© K. Rush
https://youtu.be/ZmELS03_4So
[Listen to this while you read this]
Tonight's session was brutal!
We couldn't use the running track, or Vicarage Fields so we went to Plas Crug Avenue and moaned about the lack of places for people to exercise in Aberystwyth.
The rain was pouring through the trees: leaves scattered across the floor carpeting the grass and path with a golden Autumnal hue. The light-beams, from the lamp-posts, trickled through the rain-drops like an Oscar Kokoschka painting.
The scene was inspirational.
As we begun the first of 4 x 400 metres with walk-back recoveries, it all reminded me of my winter track-training days many years ago. The one song, that, echoed-out was this one. Albeit, was released after my competing days and not particularly about 'running', it did get a grip of us all and spur us on.
Every wet, cold, windy evening training was a day we knew we were ahead of our competitors, who were avoiding the rain and wind and cold for the 'comfort' of the sofa and t.v. or the pub.
But, thirty plus years on, a session like this against an athlete who 'jogs' his warm-downs faster than most ever hit top speed was brutal!
Trying to compete with Janoš was ridiculous. Even when we were staggered. I started at full speed as he came from 200 metres back just hitting his top speed. It took all my years of guile to hold the second 200 metres and that surface is not forgiving nor friendly.
It was really hard on my old arthritic limbs. The Avenue is okay for Aberystwyth standard runners, but, at Janoš's speed and even mine over a shorter distance, the impact load on the body is horrific. I tried to go on the grass, but, had to dodge benches and bins set as obstacles and worried I might slip.
At the end, my lumbar stenosis was aggrevated and maybe a problem in days to come. But, as we walked away Janoš said: "but, I bet you're glad you did it?" I thought and replied, 'yes'.
I'd rather have done it, than been sitting at home dying slowly letting my body slip into a cryonic torpor, that, just puts more pressure and demands on NHS resources.
I did it, and I know I am getting fitter and healthier than most people younger than me.
I want to thank James, Dylan and Janoš for supporting me and helping me get out to do these weekly aerobic sessions (whatever the weather or conditions) and Jamie for his endless encouragement.
Vranek.
CEO of The Vorsprung Project.
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