Running and Cycling

Day -24
The annual summer mob match between local rivals Orpington Road Runners and Petts Wood Runners took place last night (Day -25) and as my running has been virtually non-existent whilst doing the training for RAB it was an obvious opportunity to give back and support Karen who as the Ladies Club Captain was in charge of the event.  As always when Karen is involved it was superbly planned and had a catering operation as part of the event! The role she had for us required me and a few others to make our way to the far side of the course to provide directions and support to the runners at key intersections.  The evening was a little warm for racing but as a spectator it was perfect so I pumped the Bromptons tyres and headed over to the Willett Rec to meet Karen and Peter.  After a while socialising with a few folks I have not seen for far too long it was time to head over to Thornet Wood Road but first I had to brief the other marshals for their specific marshal points.

As I headed off I met a few others that I wanted to say Hi to aswell and catch up on their current activities particularly Sherry who has embarked on a new venture as a IT and Change Management Consultant and already making a success of it.  Nonetheless I made it to the designated area and waited.  Whilst still waiting for the first sight of a runner I was aware of a young women who had dismounted and was looking at her bike the other side of the road.  I quickly made my way over assuming the problem was a puncture.  In fact her mudguard had become twisted and after pondering how to fix it I managed to flex it back to the correct position.  Job done we discussed running and cycling and she was on her way promising to join PWR one evening!

The a couple of primary aged boys out for a walk with their mum came along and admired the Brompton.  We discussed which colour they would prefer and one very smartly declared that he wanted his Brompton painted with the Rainbow colours.

All of a sudden the first ORR vest appeared as Gavin shot past me.  I had almost forgotten why I was there!  Then 'PT Emma' joined me for a chat as she was out for a run and we cheered and clapped and encouraged the remainder of the runners past.  Eventually Chris appeared, he was the last runner marshal, and we made our way slowly back to the start.  Although once again I got distracted chatting, this time with Jerry, and before long I was aware of the fall of dusk and it was time to get home.  The recently purchased Knog Skink was much appreciated as I made my way back the two miles to Chislehurst in the dark!

Lunchtime today I visited Armourtex Cycles a new bike shop just a short walk from school.  I was impressed with the what they were able to offer and I am considering asking them to undertake a restoration project for me.

Looking forward:
Thursday brings a visit to Swift Cycle with Sara
Friday Day 1 of the 3x3 starting at Tulleys Farm
Saturday Club ride and 2 of 3x3
Sunday RAB ride and final day of 3x3