London Pics

We Straddle the Globe

More marathon news, this time from far flung Boston. Stevie's colleague Bill Johnston from New York ran a stunning sub 3 hours in challenging circumstances. Here's Bill's report:

Hi Stevie: The day turned out better than expected. Unfortunately, I miscalculated by wearing more than required (tights, hat, gloves). I think this contributed to some overheating first 10 miles and flat start (mentally, physically). Thought about recent similarities during what turned into PR performances, in attempt to dig out of it. 1:26 half was off from goal of 1:23-1:24, but still felt like I was putting together decent race. After Heartbreak Hill (miles 16-20), quads were banged up, didn't feel as strong, and felt as though I barely got under 3 hrs with the last .2 mile straightaway to finish line on Boyleston Street. Finish Time: 2:59:34

Well done Bill and welcome to Dosser.

Balfron 10k

Hugely enjoyable and very well organised, the Balfron 10k must rank as one of the toughest in the calendar. HILLS, HILLS and more HILLS just about describes it -- got to be the toughest 10k I've ever run -- but I loved the challenge. Definitely not a PB race though. It's out and back with a very sharp turn just short of 5k. There is a significantly tough climb around a third of the way in but the piece de resistance is the long gruelling hill at around 7 kilometres -- it seems to go on forever. Happy with a time of 44.20ish. Nice to spend time with some other Bellas, Dougie, Jackie and Averill. Good news was that Jackie broke 50 minutes for the first time. One fly in the ointment. The finish area was very narrow and began to get very overcrowded around about the 50 minute mark so a number of runners would not have got an accurate finish time. It is the first running of this race so I'm sure they'll fix it for next time.

PS I pinched the pic from the race website -- I'm sure they won't mind :-)

LONDON MARATHON NEWS
Well done to my big pal Stevie who ran the London Marathon in the stunning time of 3.07.20. He was last heard of in the bath with champagne and sushi enjoying a well-deserved rest.