02/03/20 – Running Up That Hill

A week out from the Eastbourne Marathon and we were both feeling happy to be getting close to being back on plan for our Marathon Training schedule.

Another yomp up Anerley Hill as part of an 11.5 Sunday long run and a gentler, flatter 10K taper in midweek had put us in good shape for the race.

It was to be a big weekend. It was my birthday on Saturday and a “proper” one at that. It was also a special parkrun day being the first opportunity to take part on Leap Year Day. Not only that Palace were playing away to their biggest rivals Brighton that day. In view of this and the race on Sunday, we decided to base ourselves on the South Coast for the weekend.

After modest birthday celebrations on Friday, we woke on Saturday morning nervously checking to see what parkruns would be going ahead in the area. Given the appalling wet and windy weather, a late cancellation could scupper our plans. We’d based ourselves right by Preston Park. which was our preferred choice and thankfully it was on, although we had to wade through part of the course that was under a coupe of inches of water on the way to the start.

With one eye on the conditions and the race the next day, we both decided not to push it. I ended up pleased with a 30 second improvement on the previous week, Sue was it the same ballpark as the week before.

A quick change and out for the game which was a early kick off and, Oh Joy, Palace managed avoid spoiling my birthday. Indeed, they made it a day to remember with a fine 1-0 win.

The weather cleared up over the course of the afternoon, however, Race day dawned with the promise of more rain and wind. The race started at 10am in a downpour which continued right into the teeth of the hill. Not sure if it was the rainfall, but quite early in the race I found myself needing a wee. No problem: plenty of toilets on the front. Big problem: they all had pay turnstiles and I didn’t have any loose change!

I trudged uncomfortably up the hill, determined not to stop running, however combination of the relentless incline, full headwind and an even fuller bladder meant walking became my only option. Just when you think you are at the top, you turn a corner to be faced by another quarter of a mile of uphill. The whole time, I was searching frantically for a secluded spot to relieve myself, but none presented themselves. When I finally reached the apex, I just couldn’t get any rhythm going on the downhill stretch. Finally I found somewhere away from the eyes of spectators, race marshalls and fellow competitors.

Feeling more comfortable in was time to put the hammer down and make up for lost time, but I found it really difficult to move to a higher pace. Close to the pier, I fell in step with a lady runner from Hastings by the name of Erica and we exchanged the usual pleasantries. After running a mile together at quite an easy pace, we were still enjoying each other company.

I decided that I would stop looking at my watch and simply go for time on the feet. Erica was happy to run with me, although did periodically urge me to leave her and run faster. After a run around the Marina, we turned back onto the seafront and into the teeth of the wind for the final 1.5 miles to the finish. And the had rain started again making for a slow finish.

Upon crossing the line, I finally looked at the time. It was, by some way, my slowest Half, even including the race in the searing Florida heat. I confess I was a little surprised, but on reflection had really enjoyed an easy race and chat. We agreed to try and seek each other out at the end of the London Marathon which she was also entered in. Sue trundled in a few minutes after us and it turned out she’d also met and talked with Erica earlier on the hill!

After the race we were ravenous and, unusually, headed for McDonalds to feed our faces. It seemed like a good idea at the time, but 20 minutes into the drive home both felt the effects of such poor nutritional choices!