My return to previous running speed seems to be continuing but not quite there yet. My plantar fasciitis maybe improving, at least not getting any worse. So I set off for Eynsham with a plan for sub-50 and maybe a season best, not a lot to ask as my best so far was 49:24 at Charlgrove. I rode my new to me (but very old to previous owner by the looks) Muddy Fox hack bike that I’d bought in a hurry from Cycle King’s collection of trade-ins after the seized bottom bracket in my old faithful Bob Jackson fixie collapsed.
A bit of a struggle into a headwind that that might yet threaten my target. Over the very flooded Thames at the Swinford Toll Bridge. I picked up my chip, said a couple of hellos, had a chat with an older runner who’s daughter – also a runner – has recently gone vegan, then it was the 5 minute walk up to the start and dead on 10:30 we were off.
The Thames spills over by Swinford Toll Bridge
Although this is a pretty flat route there’s a tiny bit of a downhill slope to start with allowing a fastish mile then the benefit of a tailwind south of Eynsham. I was expecting a strong headwind for the slightly uphill drag alongside the A40 but in fact it was reasonably sheltered and knowing the route I was aware I just had to hang on in there for a few minutes then we turned to pass near the start for the second lap of the route. I was pleased to pass a few in the last couple of miles and managed a 48:33 finish – 298th of 547 runners. Still 2 mins 30 secs short of my PB but at least I’m heading in the right direction.
The tailwind made for a fast ride home though I stopped at the toll bridge to take a few photos. I’ve entered the rather low key Watlington 10km XC race for this coming weekend and traced the route through earlier this week – this is going to be really, really tough – looks like 2 ascents of the Chiltern scarp. I’ll be pleased and surprised to get under an hour on that. Part of me is looking forward to it but with a sub-zero forecast for the weekend and my foot niggling away I might yet DNS. I ‘ll leave the decision until Saturday after I’ve done my volunteer stint at the parkrun.