On the seventh day it is customary to rest, but not Juneathoners, oh no. I ran the Seaford half marathon for the sixth time.
The weather was good running weather, sunshine, with a breeze to temper its effects. At the start I prepared myself by a bench on the promenade, and was able to give some sun cream to a fellow runner. Then I made my way to the start and I had the good fortune to meet @sweder. His photographs convey the spirit of the day.
The start and the route to Bishopstone is easy; then the climbing starts. At the first of many stiles we came to a halt and queued. I was a little annoyed by some runners who tried to jump the queue. Then on to Fiveways and down, only to go up again on the longest ascent of the route. Then we ran along the top of the ridge and down into Alfriston. Then there's a long stretch beside the Cuckmere, and the final section over Seaford Head and along the front.
This was my slowest ever half, a personal worst. The effects of ageing on my performance are worth a post in their own right.
Fashion notes: after some agonising, I rejected my Seaford Striders vest, as it still has my name on it from the London Marathon, and wore a plain blue vest. Perhaps I should have worn my Running Commentary vest. The wardrobe choices of my fellow runners never fail to amaze. One young man wore a woolly hat and a track suit, and doubtless more underneath.
Time: 2:21:22
Distance: 13.15
Pace: 10:44
Juneathon so far
Press-ups: 156
Walks: 3.8 miles
Runs: 29.58 miles
Swims: 500 yards
Update: the results are up. I was 320th with a time of 2:21:24. Photos by Sussex Sport Photography coming soon.
