Adam in Runderland

Approaching the end of the year, Matt and I managed to find a date for one last long run. It was 26th November, and the route was the Vanguard Way. This runs from Croydon, in south London to Newhaven on the south coast. Our plan was to drive to Croydon, where we would leave the car, and take the train to Newhaven. We would then run the 64 or so miles back. An early start meant that we left Newhaven station and began our run at a quarter past seven in the morning. It had been a week of heavy showers, but as we made our way through the industrial back waters of New Haven the sun began to rise, breaking through the thin clouds and glinting on the surface of Mill Creek. Sandpipers stalked along the muddy banks probing for worms, snails and shrimps. Thick mud squelched beneath our feet as we ran along the narrow path, overgrown with nettles. It wasn't long before we emerged onto the path at Marine Parade, the location of Newhaven and Seaford Sailing Club. We passed through Seaford and t...

Another weekend away. This time a work event in Belfast. As usual, I packed my running gear hoping to squeeze in a few miles. On the Saturday morning I woke early, before the recruitment event began. It was still dark as I ran the three miles south to Hillsborough, or Royal Hillsborough as it is commonly known. Hillsborough Castle is the British royal family's official residence when in Northern Ireland. When I arrived it was still pitch black, and remained so for the two miles I spent staggering around Hillsborough forest park and lake. I could just about make out the path thanks to the light from the full moon, but I had no depth perception. A tulip statue loomed up out of the darkness and the milky moon reflected murkily in the blackness of the water. I returned the same way I had come. Half way back I stopped at a local landmark that is noted on Google Maps as Pete's favourite bin. It had eight 5 star reviews including these: 2 months ago Came through the area on a tour not...