July 2023 – The Vintage Runner

A year or so back a few of us made the trip round the M25 for a Blackheath and Bromley open. The weather was crazy with a big rainstorm, but most of us posted good times – nothing to lose?

So we decided to return this year, in the end only Jack and I could make it. Quite a few people in this race but I’d failed to do any homework, so didn’t know what the competition would be like.

In the event it was a good, close race, I was very happy with my back straight, felt smooth and ran most people down. Holding on for the finish wasn’t easy, but a win is a win and a time of 61.78, my best since 2021 / catching Covid.

Feeling positive, but a way to go yet for sub-60 running.

Video is here: https://youtu.be/M8urSavuMG0

After a patchy start to 2023, having a hamstring problem 50m into my first race of the year. Training and S&C seem to be coming along, so I thought an outing to Lee Valley and trying a 400m race might be the thing to do.

It was rather chilly with a strong headwind on the back straight, the flags were flapping all over the place during warm-up which never helps me get into a positive mindset. Try to keep thoughts away from how painful the home straight will be.

Funnily enough, it wasn’t so much the expected wind on the back straight, but when I still felt it on the second bend, I definitely swore at the wind at that point!!

The first 280m went fully to plan then I hit the wall. I was happy that I managed to wade through treacle for 120m and still post 62.44. It feels like the season is back on track.

For those who want the fun of watching my pain it’s all on video https://youtu.be/46t_G__MRwY

Month: July 2023

Another 400m another step forward

Getting a 400m under the belt