It was a beautiful evening for running and the wind was not being unkind to me as in my previous races. I felt good and hoped to go for a sub 27 or at least a PB in the 200m. Last time I ran here I tripped up and tumbled down the track. I still bear the scars. I put that thought to the back of mind as I prepared for the start with some deep breathing and meditation.
There were, I think, 8 clubs represented at the league this year and it certainly helped bolster the numbers in the younger age groups and middle distance events. Sadly in the 60+ group there were only 3 of us going in the 200m. The previous 200 races were all full and I was hopeful they would put a few of the 50+ athletes in with us, but they didn’t in the end. This meant I was basically running against the clock which is really hard as I love having faster athletes ahead of me to catch.
I got off to an almost perfect start, in fact I thought it may even have been a false start but examination of the video showed otherwise. In no time I was out in my own and felt great coming off the bend into the straight where you get this lasso effect, that is weird, but great fun, and chucks you into the straight. I tried really hard to stay relaxed and focused on keeping my form and knee drive. I dug really deep in the last 20 metres and even shouted out “Come on Brian!” as the line approached. I think I was really close to a PB but I am still waiting for the results to be published as I write this. So fingers crossed 🤞
I was recruited into the mixed 4 x 200m relay at the end of the meet and took the first leg. I felt superb running it and handed over with a pretty impressive lead, if I say so myself 😅 Well we hung on and won the race but there were other races and I’m not sure how they were scored, so no idea where we placed overall.
I truly love the atmosphere at these events. It is a tight knit family of athletes who all are so supportive of each other. I have made many friends and been invited to join other club training sessions in the area too.
Anyway, I’m now feeling very sorry for myself as I tested positive for covid this morning and that has scuppered my training plans. I feel quite weak and achy and sleepy. Hopefully no lasting effects. I think I caught it last weekend at the Sussex champs as one of the other athletes was complaining of a sore throat - I shared the rostrum with him. 😔
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RunBrianRun
Half Marathon
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Nice photo - looks a beautiful occasion. 👍Best wishes for that PB.💪 Sorry to hear about covid, you are obviously super fit so hopefully that will help. 🤞
Awesome run, that photo is amazing. Sorry to hear you've succumbed to COVID, hope you've got everything you need, pain pills etc. Rest well and heal quickly.
Oh wow that sounded epic Brian. You really came into your own. 💥💥💥 Hopefully the 60+ age category will become more popular, then you can beat them all too!
But Covid? I’m sorry, that’s not allowed. How dare it scupper your training. We’ve had enough and it’s time for it to sling its hook once and for all. ☹️ Here’s hoping yours is a mild dose and you can carry on where you left off. Winning! 🥰
Bloomin bugs! I thought I’d got away it. I m feeling a a little worse for wear at the moment but hopefully my immune system is up to it. I don’t think it’ll get much worse as I’ve read it’s quite a mild variant.
I do hope more 60+ runners come forward. They usually do for the bigger events so I’m hopeful.
Thank you OF. Lots of useful information there. My biggest worry is for my mum who I visited yesterday before I fell Ill. I was fine until the journey back to Brighton and I was coughing and sneezing and my eyes were so itchy. I thought it must be the cats as I’m allergic to them but this felt different so I tested. I’m praying she’ll be ok.
Brian, I passed on Covid to my 89 year old mum last year and she had less severe symptoms than me! I had to go to bed for a day and she carried on as usual 😂
Of course it’s a worry but our older parents grew up with a stronger immune system than us.
Oh wow! Double and treble wow! I found this so moving to watch! Tears rolling down my cheeks! To see someone at my sort of age (I'm 66) striding out like that was thrilling!!!! I have been beset with injuries and the idea of increased pace putting extra impact through my bones and muscles is sadly something that I have to leave to you and others. Thank you so much for posting the video. I was going to reply sooner, I'm so pleased that I didn't as I may have missed the video. My time for you was 27.17seconds. Brilliant!
I am sorry that you have caught Covid. One of my brothers who had it in November said his sore throat was horrendous. I do hope all your symptoms are fading already and you will be able quickly return to full fitness.
Wow! That’s incredibly sweet of you to say. I’m so glad I posted it now. There’s a lovely video of the recent 2023 200m indoor world championships in the 90+ category that had the same effect on me. I’ll try and find it as it was a remarkable race.
Injuries just seem to appear out of nowhere and with scary frequency. I see running as something I do in between injuries. 😂
Very interesting to hear about your brother. This has to be the worst sore throat I’ve ever had., It’s truly painful to swallow. How long did his sore throat last and how long for him to recover?
Thank you for your post, it has really cheered me up.
I meant to add, thank you so much for timing it for me. 27.17 would be a PB. Oh well. Sub 27 is still in my sights.
Oh I would really like to see the 90+years athletes!
My brother lives in California. I have just read back what he wrote at the time. It took 9 days before he tested negative, he saw a doctor on day 4 and his Sats were at 94. He had had 4 doses of Covid injections so didn't expect to be so poorly. He is not one to complain but said it was the worst illness that he can remember having. He doesn't have your super fitness levels. There have been so many different variants and massively different reactions. His wife had a mild dose of covid at the same time, but he had shakes, sweats, aches, fever, headaches, and weakness as well as the horrendous sore throat. Here's hoping that you are already over the worst and the soreness in your throat has begun to subside.
Oh my goodness. That does sound awful. I’m on day 4 I think. 9 days! I don’t think I could stand that. I have an oximeter and it’s showing 99% at the moment. I feel weak and sleepy but otherwise no fever or chills.
Here’s a link to the 90+ 400m final. I hope you enjoy it. It’s super inspirational stuff.
Great running as ever Brian. My system saw Covid-19 off in 7/8 days at the end of April and I was running again on the 7th day; just a careful 5k or so, but then I skipped straight back into my HM Plan. The first night seems to be Armageddon, then the goodies win and see off the remnants pdq. Hope you mum is ok; they did make them tough in those days 👍
How nobly your covid was caught 😍 Sorry, not something to laugh about. Hope you're now on the home straight and moving out of your covid experience. You get some fab photos feom these events.
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Yorkshire Marathon 
Bit late but my New Forest 10k report.