Happily Ever After
Life in The Rural Retreat with a beautiful wife, three cats, garden wildlife, a camera, a computer – and increasing amounts about running
Earlier posts can be found on Adventures of a Lone Bass Player, where this blog began life. Recent entries can be found here.
Running Like It's 1981
by Russell Turner - 20:09 on 28 June 2021
That’s my virtual Retro Great North Run done on what felt like the hottest day of the year. My decision to make it a run/walk was a good one. I’d have settled for 2:15 but tottered home in 2:11 after an effort that felt much harder than April’s 1:57 PB. Maybe I’ve blanked out any suffering, or maybe it really was easier – the temperature was 9ºC lower, which probably helped.
Today’s run began in 16ºC and definitely ended hotter. Despite that, there was only one minute difference between the first six miles and the second. Very satisfactory. I’m glad it wasn’t a marathon though. The event marked the 40th anniversary of the first GNR – the UK’s first mass participation run.
Modelling today’s medal and the 2019 GNR shirt
I celebrated by booking my halfway accommodation for the trip to Leamington and back at the Bay Horse Inn in Northumberland. With luck it will be a little cooler for my return to real racing, although I’m not expecting another PB: virtual runs mean the opportunity to find the flattest course you can.
The celebratory evening meal was sausage (Quorn, for the sake of veggie Matchgirl), mash and onion gravy, accompanied by Andy Murray’s triumphant first day at Wimbledon. It’s been a good day.
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