29th March 4 days early (R8)


The run around the Newstead Abbey loop, whether done clockwise or anti clockwise is one of my more regular runs and so I knew that it would feature in my '60 at 60' challenge at some point during the year. I just wasn't sure when. Turns out Wednesday was the night for a couple of reasons.

The first was a most unexpected and welcome was that I managed the complete tour in daylight. With the clokcs going forward an hour on Sunday I had expected that this would be the last run for a while along the trails and through the woods having to use my headtorch. But setting off 10 mins earlier than we normally do, with 8 fellow runners and three very yappy canines, combined with a relatively clear sky meant that we managed to complete the just under 5 mile loop before it got too dark.

The second reason this particular run needs to be included in my '60 at 60' is that it was also my quickest ever time on th Abbey loop, which given how mentally drained I felt on the Chicken Run on Saturday was a complete surprise. Normally I am at the back of the field, running then walking a bit with my breathing sounding like a wounded buffalo in its final death throes. On Wednesday I was up with the front runners and actually feeling pretty good about the whole thing, physically and mentally. 

Even so it was still surprised to see a time of just under 50mins for a little under 5 miles, which for me is the equivalent of Roger Bannister breaking the 4 minute mile. I'm sure it won't last and that by this time next week, running in the glorious extra hour of daylight, I will resume my regular position puffing and panting at the back of the pack, but for now I will make the most of this little victory

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