This could become addictive. The second running of the Bevendean Down #parkrun drew a smaller field than last week. It was bound to, for as well as losing the first-nighters, the foul weather would have deterred many. Nevertheless, enough of us attended to make a quorum and, in precipitation that was sometimes rain, sometimes sleet, we made our way to the dew pond for the start. I could have sworn I’d put gloves in my pocket, but no. As well as 75% of the Courage family, I was delighted to see abradypus (read her blog). But where could Sweder be?
Off we went, and after travelling a couple of hundred metres or so, we met Sweder running towards the start. As I began the climb for the first time, he passed me, wished me good morning and disappeared into the clouds, like George Mallory on Everest. When I too reached the top, there was Camilla Moyle, in the most exposed marshalling point on the course. Down to the dew pond, and then we did it all over again.
My time, 34:54, was slower than last week’s, which I put down to heavier going, and I was glad of my trail shoes. Nevertheless, I was delighted to be first in my age group (M60-64). That only happens in small fields of runners.
Afterward we thawed out in the Bevy, Bevendean’s community pub. For other perspectives see Sweder’s account, and I shall link to Abradypus’s too, when it’s up.
