter comes back, and I am off.  I keep everything in check and concentrate on running well.

One of our stronger female runners zips past me but then I hold on to her.  I make up some ground on the big hill up to Ravensbourne but on the down hill she edges away out of reach again.

I re-enter the park and John flies past and then gradually, slips away.  I am aware that I need to save something for the finish, so I try and keep the pace steady.  I finally turn into the final hill.  The rest of the club who have completed their legs have positioned themselves all along the finishing straight.  They all cheer as  I run past.  This encourages me to really push myself.  I squeeze out every last bit of effort for the final sprint.

I am bent over double for a couple of minutes trying to recover.  I noticed that Michael had run 17 something, so I would be pleased with something in the 17 range.  In the end it is 17:58.  I look up last years time and it was 18:05.  So I was 7 seconds faster, possibly a little bit disappointing.

A great night and good to spend some social time with the other club members.

4.16km 17:58

Early run between Catford and Lewisham

I had to be in early at work again so I set off from home early.  I get the train to Catford and run to the DLR at Lewisham.  I still feel a little sluggish.  Inconceivably I get lost as I run past the Ladywell Track.  In the end I find my way back on to the main road by the Hospital.

Towards the end I pick up the pace and start to feel like I am running like I can.

3km 18:00

Bad day into fun muddy run

I've had a bad day at work.  Starting off having to be there at 7:00am is not good.  At lunch I get in the lift, go to the canteen, get and sandwich before returning to my desk for more worl.

Despite all this, I get no where near doing what I need to get done.  I am determined to leave at 5:00pm, come what may.  I finally escape at 5:15pm and get the DLR to Lewisham where I plan to run back from.

I run down the main Catford High Street, but it is a slow shuffling tortuous affair.  I eventually get to Beckenham Place Park.  I get to the bank which I usually run up to get on to the railway bridge.  Today I slip and slide on the mud and am defeated.  I go a few metres to the side and there is a set of stairs that I did not know about.

Through the woods it is muddy and slippery.  It's great fun and it takes my mind of the weariness.  I nearly slip over but keep my balance.  With the rain and the spring the smell is amazing of lush undergrowth.

I force myself up the hill in Railway Fields with sheer determination and then continue my shuffle back to my house.

8km 46:10

Early morning Catford to Lewisham Commute

My boss has managed to accidently  revoke the whole team's remote access at work.  It is decided that I am the only person who can get into the office for 7:00am!  I explore the options and decide a train to Catford and then run to Lewisham for the DLR is the best way to go.

Even though it is only 3km I have to push myself to complete the run.  Knowing I have to be at work helps.  I get to the DLR and manage to get a seat.  I feel good for the run.

3km 18:00

First Park Run for a while

I didn't know how I would run at Park Run today.  One thing was for sure, I was going to get wet.  It is peeing down as I head for the start.  Despite the rain, it is not to muddy because of the drought.

I start off well and feel good.  I've been doing a little strength training, and so feel I am holding myself better.  This I maintain until suddenly the 22 minute pacer comes sailing past.  I am convinced I am way ahead of this pace and I am outraged.  How dare he run it so fast?  After this my morale dies and I struggle home.

I have a battle with a female runner down the Norman Park Straight.  Towards the finish I am able to put together a sprint and drop her.  I cross the line and jab the watch.  22:35.  Given how well the first 3/4 went I am disappointed.

Once the run is over and I have a chat with some people from the club, I start to feel better.  By mid-morning I feel terrific for the run.

5km 22:35.

Lunchtime With Matt and Steve again

We did the same route as lunchtime.  Steve pushing off the front, Matt holding the rear.  Towards the end Steve  picks up the pace and so I go with him.

Nice temperature but grey.  Fitness seems to be all the fashion in the new office.

4km 21:00