Last week finished with hill repeats session, I think the dogs got extremely bored running up and down the same hill for 500m, their faces each time I got to the top and turned round to go back down said it all “here we go again” so I treated them to a 2k jog when I finished!
Wayward Daughter No 1 appeared with the Boys at about 1. I was looking after them for the day/night. Theo didn’t worry me but a 16week old baby did slightly, not because he’s any problems, but I worried that I wouldn’t wake up for his 5am feed. However, having got them both into bed, Fin woke up at 10pm for his first feed of the night and went back to bed with no problems, I took myself off to bed at about 11pm, woke up at 2.30, checked baby, still asleep, work up again at 5 – still asleep, finally both boys woke up at 7.30am – marvellous; so while Fin had his bottle, I had coffee and HWMBO and Theo checked out dinosaurs on my iPad, everyone happy.
My Aunt came for lunch to discuss the flowers for the wedding, they are going to be spectacular, Wayward Daughter No. 1 and I are thrilled.
Monday morning I left the house at 7.30 and drove to Eastbourne for the start of my 35k run along the South Downs Way. I parked near St. Bedes School which is I believe where the Beachy Head Marathon starts. The SDW starts immediately and you can either go straight up towards Beachy Head or do what I did and turn right heading towards Jevington. A great section but it took my chest about 10k to settle down, I had to use my inhaler a couple of times which was very frustrating. From Jevington I kept left heading towards Alfriston. Either just before or just after Alfriston the path takes you up 275 steps, I’m afraid I did walk up these – I did have a pack on! whimp I know but hey it was tough enough going up as it was! From Alfriston I ran towards the 7 Sisters. Just before the start of the 7 Sisters I took a little detour to the beach, it was fantastic. After the 7 big hills, I ran towards Beachy Head, a section of this is single track and I met a lady who was out walking, we had a lovely chat, its always nice to meet people , she was out for the day walking; then back to where I started, however, I had to run a further 3km to make up the distance so ran down the road then back up along the coast path.
Although I’m still struggling a bit going up steep hills, I had a wonderful run, the views were spectacular and the weather was perfect. A couple of lessons, I wouldn’t wear the top combination I had on as they slide up while running with a pack which means rubbing and my running tights were uncomfortable for a longish run, however, my pack is perfect!
On the way home I was flagged down by a 70 year old woman on the road, well, I had to stop just incase she was in trouble – No, she just wanted a lift to the timber yard as she was cold, I had very little choice as she got into the my without even asking! Oh well, good deed done for the day.
My Combo XT Hoka One Ones have come to the end of their days as they now have two splits on the side of each shoe, I have worn and worn and worn them so will now start using my new pair, a great pair of shoes.
Happy Training
Stephanie Cooke
The scenery looks lovely! It’s a part of England I’ve not yet visited although I hope I will do some day.