I suggest a classic on Saturday – the Monastery Run. It’s about 11 miles, mainly flat and [hopefully] won’t be too muddy.
Author: Hugh Martin
Report: Brighton Half Marathon – the view from Hugh
As most people know, I don’t do races, as I much prefer long trail events where the camaraderie and views are more important than time. However I have run the Brighton half marathon frequently and achieved one of my best times of 1.39 several years ago. Since then, I have gradually become slower, mainly due to the lack of motivation to put in the necessary training to run a good time.
This year has been particularly difficult for various reasons and I approached the start with even less confidence than usual – so much so that I didn’t even realise the race had started until I walked under the timing clock! It was a cold, bright day, ideal for running apart from the strong south easterly wind and, after having to jog the first couple of miles due to the number of runners on the course, I settled into quite a good – albeit fairly slow – rhythm.
In fact, I overtook quite few runners and actually recognised both Dani and Paul, who were doing a great marshalling job. I was almost starting to enjoy the experience until we turned for home at the western end of the course and started running into the wind. Those 3 miles seemed to go on forever – mainly because of my lack of training – but eventually we reached the pier, where I changed my mantra from ‘Easy boy’ to ‘Enjoy the pain’, as my quads were really complaining by now!
Unsurprisingly I was not pleased with my time, particularly when my great rival was 13 minutes faster – quite incredible, but I was not very far behind several of the Joggers and ahead of a few. It was also a comfort to see it was a 67% performance on the Age-related scale [I am usually happy with anything above 65%]. In any event, I have been inspired to enter at least 3 more marathons this year after the Stinger – the 3 Forts, the South Downs and Beachy Head, all across our incomparable South Downs.
Hugh Martin
Saturday Morning 20th February
The quest to run off road but also avoid mud continues and this is a variation of other routes via Albourne. It’s just over 10 miles and pretty flat, but after well over 20 miles last w/e and with the Brighton half next w/e, I am not personally looking for anything too challenging!
Saturday 30th January
Assuming the Sunday racers would also like a gentle run tomorrow, this route is just over 12 miles and almost as flat as a pancake! Although dry feet cannot, of course, be guaranteed, there shouldn’t be too much mud.
Saturday Morning 23rd January
I’ve concluded it’s almost impossible to devise a trail run that avoids mud completely, apart from running up and down the Downs Link [which is ok occasionally]. However the muddy stretches on this 11.5 mile pretty flat route are quite short and some could be avoided by running down Spithandle Lane – I will leave you to decide which is the better option!
Saturday Morning 16th January 2016
After last Sunday I have resumed my quest to avoid mud with renewed vigour and, looking through my library of routes, I came across this one, called ‘Lock Farm Dry’, which seems to fit the bill. It’s just under 11 miles and, whilst there are muddy options, you shouldn’t have to get your feet wet until fairly close to home.
Saturday January 2nd 2016
Happy New Year to the best group of friends anyone could wish for.
I would like at least to start 2016 with dry feet, so we should be about halfway round this 12.5 mile route before we encounter any mud and, whilst we usually avoid stretches of road, sometimes they are necessary in deepest winter.
Wednesday Night 23rd December
This the run we did on Christmas Eve last year and incoporates some off road at the start [for the benefit of dogs, if nobody else!], then loops round the village and finishes with a short tour of the streets that usually have houses with decorations before we partake of the goodies at Mark’s house.
Saturday Morning 19th December
This Saturday’s run is only 7 miles, as there is an important event at the Amex that some of us don’t want to miss! However, if anyone would like a longer run, there are extensions that I can suggest.
Saturday Morning 12th December
This is the second half of the Stinger that we are doing on Saturday. It has 200 feet less of ascent than the first half we did recently, so it should be a breeze!
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