Well a lot’s happened since my last posts in March last year. I won’t dwell on it but suffice to say I’ve now got all the time in the world to devote to my two favourite pastimes.

I finally achieved my aim of running a sub-40 10K at Brighton in November. Perfect conditions coupled v little training after an injury meant I was really fresh for this one. Excellent post-race beerage with the usual suspects plus a guest appearance from Richard and Ash. Chris got us to the Basketmakers Arms and almost managed to get us chucked out after overdoing the pub-singing.

Ok so I’ve been bad at keeping this up-to-date. A lot’s happened since I last updated. I ran the Brighton 10K in mid-November in 40.21 – almost achieving my goal of breaking 40m. I WILL do this in 2008.

This year I’ve started with the 7.5m XC in Lloyd Park (heavy going), a speed session on Tuesday 8th and the third of the 4 Surrey League XC yesterday (12th Jan) in Richmond Park. Only 5 miles it was a breeze compared to Lloyd Park. Conditions underfoot, despite the rain, were surprisingly good. It was more of a road race to be honest. I finished 12th Strider. Two points to note Chris was the only vet in our 10 scoring positions – almost unheard of – and James finished a wonderful 8th. When he actually does some training I’m going to be very scared.

The point of this post is to highlight that the XC season isn’t just about running. We stopped at this establishment in Barnes afterwards for a few beers

12th Jan Halfway House
A good pint of Brakspears – followed by another one until I realised I had to get back to Croydon sharpish to scrub up and head out. A 5 min jog to Barnes station and with good connections at Clapham and EC I was home in Warlingham in under an hour. Not bad. I’ll try and add the other pubs that we’ve visited after the various XC races this season – as I remember what they’re called.

With 7 weeks til Nottingham I realised I needed to start training more seriously.

Last Saturday I went out for 65 minutes at about 8min mile pace.

Monday was an incredibly slow 3 miles running home from Upper Warlingham station

Tuesday was the Striders 5 x 4 mins speed session with 1 min rest interval. Then a slow jog home from the station again.

Wednesday three pints of San Miguel at Bradleys with a couple of ex Virgin Net employees. A regular haunt of ours. Doug thought the pub had become more chavvy. I think it’s just because he’s moved out of town. It was always quite scuzzy but that’s why I like it.

Thursday I lost it again after a busy day. Some pints at the George before being persuaded to go to Ladies Night at the Camel. A few remnants from Goodwood in big hats, some girls dancing to Funky Town with Fear & Loathing in Las Vegas (with subtitles) muted on the plasma screens. John managed to tell the DJ that the tunes he was playing were sh*t, before promptly leaving. I doubt we’ll be returning.

Friday Lunch at the Belgravia which is better than the reviews posted here. Cheap eats and Flowers & Bombardier on hand pump.

Today – Another hour around the trails near to home. Took in Selsdon Nature Reserve and passed All Saints Church, which I’d never seen before.

Met an old mate in my favourite pub in Croydon – the famous Youngs pub on Surrey Street, The Dog & Bull . Five pints of Young’s Bitter later I ventured home.